Jun 11, 2012 08:53 PM
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(Updated Jun 12, 2012 10:29 PM)
In the season of Shanghai, I want to pen down a review of the Baap of all political satires Bollywood has ever produced. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron released in 1983 was the first movie of it's kind which brought into limelight the issue of corruption and the dirty bureaucracy in India. The movie was directed by Kundan Shah and produced by NFDC. It brought forth Naseeruddin Shah and Ravi Baswani, who showcased their acting talents as protagonists.
The movie is set in the erstwhile Mumbai, where the reality estate market was on a boom in early 80s. Flyovers, and buildings were being erected everywhere, often at the cost of eviction of slum dwellers and children's parks. The plot deals with the corrupt builders who bribe their way to glory, the corrupt politicians who allow a smooth path for them, and the corrupt journalists, who blackmail them for their own benefit. In this setting, two idealist and honest photographers try to bring forth the reality behind a murder. They try to unmask the goons with all their might. They accidentally shot photos of the murder scene. Then they get hold of the dead body and lose it again to find it. The plot revolves around their plight, twists and turns, cat and mouse games. Ultimately what happens to them? Watch Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron to know it all. I am not indulging the suspense and mystery of the plot here. But I can assure it will intrigue you.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron is a dark satire and a laugh riot which hits the audience. The film is a tight slap in the face of corruption in India, perhaps coming at the right time in 1983, when India won the World cup in Cricket. The plot of the movie is indeed bold, and shot boldly too in real locations and sketching out characters realistically. However, all these are done in the fashion of comedy, infusing comic moments in the narrative at important junctures. So the characters sometimes act comically, it's slapstick and outrageous at times. Some allegories used in the movie are bound to impress you. The best of the lot being the confusion at the enactment of the Mahabharata play, towards the climax. Watch this scene to know it all. Any divulging of the details will be a crime. The ending of the movie is also realistic and touches a chord with you. You can realise that truth, honesty and justice is dead in today's India. Perhaps it's a bit abrupt to digest. It will make you think nonetheless, long after the movie is over.
Acting wise, this movie is a treat to watch. Young Naseeruddin Shah not only looks great but enacts his role to his whole potential. Power packed performance. Ravi Baswani perhaps had the most memorable role of his lifetime in this movie. He lit up the screen on several occasions with his cute antiques. He is bound to make you laugh out loud. What an actor! The movie also saw an ensemble cast of brilliant actors like Satish Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, Om Puri, Satish Kaushik and Neena Gupta. Each played out their role brilliantly.
The film has decent cinematography and crisp editing. There are no real songs in the movie apart from "Hum Honge Kamyaab" sung by the lead duo whenever they were feeling down. Background score is excellent.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron achieved a cult status after its release. Even today the movie is admired and much loved by film makers as a classic. It is a must watch for all lovers of sensible movies, I find it as a great entertainer as well. Go for it and you won't be disappointed.
