Basu Chatterjee's 'Tumhare Liye' tells the tale of lost love, sacrifice and reincarnation. The film gets straight to the point right after the principle characters are introduced. Chatterjee tells an engaging story that keeps the viewer. It's also interesting to see how he cast the same actors in different roles of the present setting and the past life. However, the writing is faulty at places and the end looks very rushed. Ashok Kumar's doctor character suffers from poor writing. The role lacks dimension and it only confuses the viewer on how he knows so much about Gauri and Gangadhar. It's quite a pity because this character presents the turning point of 'Tumhare Liye'. Chatterjee cleverly balances the contrast between the modern day and the early 1900s very well. Not only does one see a difference in clothing and setting but even the actors have displayed different gestures and attitude that separate the time. Sanjeev Kumar is excellent as the modern husband who is sexually frustrated and confused so much that he almost rapes his wife. He is equally convincing as the calm and peaceful monk Gangadhar. Vidya Sinha too is incredible as the possessed wife and the vivacious village belle. An average actress could have easily messed up the role of the confused, terrified and depressed wife but this actress knows her craft well enough to pull it off. Ashok Kumar is adequate as Gauri's village uncle but as the doctor he is letdown by lack of character dimension. Neelam Mehra holds her own. Jaidev's music is great. Om Shivpuri is hilarious as the stoned monk. It's not an out and out comic role but the comedy of it is more subtle. The songs are hummable and suit the situation. Cinematography is brilliant as the camera is used very effectively. To conclude, 'Tumhare Liye' tells an interesting story but the film itself could have been a tad better if the writing was a little more solid. Nonetheless it's worth a watch because of everything I mentioned above. However, it might not appeal to everyone, particularly those who do not enjoy movies with the reincarnation theme.
