Haqeeqat narrates the painful saga of retreat after a humiliating defeat suffered by India in the war against China in 1962. How painful it has been for every patriot Indian that time ! And still how painful it is to recall and feel that defeat even after passing of half a century since then ! Haqeeqat was made just a couple of years after that forgettable war which, unfortunately, cannot be forgotten. It is highly realistic. And so highly painful as well.
Made with the assistance of Govt. of India, Haqeeqat (truth / reality) is the story of a platoon of Indian soldiers in hilly terrain of Laddakh who are first considered as dead by the Indian army when the war with China is still on (in October 1962) but when it is known that they are alive, they get instruction to retreat to their base. The retreat is not that easy. The Chinese military is there aiming for their blood on one hand and the poor weather alongwith the difficult path with little resources at the other. A local girl Angmo (Priya Rajvansh) and her beau, Captain Bahadur Singh (Dharmendra) assist the Indian soldiers led by Major Ranjeet Singh (Balraaj Saahni) in retreating by keeping the Chinese attackers at bay. The path is difficult, the weather is not so kind either and above all, there are little resources with the soldiers to keep themselves alive and energetic. Little wonder, maintaining a high morale during this unusually painful journey is nothing short of a Herculean task for them. This painful saga concludes with the platoon reaching its base after losing many of its members during the retreat and after the sacrifices of Bahadur Singh and Angmo while fighting with the Chinese.
Haqeeqat is an all time great war movie made in our country. The war scenes are less in the movie but the shadows of war are throughout there in each and every sequence. This movie deals at length with the psyche of the soldiers who are trapped in danger with little resources as well as little energy left with them but the dream to go back and meet their beloveds is still in their eyes.
The seasoned director has left no stone unturned in making a memorable movie which brings tears to the eyes of the spectators in several scenes. The script is well-knitted and its presentation on the screen is nothing short of outstanding. There are many scenes in the movie which are considered as real gems. One is Major Ranjeet Singh's proposing Angmo when it is known that Bahadur Singh is dead and her refusing his proposal. Another is the outburst of Angmo's younger brother towards Major Ranjeet Singh when he tells him that Bahadur Singh is dead with Angmo telling strictly to her younger brother to speak to Major Ranjeet Singh with respect. And finally, it's the rape-scene in the ending reels of the movie when the Chinese get hold of Angmo and as a part of her torture, rape her. This scene has been shown on the screen in such an indirect and subtle way that I realized long after watching the movie that it was actually a rape-scene. This speaks volumes for the talent of the director.
Performances are great. Dharmendra, Balraaj Saahni, Jayant (as the army brigadier) and the child artist playing the role of Angmo's younger brother have done marvellously. Alongwith them, there are Vijay Anand, Sudhir, Sanjay, Mac Mohan and many more actors playing the role of the tired and wounded soldiers and all of them have done exceedingly well infusing life into the respective characters. Priya Rajvansh debuted through this movie and though she looks pretty, her acting limitations are evident. There are several female characters in cameos who have created a strong impact in the movie despite being present in odd scenes only.
The talk of Haqeeqat can never be complete without the mention of its great music. Azeem Shaayar Janaab Kaifi Aazmi has penned the immortal lyrics and Madan Mohan have made unforgettable compositions for them. Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bhulaaya Hoga is the song of a lifetime sung by four stalwarts of Hindi film music - 1. Bhupinder, 2. Mohammed Rafi, 3. Talat Mahmood and 4. Manna Dey. Each of these four singers has sung a stanza and each stanza is a tear-jerker in itself. Watching this song on the screen is just like watching a complete movie within a few minutes. Kar Chale Hum Fida Jaan-o-Tan Saathiyo (Rafi) is another immortal song from this movie, undoubtedly one of the best patriotic songs ever made. Aai Abke Saal Diwali (Lata)narrates the painful Diwali of that year in which there were no lights in the homes of the soldiers on the front. Zara Si Aahat Hoti Hai To Dil Sochata Hai (Lata) and Masti Mein Chhed Ke Tarana Mere Dil Ka (Rafi) are another beautiful songs. A song - Khelo Na Mere Dil Se O Saajna (Lata) is an emotional song which is available in the album only because it was removed from the movie. And finally, Main Yeh Sochkar Uske Dar Se Utha Tha is a unique song of Rafi with minimal instrumental effect but the lyrics of this very small song are such that they can bring tears to the eyes of any sincere lover.
This classic movie is not only a memorable experience to watch but also something to feel and preserve in one's heart forever.
