Watch Mukti

Mukti is an Indian drama film from the year 1977, starring Shashi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, and Vidya Sinha. The movie is directed by Raj Tilak, and the music is composed by R.D. Burman. The story revolves around the character of Vijay (played by Shashi Kapoor) who is a successful lawyer, but his life takes a turn when he meets a girl named Renuka (played by Vidya Sinha). Renuka is a widow, and Vijay falls in love with her but is hesitant to confess his feelings because of societal taboos about widow remarriage.

As the story progresses, Vijay learns about Renuka's painful past and the societal stigmas she has faced as a widow. Her in-laws and society at large have subjected her to disrespectful treatment, and she finds solace only in her son and her household duties. Vijay is determined to help her move past her previous life and start anew, but societal boundaries prevent her from marrying again. This is the point where the story turns into a battle against societal norms for Vijay and his companions.

Sanjeev Kumar plays the role of Narendra who is Vijay's friend and a fellow lawyer who also falls for Renuka but backs off after Vijay confesses his love for Renuka, sacrificing his love. Narendra's character also brings some light-heartedness to the movie as he plays a comical role.

The movie highlights a critical issue from the Indian society of the time, the marginalization of widows. The way they are treated in society, the stigma and ostracism they face, the way their re-marriage is looked upon, and how their lives are expected to be lived in the shadows of society. The film challenges these societal norms by pushing Vijay's character to fight against them, and his actions and decisions throughout the movie form the heart of the storyline.

Mukti is a must-watch for movie lovers who enjoy drama and social activism. It deals with a topic that was overlooked by society at the time, bringing to light the issue of how widows were treated and how their lives were limited by the societal norms. Shashi Kapoor delivers a charismatic performance, as always, along with Sanjeev Kumar, who shines in his comical role. Vidya Sinha's portrayal of Renuka brilliantly and sincerely depicts the societal complexities she faces as a widow.

The movie's soundtrack is also significant as it features iconic songs by legendary singers such as Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Bhupinder Singh. The song "Oh Majhi Re", sung by Kishore Kumar, is still remembered and enjoyed by music lovers to this day.

Mukti excellently showcases the social issues of the time through the film's storyline, acting, and music. In conclusion, Mukti is a classic that stands the test of time for its message, acting, and storytelling. The film brings to light an important issue and challenges societal norms of the time, superbly capturing the essence of Indian cinema of the late '70s.