Once again, Raj Kapoor produces a nice and touching movie.
The movie has a basic theme: dacoits against the law. But in between those two barriers is Raju (Raj Kapoor), a simple and honest fellow, who is pure as the Ganga River...hence the title. He is a dafli wala.
The story begins when the Sardar of a gang of Dakkus is shot by a police officer. When Raju passes by, singing in a quite jolly way, the Sardar points a gun at him, and tells Raju to take out any weapons that he has. Raju reaches into his bag and takes out his most powerful weapon...a fork. Yes, a fork, obviously Raju isn't a very violent person. In fact, he ties the wound, and feeds the man. When the Sardar becomes unconscious, Raju is worried. When he hears sounds outside, he comes out and says, "Khabardaar, mein police officer hoon" (Don't dare, I'm a police officer). Misunderstanding this, the dakkus kidnap Raju.
Here he has to prove to the unbelieving dacoits and their families that he is indeed just a dafliwala, and not a police officer. He shows off his talent, and some believe him and some don't.
One of the people who don't believe Raju is Rakka (Pran). He is very suspicious and is annoyed at Raju. Why is he annoyed, you ask? Because the village girl that Rakka wants to marry, Kammo (Padmini) starts to like Raju. And just as predicted, they want to get married. Kammo explains to him that the dakkus aren't bad, and that they just want to make the rich and the poor equal.
Ha, and Raju believes it.
But he soon finds out about their ruthless crime, especially Rakka, who kills a little boy and the brand new groom of a wedding where they were to steal. Raju can't take it any more, and he decides that he has a lot of problems to solve, not just with the dakkus, but with the police too...who he thinks stoop just as low to stop crime. His journey of love and justice starts here.
So that's basically the plot. Actingwise, many were impressive. Raj Kapoor, as usual, suited and flawlessly played his role. It's nice to know that he produced a movie with such a nice theme. And Pran was no less, he played his role with just as much intensity, and...I'm sad to say...had a better hair style than our Raj. Hey, but that's okay right? Lalita Pawar was very nice, and she also made me cry. Padmini overacted in a few parts, but her role was not too influential so it didn't really matter that much.
And last but not least...the music! Beautiful. Every bit of it, from the songs to the background score. Shankar Jaikishan once again makes a perfect soundtrack for Raj Kapoor. Lata, as usual, sang her heart out, captivating ours' as well. "O Basanti", "O Maine Pyar Kiya", "Begani Shaadi Mein", and "Kya Hua" are especially beautiful. The classic "Aa Ab Laut Chale" is magnificently sung by Mukesh, pierces the emotions...along with Lata's silk like voice in-between the stanzas. "Mera Naam Raju" and "Jis Desh Mein Ganga" are also classics sung by Mukesh. "Hum Bhi Hain" is also a must-listen.
The movie is touching and satisfying with every element of drama. I rate it an eight out of ten. I would have rated it higher if there weren't a few deaths that were a bit unnecessary...but I guess the director can't change the story. Watch the movie! A classic!
