Watch Aaj Aur Kal
- NR
- 1963
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6.6 (65)
Aaj Aur Kal is a 1963 Bollywood film directed by V. V. Acharya and starring Ashok Kumar, Sunil Dutt, and Nanda Karnataki. The film revolves around a wealthy businessman, Diwan Sahib (Ashok Kumar), who is also a strict disciplinarian and expects his grandchildren to uphold his legacy. The film opens with the introduction of Diwan Sahib's strict and regimented lifestyle. He is seen supervising a music rehearsal led by his granddaughter Neena (Nanda Karnataki), who happens to be a trained classical musician but is also affected by the strict disciplinary rules of Diwan Sahib. On the other hand, his grandson Shankar (Sunil Dutt) is a rebel and does not believe in the traditional ways of living.
In an attempt to teach Shankar the value of traditions, Diwan Sahib decides to invite his adopted son Rajendra (also played by Ashok Kumar) and his wife Shanti (Nirupa Roy) for a visit. Rajendra is the opposite of Diwan Sahib and is a liberal-minded person who does not believe in such strict conventions. He is also an ex-flame of Diwan Sahib's daughter Roopa (Nanda Karnataki) and their reunion brings back unresolved emotions from the past.
As the story unfolds, we see a clash of ideologies between Diwan Sahib, Rajendra, and Shankar. Rajendra tries to teach the grandchildren the value of freedom while Shankar tries to show that following traditions blindly can lead to stifling and oppressive lifestyles. The film also delves into the past and explores the dynamics between Diwan Sahib and Rajendra, and how their choice of lifestyles created a rift between them.
The film progresses with a number of twists and turns, including a love triangle between Shankar, Neena, and Rajendra's son Ravi (Rajendra Nath). The film also has a suspense element as there is an attempt to sabotage Shankar's work. It all culminates into a dramatic ending where the characters face the consequences of their actions, leading to a resolution of their conflicts.
The film is known for its memorable performances by Ashok Kumar, Sunil Dutt, and Nanda Karnataki. While Ashok Kumar plays a double role, his portrayal of Diwan Sahib stands out with his authoritative demeanor and nuances he brings to the character. Sunil Dutt, who had already established himself as a heartthrob of Bollywood, delivers a nuanced performance as Shankar, who tries to find his place in the traditional family. Nanda Karnataki, known for her grace and poise, plays the role of Neena with elegance and beauty.
The film also has an impressive soundtrack composed by Ravi, with lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. The classic song "Aadmi Jo Kehta Hai" still resonates with audiences even today.
Overall, Aaj Aur Kal is a timeless classic that addresses the timeless conflict between modernity and tradition. It packs a powerful message about the importance of balancing individual aspirations with family values. It is a thought-provoking film that continues to engage and entertain viewers even after almost six decades.
Aaj Aur Kal is a 1963 art house & international movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.