Watch Griha Pravesh

Griha Pravesh is a 1979 Hindi drama film directed by Basu Bhattacharya. The film stars Sanjeev Kumar, Sharmila Tagore and Sarika Thakur in lead roles. The film is a portrayal of the complexities and struggles of familial relationships in Indian society. It follows the story of a family of three; a married couple, Sushma and Om, played by Sharmila Tagore and Sanjeev Kumar respectively, and their young daughter, Munni. The family is forced to move from their ancestral village to the city of Calcutta, in search of a better life.

The opening scene of the film sets the tone for the narrative, with the family's belongings piled up on a cart as they make their way to the city. The physical journey is symbolic of the psychological journey the characters are about to embark on, as they navigate the unfamiliar terrain of urban living.

The film explores the tensions that arise within the family as they settle into their new home. Sushma, who is accustomed to a traditional domestic role, finds herself struggling to adapt to the demands of city life. She is hesitant to leave the safety of her home and interact with the unfamiliar surroundings. In contrast, Om, who is responsible for providing for the family, is consumed by his work and has little time for his wife and daughter.

As the story progresses, the relationship between Sushma and Om becomes strained. Sushma feels neglected and wants Om to spend more time with their daughter, but Om is too busy with work to pay attention. When Sushma's friend, Roopa, played by Sarika Thakur, comes to visit, she finds solace in her company, and the two begin to bond. Roopa, who is a modern, independent woman, inspires Sushma to break free from the constraints of her traditional role and take control of her life.

The film is also a commentary on the social and economic disparities prevalent in Indian society. The family's struggles are juxtaposed against the opulence of their wealthy neighbors, who display their wealth through extravagant parties and ostentatious displays of material possessions. The contrast between the two families highlights the deep-rooted inequalities that exist in urban India.

One of the film's strengths is the nuanced performances by the lead actors. Sanjeev Kumar delivers a brilliant portrayal of a man torn between his responsibilities as a provider and his duties as a husband and father. Similarly, Sharmila Tagore skillfully conveys the complexities of a woman struggling to find her place in a new environment. Sarika Thakur rounds off the trio with a charming performance as the confident and independent Roopa.

The film's soundtrack, composed by Kanu Roy, adds another layer to the emotional depth of the narrative. The songs, which are mostly folk-based, provide a glimpse into the cultural heritage of rural India, while also serving as a reminder of the nostalgia the characters feel for their ancestral home.

In summary, Griha Pravesh is a thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the struggle for survival in a rapidly changing society. It is an engaging portrayal of the social and economic disparities that exist in urban India, wrapped in a nuanced narrative and enhanced by excellent performances from its lead actors.

Griha Pravesh is a 1979 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.