Daag (1973)

It's so hard for me to decide from where to begin this "review", because honestly, this wasn't just a movie, it was an experience. Bollywood romantic dramas do not get better than this, and this is what you should be watching if you want to know what that genre is like. Or, if you're already a fan, this is what should be on the top of your watchlist. 

The main thing one notices about any romantic drama is obviously the lead pair- if you don't have one with excellent chemistry, even the most engaging of storylines feel underwhelming sometimes. However, there is nothing not excellent about the chemistry between Sharmila Tagore and Rajesh Khanna. This was the first movie of theirs that I saw, and I immediately understood why they are considered one of Hindi cinema's most iconic pairings. There was literal magic happening on screen, and I didn't even realise how time passed (I am normally very fidgety) because I was so engrossed in their story. I don't care if it was "too dramatic" or that there were "too many coincidences"- I just wanted them to be together because they were IN LOVE. Yes, I am very much proud of the fact that I am a hopeless romantic. And that I have gone back and seen some of my favourite scenes from this movie many times now, and will probably continue doing so for at least a week (conservative estimate). 

Yash Chopra is at his peak here- the movie is shot beautifully and you can actually feel the fresh mountain air. And the songs. The songs! I was already in love with 'Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai' but with the full context, it's even better. My heart aches, but also heals with this song, especially with the word "phir" (you'll understand if you've seen the movie). Also, 'Ab Chaahe Maa Roothe Ya Baba' is the ultimate JAM and I can't wait for weddings in the future where I can convince the dulha-dulhan to play this YAAAASSSS. Also, special mention to 'Hum Aur Tum, Tum Aur Hum' for being the perfect song for introducing Sharms & Kaka in the movie. And when I say perfect, I mean perfect. PERFECT.

If I sound incoherent, it's because I am genuinely running out of words. I watch-partied with a friend, and both of us were just keyboard-smashing our way through the movie. Or saying things like "IM SCREAMING", "IM DYING" and variations thereof. Special mention must be made here of Rakhee's character, who I am convinced had homoerotic feelings for Sharmila's character. There was a scene in the movie that was so lesbian cottagecore that it knocked me out- Sharmila and Rakhee sitting by the fireside with their kids (Sharmila's son's cuteness was OUT OF THIS WORLD) playing around in their cozy cottage, knitting. KNITTING. The domesticity melted my heart, and as much as I ship Sharms & Kaka, for a moment I just wanted Rakhee & Sharmila to end up together. That's the king of romance for you.

I just realised that I haven't mentioned yet that this was an adaptation of one of my favourite novels, The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy. And I think it's because it was adapted so well that I didn't really feel the need to compare (also because it's been 7-8 years since I've read it). What I mean to say is that the transition from text to cinema didn't feel clunky as it so often does, and I like how the film managed a sense of originality by competently shifting the narrative's focus. The novel was mostly about identity and self, but here, the romance takes centre-stage. I appreciate the filmmakers playing to their strengths and not trying to be overly intellectual or something, because we would not have gotten this timeless masterpiece otherwise. "Timeless" reminds me- the movie has aged brilliantly. No cringe moments at all. Not to start anything, but I'm pretty sure other famous YRF movies from the 90s haven't aged half as well as this one from the 70s, which is a shame because it just confirms my lifelong belief that those stories deserved better. 

In conclusion, it's a disgrace that we don't talk about this movie enough, and I honestly cannot wait to watch it again (the whole movie I mean, the going back to my favourite scenes will continue as per schedule).

PS- I want Rajesh Khanna's poem framed in my room. 

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