Aashirwad

Aashirwad (1968) : Brief Review -

Ashok Kumar's award winning performance in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's delayed typical Emotional Family Drama. So, the year is 1968 and Hrishi da who have delivered films like Anari (1959), Anuradha (1960) and Anupama (1966) goes on to attempt family melodrama. He delivers a fine melodrama Majhli Didi (1967) and then again makes a melodrama to testify what he has got left. But wasn't it too late for him to test his skills in this genre? I said the same thing in my review of Majhli Didi that the same film would have looked more impactful a decade ago. And guess what, i gotto say this for Aashirwad as well. Yes, this film in late 50s would have looked Classic and trendsetter but when i see it in late 60s then i don't know why but it seems delayed. Aashirwad is about Jogi Kumar, a rich man with kind heart who loves to treat poor people same as rich ones. But jealousy of his wife turns situations worse for him and he leaves the house and after one incident he is sent to jail for 14 years. His long awaited blessings for his daughter remains his only wish and the melodramatic scenario provides that emotional quotient for the audience. Aashirwad is all about Ashok Kumar showing his talent. His award winning performance is the major highlight of the film. Rest of the characters are mostly in supporting roles and they have done quite impressive job. Aashirwad gave us that nostalgic rap-song 'Rail Gaadi Chhuk Chhuk' which remains iconic till date and probably will remain the same for many years. Other songs are beautiful too. The editing could have been better with the screenplay trimming many shots in the beginning parts. Hrishi Da successfully manages to make another fine piece of drama but the only problem is, it was almost 10 years late. Nonetheless, Aashirwad still has its own fresh and exciting moments which can be enjoyed with the family.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.