Watch Saraswatichandra

Saraswatichandra is a classic Bollywood romantic drama film based on a novel of the same name by Govardhanram Tripathi. The film, directed by Govind Saraiya, was released in 1968 and stars Nutan, Manish and Vijaya Choudhury in lead roles. The film is known for its captivating story, soulful music and brilliant acting by its lead actors.

The story of Saraswatichandra is set in 19th century Gujarat and revolves around Saraswatichandra (Manish), the son of a wealthy merchant. He is a free-spirited young man who dreams of exploring the world and finding true love. However, his father has already chosen a bride for him, Kumud (Nutan), the daughter of a family friend.

Saraswatichandra and Kumud are initially sceptical about their arranged marriage, but eventually, they fall in love. However, their love is tested as Kumud's father disapproves of Saraswatichandra's carefree attitude and considers him to be unworthy of his daughter. He sets multiple challenges for Saraswatichandra to prove his worth and test his love for Kumud.

As the story unfolds, Saraswatichandra's love for Kumud grows stronger, and he faces numerous hardships to win her hand in marriage. He embarks on a journey to explore the world and find his true purpose, which leads him to a wealthy widow named Kalika (Vijaya Choudhury). This marks the beginning of a new chapter in Saraswatichandra's life, filled with love, betrayal, and heartbreak.

The film's music, composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, is one of its highlights. The soundtrack features some of Bollywood's most iconic songs, including "Chandan Sa Badan", "Phool Tumhe Bheja Hai", and "Jab Tu Na Aaya". Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh, two of Bollywood's most revered singers, lend their voices to these timeless classics.

Nutan, who plays the role of Kumud, delivers a powerful performance in the film. She brings grace, elegance and warmth to her character, making the audience root for her throughout the film. Her chemistry with Manish is palpable, and their romantic scenes are a treat to watch.

Manish, who plays the titular character of Saraswatichandra, delivers a nuanced portrayal of a complex character. He is convincing as a free-spirited young man, who is torn between his love for Kumud and his desire to explore the world. Manish excels in capturing the emotional depth of his character, and his performance is one of the film's highlights.

Vijaya Choudhury, who makes an appearance as Kalika, delivers a noteworthy performance as the wealthy widow who becomes a significant part of Saraswatichandra's life. Her character adds a new dimension to the story and raises the stakes for the film's main protagonists.

Overall, Saraswatichandra is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. The film's captivating story, brilliant performances, and soulful music make it a must-watch for all Bollywood movie lovers. It remains a testament to the enduring power of love and the human spirit, and its impact on Bollywood cinema can still be felt today.