Watch Gaman

Gaman is a 1978 Indian drama film directed by Muzaffar Ali. The film stars Farooq Shaikh, Smita Patil, and Geeta Kak in lead roles. The film revolves around a young man named Ghulam, who leaves his hometown to make a living in Mumbai. The film explores the themes of loneliness, separation, and the struggles of an immigrant in a big city.

The movie begins by introducing Ghulam, a taxi-driver in Mumbai, who is initially shown as a happy-go-lucky person, singing songs and enjoying his work. However, as the movie progresses, we learn that he is actually lonely and misses his family back in his hometown. He finds solace in the company of a young woman named Kusum, who also works in Mumbai but is originally from his hometown. They develop a friendship, and Ghulam starts to share his feelings and memories with Kusum.

The movie shows flashbacks of Ghulam's life before he moved to Mumbai. We see how his family struggles financially and how he, as the eldest son, takes the responsibility of providing for them. He works as a clerk in a government office in his hometown and dreams of a better life for himself and his family. He eventually decides to move to Mumbai, hoping to earn more money and support his family.

In Mumbai, Ghulam works hard as a taxi-driver, trying to make ends meet. He lives in a small room and is constantly haunted by the memories of his family. The movie also shows the struggles of other immigrants, whom Ghulam meets during his work. They share stories of their own struggles in Mumbai, and how they miss their families back home.

Meanwhile, Ghulam's friendship with Kusum continues to grow. However, the movie avoids any romantic angle and instead portrays the relationship as a deep and meaningful friendship. Kusum provides a listening ear to Ghulam's stories and shares her own struggles with him.

As the movie progresses, we see Ghulam's mental state deteriorating. He becomes withdrawn and starts to distance himself from Kusum. The loneliness and separation start to take a toll on him, and he starts to question his decision to move to Mumbai. The movie takes a dramatic turn towards the end, as Ghulam makes a crucial decision that changes his life forever.

The movie's strength lies in its portrayal of the struggles of an immigrant in a big city. It explores the themes of loneliness, separation, and the yearning for the comfort of one's own family. The movie also highlights the issues faced by immigrants in Mumbai, and the discrimination they face from the locals. The performances by Farooq Shaikh and Smita Patil are outstanding, and they bring their characters to life with subtle nuances and emotions.

In conclusion, Gaman is a poignant and emotional movie that portrays the struggles of an immigrant in a big city. It explores themes of loneliness, separation, and the search for identity. The film is a classic example of Indian art-house cinema and is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the human condition.