Watch Manoranjan
- 1974
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6.5 (288)
Manoranjan is a Bollywood movie from 1974 that stars the legendary Shammi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, and Zeenat Aman in lead roles. The plot revolves around a struggling movie director, Kishore Kumar (played by Sanjeev Kumar), who is trying to break into the mainstream with a bold and daring film. The film is a love story that tackles taboo topics such as infidelity and promiscuity.
Kumar's hopes of launching his career are dashed when the censor board rejects his film. Desperate to make a living, Kumar agrees to direct a low-budget, soft-porn flick to earn some quick cash. The film is titled "Manoranjan," and it follows the story of a young woman named Reva (played by Zeenat Aman), who is forced to become a call girl by her evil uncle. Shammi Kapoor plays the flamboyant, flirtatious client who falls for Reva's charms.
The film is shot in secret, and the production team try to keep it under wraps, but eventually word gets out and it becomes a sensation. Manoranjan is a huge hit, and it catapults Kumar to the top of the industry. However, he becomes disillusioned with the cheap and tacky movies he is now famous for making, and he yearns to create something meaningful.
Despite being a 70s Bollywood movie, Manoranjan tackles some bold themes that were considered taboo at the time. It highlights the struggles of women in an oppressive patriarchal society and explores themes of sexual liberation and freedom. The film is a commentary on the double standards of society and the hypocrisy of those who judge women for their sexuality.
The performances in the film are top-notch, with Kapoor, Kumar, and Aman giving standout performances. Kapoor's character is a playboy who is unapologetically flirty and outright hilarious. Kumar's character, on the other hand, is struggling with his conscience and trying to make sense of his newfound success. Aman's character is the heart of the film, with her stunning beauty and incredible acting chops. Her character's tragic backstory is heartbreaking, and she effortlessly conveys the pathos of her situation.
The music in the film is memorable, with the film's title track Manoranjan being the standout hit. The song is infectiously catchy and has a distinctly 70s vibe that transports you back in time. The other songs in the film are equally good, with the romantic duet "Chori Chori" being a particular highlight.
Overall, Manoranjan is an entertaining and surprisingly bold film that was ahead of its time. It's a landmark film in Bollywood history that helped change the industry's approach to taboo subjects. The film's message of sexual liberation and freedom is still relevant today, making it a classic that stands the test of time. If you're a fan of classic Bollywood movies, Manoranjan is a must-watch.
Manoranjan is a 1974 comedy. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.