- it calls me out - I just don't like one single word in it, otherwise it would be 5 stars - a sob fest - I cried so much

women's day special screening (at my home xD). loved it even more than when I first watched it as a teenager.

It was my dream to watch this film from start to finish one day. I wanted to know what all the hubbub was about. I finally did, and it was worth it. Zero skips, excellent examples of Chekhov's gun, feminist for its time, good choreographed action sequences, banger music, and SO MANY quotable dialogues. I would have begged to watch it multiple times in the theater if I was a cinema-going age in the 70s. Also, it's kind of fascinating to think how there are three real-life couples in the film.

This hits different now, after witnessing the rise of "attention economy."

I'll make a reel with this sound as soon as I get time.

played till level 15. helps silence thoughts. idk if I'm winning or not, but it doesn't matter.

When everyone was watching a popular film that critics are calling "propaganda," I watched a different "propaganda" film—the perks being it's a comedy starring my tragedy legends. I haven't watched Meena Kumari in such a jolly, fluttering role before, and it is a shame that she didn't do more such rom-coms with the heartthrob Dilip Kumar. Both matched each other so well, and their chemistry made me blush multiple times. Now, fangirling apart, here's why Azaad is a "propaganda" film and one that I would rather buy: 👰 The film opens with a sequence where Meena Kumari's character and her 'parents' (they are family friends who are raising her because her family died) discuss marriage. Dearest Meena declares that she shall choose her groom herself (in 1955 India). In another sequence, a lady was sharing her sob story where the villain (Pran) brought her to the city with a false promise of marriage. Meena hears this and asks, "How can a sensible woman like yours fall for such tricks?" This single line provides the woman autonomy (in 1955) instead of following her parents' will and accepting whatever happens as fate. And also reminds audiences to be wary of false promises from "reputable" men. (You go, girl!) Btw, she does not blame the lady ahead and is genuinely concerned. 🚔 The police are repeatedly shown lacking basic skills with a tongue-in-cheek/satirical tone. This allows for several instances where they remind people that class and titles matter far less than they assume. In a sequence they say it clearly, "Don't assume someone belonging to a reputable family can't do bad." (Preach!) 🙏 Dilip Kumar plays the dashing Robin Hood character, Azaad (a common name that families loved in post-independence India regardless of religion), but he also goes around town as the reputable Khan Sahab and eventually reveals his identity as Kumar. This was what the secular India aspired to, where a hero is a hero regardless of his religion. But all of this "propaganda" apart, the film had hilariously fake-looking sets, surprisingly well-choreographed action sequences, and some whimsy, song, and dance. It's easily a comfort film for sad days.

A commercial Guru Dutt film that actually worked. The only unfortunate thing is that Dutt loves tragedy and wouldn't miss a chance to suffer in the climax.

I skipped this when it released because I didn't want to watch a dentist. It was a wise decision because I enjoyed it far more now.

another of you find things when you're ready. I didn't know this existed, and stumbled upon it randomly today. May my algorithm be this good throughout 2026. edit: I'm first?!

I laughed so hard my voice went out.

There is something very attractive about young Kamal Hassan, and I wouldn't miss a chance to see him in a romantic setting. But this is maybe? an underrated film of his. It seems suprising that despite having big names, such as Gulzar involved in the project, I haven't really heard about it. It's a fantastic film though, worth a watch. It just swings between realism and feel-good elements at times. I might be nit-picking.

My experience with Guru Dutt is limited to "Pyaasa." It was ahead of its time, a cinematic gem, and simply excellent. Compared to that, "Kaagaz Ke Phool" is much more commercial, straightforward and enjoyable. But the screenplay and dialogues continue like ebb and tide. I felt the cinematography was particularly lacking and didn't do justice to the film whose heart belongs to filmmaking and filmmakers. Nevertheless, one scene that had the most impact upon me was when Guru Dutt's character—a famous director turned an alcoholic and "has-been"—witnesses a brawl between other drunkards. His perspective briefly shifts to that of a director, which is beautifully depicted with the change of lights. To witness this shift on a cinema screen in the late 1950s would have simply been mesmerizing. Alas, all I can say is: RIP Guru Dutt; you'd have enjoyed K-drama "Our Movie."

A complete film, but not an extraordinary one. There is a belief that in this world there are as few as 36 stories. We keep retelling them in various ways, through various mediums. And "Once We Were Us" definitely feels like a retelling. Its characters, events, and key emotions are so ordinary that it's difficult to not relate to them. We have seen this, we have heard it, and sometimes we have even lived these sequences. It's marvelous to make a film driven with melancholy, romance, coming-of-age elements, and a massive amount of nostalgia. However, it's difficult to make something so "life-like" entertaining. There were multiple moments where I felt that if I stopped the film right here, I might never pick it up again. So, in that way, the climax felt apt. It made sense that neither character felt any drive to return or save their relationship—and perhaps even found moving on easy.

Pros: 1) Meena Kumari 2) Patriach sacrificing instead of usual women sacrificing 3) Jhonny Walker 4) Multiple strong women characters who didn't end up scarifying much comparatively 5) Meena Kumari (I love her sm) Cons: 1) Pradeep Kumar looks like a radish throughout 2) Not enough chemistry or depth in love of Pradeep Kumar's character and Meena Kumari's character 3) Ashok Kumar looks like a humble gentleman, but fails to look like a nawab 4) Songs are okay-ish 5) Logically speaking, Kumar sacrificed himself for Kumar.

I wasn't the targeted audience. Those who have lived, witnessed, or engaged with this period of time would enjoy it so much more. But it's a cool flick :)

It's difficult to make movies based on books. It is even more difficult to make movies based on books that are complicated. But Pavane did it. I might re-watch it because I was working while watching this and couldn't immerse as much as I would have liked.

I had so much fun, but also I've had enough of these people. probably one of my favourite seasons of SI.