Watch Awara

The film Awara is a classic from Indian cinema, directed by the renowned filmmaker and actor Raj Kapoor. This movie was released in 1951, and stars his father, Prithviraj Kapoor, alongside him in the lead roles, while Nargis Dutt played the female lead. It tells the story of a young man named Raj, who's labelled as an 'awara' or a vagabond by society because he was born in the wrong place and time. The movie explores themes of societal class divides, crime, and redemption, all while showcasing beautiful musical numbers and dance sequences that are still treasured today.

The story of Awara begins with Raj as a misguided youth who falls prey to the crimes of the city. Raj’s parents separated when he was young, leaving him to grow up under the guidance of his father's friend, Jagga. Jagga, on the other hand, spends most of his days drinking and gambling, and influences Raj to turn to a life of petty street crimes. Raj is consequently arrested and sent to jail, where he meets a lawyer, Mr. Raghunath, who recognizes his potential and tries to help him by taking him under his wing.

After being released from jail, Raj sets out to change his ways and strives to earn an honest livelihood. His efforts, however, are complicated by his love for Rita, the daughter of his father's wealthy employer. Rita's family is opposed to their union because of Raj's past and societal background.

As the story progresses, we see Raj struggle with the societal condemnation he faces because of his background. Through various twists and turns, we see him trying to make a living and prove his true worth in society. However, fate has other things in store for him, and as he faces accusations of a murder he didn't commit, he flees the city to start anew.

Despite all the hardships he faces, Raj finds support from Leela, a young woman he meets on his journey. As he starts to get accustomed to his new life, he uses his skills to garner fame as a singer and continues to try to live a life of honesty and redemption under the new name, Ranbir.

The second half of the movie continues to explore the themes of societal divides and the search for redemption, as Ranbir tries to make his way in society while battling obstacles at every step. Throughout the movie, the audience also gets to experience the romantic love story of Rita and Raj, and how their love conquers all in the end.

The musical numbers and dance sequences in this movie are outstanding elements that beautifully depict the emotional turmoil of the characters in the story. The songs ‘Ghar Aaya Mera Pardesi’ and 'Awaara Hoon' continue to be held in high regard, not just in India but also internationally. The music was composed by Shankar Jaikishan, and the lyrics for this film were penned by Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri.

Apart from the story, another significant factor that draws audiences to Awara is the performances of the actors. Prithviraj Kapoor was revered for his contribution to Indian theatre and cinema, and his performance as the strict and unyielding judge in this movie was captivating. Raj Kapoor, as the lead role of Raj/Ranbir, showcased his talent as a visionary actor/director and was celebrated for his ability to evoke empathy and emotion from the audience. Nargis Dutt complemented the cast with her stunning performance packed with passion and conviction.

In conclusion, Awara is a classic piece of Indian cinema that has stood the test of time. The film portrays the societal stigmas and inequalities that exist in society and the struggles faced by those caught in their grasp. It is a compelling story of love, betrayal, and redemption that is still revered by audiences across generations. The talented cast, mesmerizing musical numbers, and the masterful direction by Raj Kapoor make Awara a must-watch for anyone wanting to delve into Indian cinema's rich and varied history.

Awara is a 1951 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 54 minutes.