Director: Mahesh Bhatt.
Release Year: 1982.
Say ‘Shabana Azmi’ and one name that instantly pops up is ‘Arth’. The 1982 film directed by Mahesh Bhatt got a lot of critical acclaim as well as box office success. Although the story is quite familiar, what makes Arth stand out is the treatment, and of course, the end.
The story is simple. Inder (Kulbhushan Kharbanda), an upcoming director is married to Pooja (Shabana Azmi). Inder has an affair with Kavita (Smita Patil). All hell breaks loose when Pooja finds out about it. So Inder deserts Pooja and she goes on to make a place for herself under the sun. Later, Kavita leaves Inder and he comes back to Pooja. Now any movie from the 80’s would’ve shown the pati-vrata naari accepting her husband back in her life. This is where Arth breaks away from the typical. (Spoiler ahead). Pooja, asks Inder if he would’ve taken her back if she had done something similar. Inder bluntly says yes and so, Pooja walks out on him. (WOW!) Mahesh Bhatt and Shabana Azmi had to dig their heels in to convince the distributors to retain this ending. And thank God they did!
What I love about Arth is the fact that the characters are not outright white or black. Pooja is not the usual rona dhona type wife, nor is Kavita the quintessential, evil ‘other woman’. You have a Shabana Azmi who is disowned, heartbroken, but gets drunk and creates a scene at a party. On the other hand, you have a schizophrenic, guilt-ridden Smita Patil whose conscience does not allow her peace for a moment. Both the characters are played brilliantly by the two (immensely talented) ladies.
The music of Arth is soulful, with lyrics by Kaifi Azmi and music by Jagjit Singh. The soundtrack includes ghazals like ‘Zhuki Zhuki si Nazar’, ‘Koi Yeh Kaise Bataye’ and my favourite, ‘Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho’. The background music however, is a letdown.
Scenes to watch out for:
#1 : When Inder asks Pooja to sign the divorce papers, she does so calmly. Later while walking towards the door, turns around and says, ‘Bechari Kavita, tumahre saath shaadi ka woh pavitra bandhan chahti hai jo ek dastakhat se bhi toot sakta hai!’ (*whistle whistle*)
#2 : The confrontation between Pooja and Kavita. (Smita Patil is mind-blowing!)
Why not to miss this movie:
Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil at their finest. The film won Azmi her second National Award (out of five!).
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