Haathi Mere Saathi (1971) :
Brief Review -
Rajesh Khanna's biggest blockbuster of the 70s decade is an evergreen emotional rollercoaster. Can animal-based films be such tearjerkers? Pet films have a long history, mostly because they were emotionally appealing. Be it the modern films like Charlie 777 (2022) or Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009) or Hollywood's golden era classics like "Lassie Came Home" (1943), animated flick "The Lady and the Tramp" (1955), or coming-of-age drama "Old Yeller" (1957), we all cried while watching these films. But Haathi Mere Saathi has epic "Nafarat Duniya Ko," sung by Mohammed Rafi, man. How can any other film challenge that? The lyrics actually put humans at shame for their inhumanity towards animals. They are more loyal than humans, and that's why the lyricist says, "Pyaar ki duniya me khush rehna mere yaar." This is beyond any emotional experience. Beyond a tearjerker segment. The director has so many things to tell and so beautifully. Tanuja tells Ramu, "Jab tak tu Zinda hai me uss Ghar me wapas nahi aaungi," and she actually returns after he is dead. The doctor says, "Bhagwan pe bharosa rakho," and the next moment you have four elephants bathing Lord Ganesha's idol, and they start praying. Which pet/animal-driven film has such brilliant scenes, tell me? Convincing audiences with such films is the most difficult job, and that's why we don't have many blockbusters made on such topics. HMS tops the list. One of the major reasons was superstar Rajesh Khanna's presence and super hit songs, I agree, but convincing Rajesh Khanna to sign a sort of remake of a flop film in his peak period was a task itself. Writers Salim-Javed, director, and producer not only convinced Kaka but also the audience to make it a blockbuster film. It tells a lot about the impact the film must have left on the public. It just leaves you in so much pain and so many emotions that it just stays in your memory.
RATING - 7.5/10*
By - #samthebestest.
