Kohinoor

'Kohinoor' is nothing short of a typical 60's Bollywood fairytale. There's a prince, a princess, an evil minister, an evil king, a dancer, horses and soldiers and what not? It's perhaps a fun watch with the family. I enjoyed the comedic moments. Meena Kumari seems to have a knack for comedy but she really does go over the top in the dramatic scenes (oh the screaming!). Too bad she wasn't offered much comedy films. She does fit the princess role. Dilip Kumar is adequate. KumKum springs a surprise as here she plays second lead to Meena, instead of the usual comedic role or heroine's sidekick. She does a fine job and she's quite a dancer. The songs are quite melodious, my favorite being 'Jaadugar ka Dil' sung by the legendary Asha Bhosle and filmed on Kum Kum. On the technical side, the film is okay for its time. The underwater shots are quite good. The set designs, at times look fake but I doubt anyone cares as it's a black and white film. Anyway, to put it in a nutshell, 'Kohinoor' is a decent flick that's perhaps more enjoyable to watch with the family (who know about Hindi films) than solo.

"Kohinoor" (1960) throws a playful jab at the traditional swashbuckler film with hilarious results. Dilip Kumar and Meena Kumari take center stage, sending up the genre's tropes with gusto.

A Sharpened Wit: Wajahat Mirza's dialogues are the heart of the film's humor. They're peppered with witty puns, clever wordplay, and sly references to classic Bollywood tropes. The script never takes itself seriously, constantly poking fun at the expected conventions of the genre.

Charmingly Over-the-Top: The performances perfectly capture the film's comedic tone. Kumar's portrayal of the prince is delightfully exaggerated, complete with dramatic poses and exaggerated expressions. Kumari matches his energy with her own brand of comedic timing and playful delivery.

Action with a Wink: Even the action sequences are infused with humor. Sword fights are purposefully clumsy, with exaggerated sound effects and slapstick elements. The overall effect is a delightful mix of excitement and silliness.

A Treasure Trove of Laughs: "Kohinoor" is a treasure trove of laughs for those who appreciate a good-natured spoof. It doesn't shy away from poking fun at itself and the genre it inhabits.

A Fun Ride for Fans: While the film might not resonate with everyone, fans of classic Bollywood comedies and those who appreciate playful homages will find much to enjoy in "Kohinoor." It's a film that celebrates the joy of cinema through laughter and a touch of self-mockery.

So, buckle up and prepare for a hilarious ride - "Kohinoor" is pure, unadulterated entertainment!

Kohinoor (1960) : Brief Review -

Dilip Kumar as an Indian Errol Flynn in Bollywood's rare swashbuckling action adventure. It's hard to believe that Dilip Kumar was also part of a record-breaking blockbuster like Mughal-e-Azam in the same year, which had such an intense role, while Kohinoor was completely opposite to that intensity. I am a big fan of old Hollywood's swashbuckling action adventures that starred Douglas Fairbanks (silent era) and Errol Flynn (talkie era), so this was my instant recall of those classic entertainers. Kohinoor borrows a few things from those old Hollywood movies and extends them into a proper Bollywood-style action adventure. The swashbuckling elements are not that high, but I have to use the work to define the kind of adventure it has. Kohinoor sees Dilip Kumar as a Rajkumar who falls in love with a Rajkumari of the neighboring kingdom. However, their love story goes through one big obstacle: the Senapati of Rajkumari, who wants to marry her. He kidnaps her, and then Rajkumar impersonates himself as Kohinoor Baba to find a way to free Rajkumari. Having a simple story at its core, Kohinoor goes through many ups and downs but keeps the drama intact. The film drags a little in the second half, owning the delay to the finish, which comes much later than expected. Too many songs, but all important, somehow slow it down and make it look stuck. Dilip Kumar's lighthearted and brave Rajkumar is worth the hype, and Meena Kumari is the perfect Rajkumari. Jeevan always made a perfect villain in almost every film back in time, and Kohinoor should be one of his best. Kohinoor is a cliche-maker for Bollywood. Be it the impersonation of Baba, that mirror scene, the twist in the climax through a love triangle, or the family conflict that plays a pivotal role in the final battle-Kohinoor has served us with cliches that haven't gotten old till now despite repetitive use of them over the year.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.