Watch Hare Rama Hare Krishna

Hare Rama Hare Krishna is a critically acclaimed Bollywood film released in 1971. Directed and produced by Dev Anand, the film explores the issue of westernization in Indian society during the 1960s and 70s. The story follows the journey of a young woman named Jasbir, played by Zeenat Aman, who is raised in a westernized environment and eventually discovers her roots in India. Jasbir was born in a wealthy Indian family but her parents separated when she was a child. Her mother left her father and married a foreigner, and they moved to the United States. Jasbir grew up in a hippie culture of drugs, music, and free love, where she was exposed to the darker aspects of western society. She is estranged from her mother and finds herself looking for meaning and direction in her life.

The story begins when Jasbir runs away from her hippie community to Kathmandu, Nepal, in search of her brother who has also left the community. Here she meets Prashant, played by Dev Anand, an Indian guide who recognizes her and helps her find her brother. But as Jasbir discovers the Indian culture, she finds it difficult to adjust and faces challenges in reconciling her Indian heritage and her western upbringing. Over time, she becomes a part of the anti-war movement and delves into her spiritual side. She starts to see the world in a different light and begins to question her own lifestyle.

The film explores many themes such as the hippie movement, the generation gap, and the deep spiritual bond between a brother and a sister. The storyline is not linear, and the director has used flashbacks to effectively present the characters' backgrounds and motivations. The film's background score was composed by RD Burman and is one of the most memorable soundtracks in Bollywood history. The songs like the title track "Hare Rama Hare Krishna", "Dum Maro Dum", and "Phoolon Ka Taaro Ka" have become iconic in Indian cinema.

Apart from Zeenat Aman and Dev Anand, the film features other top-notch actors. Mumtaz Askari plays the role of Janice, Jasbir's best friend, and provides the comic relief in the story. The supporting cast includes Prem Chopra, Kishore Sahu, and Uttam Kumar who have played their respective roles effectively.

The movie's cinematography is also noteworthy. The location shots from Kathmandu, Nepal, the Pashupatinath Temple and the scenic beauty of the Himalayan ranges are breathtaking. The stunning performances by each cast member, the great background score, and the mesmerizing visuals all make Hare Rama Hare Krishna a commendable movie.

In conclusion, Hare Rama Hare Krishna is a timeless classic that broke new ground in Indian cinema. This edgy and thought-provoking film deals with contemporary issues, while effectively portraying Indian characters and culture with a modern perspective. The movie instigated a much-needed dialogue on social norms and conventions, stimulating the audiences' thinking patterns. Even after 50 years, the music and the story of this movie continue to resonate with multiple generations of Indian cinema-goers.