Watch Devi
- 1970
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6.6 (34)
Devi is a 1970 Indian Hindi-language film that deals with issues of societal pressures placed on women in Indian culture. The movie stars Nutan as the titular character, with Sanjeev Kumar and Rehman Khan also in key roles. The storyline of the movie revolves around Devi, who is married to Dr. Srikant (played by Sanjeev Kumar) a successful doctor who is devoted to his work. Devi struggles to fit into her new role as a wife and daughter-in-law, as she was used to having the freedom to live her life as she saw fit. She is constantly struggling to find her place in a world that is changing rapidly around her.
Nutan's performance as Devi was lauded by critics and audiences alike. She brought a depth of emotion to the character that made her sympathetic, and her sorrowful eyes would capture the viewer's attention. Sanjeev Kumar's portrayal of Dr. Srikant was commendable as well. He brought a level of quiet intensity to the role, which added to the overall experience of the movie.
As the storyline unfolds, Devi's insecurities, and the social pressure placed on her by her in-laws lead her to seek solace in the worship of the goddess Kali. Slowly, Devi becomes so consumed by her faith that she begins to believe that she is an incarnation of the goddess Kali herself. As the community starts to believe in Devi's delusions, a dangerous situation arises, as Devi and those around her begin to spiral out of control.
Rehman Khan's character, Uma Shankar, adds extra conflict to the storyline. Uma Shankar is Dr. Srikant's friend, who is also in love with Devi. The tension between the two characters adds to the complexity of the plot.
Director, R. Krishnan and S. Panju, and music composer, Laxmikant Pyarelal, did an excellent job of creating an engaging storyline, making Devi an unforgettable movie. The music in the film is haunting, yet uplifting, which only serves to enhance the viewer's overall cinematic experience.
The film is also hailed for its bold take on women's issues, which was quite progressive for the time it was made. Devi's portrayal of the internal struggle of a woman trying to fit into a society that is rigid in its expectations of her was groundbreaking.
Devi's message that it is possible to break free from the shackles of societal expectations and be yourself is still relevant today. The film's themes of self-empowerment and finding one's voice still resonate with audiences.
In conclusion, Devi is an intense and emotional film that showcases the struggles of women in Indian culture, their desires, and their yearning for independence. Nutan's portrayal of Devi still remains one of the best performances in the history of Indian cinema, and the film's message of female empowerment makes it a must-watch movie.