I wanted to do this retro movie review since some time; finally after getting motivated from a friends blog, I decided to pen down reviews of some good old forgotten movies. Now these movies are in a different league altogether; they didnt have the benefit of today's CGI or VFX or any other technology for that matter, a lot of innovation when you dont have technology at your disposal, when a death defying stunt meant really a dangerous act, where the whole movie depended on the characters of the film and a lot on an engrossing script (which today is very redundant). I barely manage to find these movies on air nowadays admist a deluge of dubbed movies or repeated telecast of a new flop/blockbuster movie (dabangg is still aired almost every weekend by colors). I must attribute my love for movies to the retro ones aired by the then telecast mammoth DD. Anywys in my long list of retro movies Ankhiyon ke Jharokhon se (akjs) was one in its kind. The first thing that hit me was the melodious album. I guess Rajshri always emphasized on importance of good soundtracks of all of their productions. I was told the soundtracks were a huge hit that days and till date are very much hummable.
The second thing was the script, it reminded me a lot of the movie a walk to remember, a beautiful love story which is headed to a tragic ending, akjs was lot more than a walk to remember. while the latter just focuses on the love story and the chemistry between the two leads, akjs is lot more than just the chemistry between the two main protagonists. Its relies heavily on the chemistry between the other characters, dad son, mom n daughter, dad n daughter in law, friends. The story starts off with Sachin being the hero of the class, always coming first in his class, only this time he loses out to a newcomer, Ranjeeta. Jealousy and ego makes way, few pranks are played, a bit of hatredness n a bit of competitiveness but our protagonists ultimately end up in love. In between there is this wonderful song, 30 years back Rajshri had shot a song using freeze motion technique (where all the subjects are frozen up mid way and only the protagonists are in action). To me this was an amazing discovery, I never thought anyone used that technique in Indian cinema. Today technolgy can easily give you that effect but 30 years back they did it without any help. Just Classic. anyways back to the plot they decide to get married and thats when tragedy strikes, the girl is diagnosed with leukemia cancer in its final stages. Lots of emotional drama form up the chunk of climax which is done really well by two not so well actors of that time. The way both the bubbly characters transform from college like characters to ones in love to the ones who are about to loose someone close is really very well done.
Sachin does his part really well, his bubbly character is as much enjoyable as is his coming of age mature one who is about to loose his loved one. Ranjeeta who before this movie was just about unknown, pulls off her character very well. She plays the character of a girl who's bugged / ragged since she s a newcomer but manages to prove her superiority before all. You will easily connect with her "the girl next door" image. Her role was highly acclaimed by all post the release of the movie. Sachin's dad, Ranjeeta's mom, friends, the doctor uncle all have their equal share and manage to connect with the viewer.
Overall the movie is one of my faves and I would recommend it to all who are fans of retro Indian flicks. Happy viewing.
