I watched 'Lal Patthar' because earlier on I had watched a show on which Hema Malini stated that of all her performances, her own favourite performance of hers was the one in Lal Patthar. That struck me as a bit odd since it was the first time I heard this title and after checking out it turned out to be one of her very first film roles. It was also said that Malini's role in the film was negative. This further motivated me to watch it at any cost, which I ultimately did. And what can I say? This film is visually stunning but its story, though fairly good, does not really stand out. It is of course watchable and that's due to the presence of the actors, particularly that of Hema, but that is as far as it goes.
Raaj Kumar stars as Kumar Bahadur, a prince who has vowed not to marry or drink because of a curse that runs in his family. One day while hunting for a tiger, he meets a kidnapped girl, Saudamini (Hema). He eventually takes her to live with him without marrying her. He renames her as Madhuri, but several attempts to transform her into an educated and well-mannered lady fail as she is lazy and unrefined and lacks willingness to change. Several years later, he meets another young and beautiful woman named Sumita (Raakhee), who he ultimately decides to marry, much to the displeasure of Madhuri who is unhappy to see another woman entering the household she has been in charge of for so long.
Don't know who said Malini's character in the film was negative, but all those who say this are simply wrong. Her character is not negative at all, only that it has some grey and negative shades which all of us actually have. Throughout the film it's easy to identify with her acts and understand her anger. She does get to be manipulative and mean, but never despicably vicious. At times we can even see some of the features her subsequent famous roles would have, like Geeta from 'Seeta Aur Geeta' and Basanti from 'Sholay'. One particular scene which reminds us of her extraordinary comic talent is the English lesson scene, which is hilarious.
Malini is quite clearly the main reason to watch this film, and her role is definitely a very well-written one. She is amazingly beautiful throughout the film (to the extent of looking like a doll), her eyes are expressive, and her line delivery is good. But calling it her best performance would be simply unfair, as she's been so much better in so many films since then. I'm still surprised she herself considers this her best work. The other lady, Raakhee, is also extremely beautiful, but she has hardly a role to speak of. Raaj Kumar is effective as the confused prince. Lal Patthar is nowhere a bad film, but there is not much to expect from it. Watch it if you are interested to see Hema Malini's personal favourite out of her own performances, or if you are into Hindi fairy tales.
