User reviews

This is not the only movie which highlights the topics of unemployment or gang war or politics in colonies, election, etc. There are lots of other movies like Leader, Haasil, Ankush and kaala Bazaar, but believe me guys and girls this is unique and best among all. Story revolves around an old lady (Meena Kumari) who is trying to make peace between two gangs. Vinod Khanna is the leader of one gang, but a very kindhearted person. Flashback story of his and his lost love Yogita Bali was the best thing in the whole movie, that turns his life upside down. Shatrughan Sinha is the leader of other gang. The move shows lots of street wars between these gangs. Meena Kumari cares for all of them, and teaches them to stop fighting, and make friendship with each other. Performance wise Vinod Khanna is best among all as a heartbroken lover and gang leader, Shatrughan Sinha also did his best. Meena Kumari was excellent in such a brief role. Supporting cast includes Paintal, Asrani, Dannie, Yogita Bali, did their best. Direction of Gulzar was perfect.

not many people of my age unfortunately have seen this movie........

This movie teaches us to respect the older generation...the character around which the story revolves is anandi who is a widow and is abandoned by her family until the day when arun Gupta arrives(he is related to her through her husband's side) and takes her into the city(of course, from the village).

unfortunately for anandi her life turns upside down when she realizes that arun and his wife have brought her into the city life not out of respect or concern but because of their own cheap motives.....all they want anandi to do is to work as an ayah just because she is old and is indebted to them for keeping her. Then comes along the street rowdy class of young men who just make enemies among themselves and show their superiority over one another.

but anandi teaches them the virtues of humility and respect......... the movie also comes packed with a great song-koi jota jisko ......

This movie shows that unemployment leads to a lot of social problems and otherwise good people turn against each other. Meena kumari has done magic with her supporting role. Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha be long to rival gangs formed to support their beliefs in the corrupt political system of India. How a outcast old woman tries in vain to bring them to their senses forms the story.

I still remember the movie. I saw the trial in a very small auditorium with 50 or less people....

This movie was distributed by Radio Films ( One of my Uncle Jamnadas R. Lalwani was the partner in that distribution. )

Very emotional movie...

Brought tears to my eyes for a short while at that age....

Thanks and Regards.

The film completely belongs to Shotgun.He completely dominates over meena kumari presence.Vinod khanna is nothing in front of him.Shatru completely over shadow vinod khanna.Mere apne means Shatru.Vinos khanna is looking like kid in front of shatru.Shatru is the greatest actor of Indian cenema.Direction of gulzar is Very good.Story of the film is the best.But above all is the Shotgun.His dialogues in the film simply steals the show.His expression,style and presence wash out other character completely.

This was gulzars first movie as director.This is his one of the best movie given by him.The way of story telling using meen kumari is unique.It was not used by any other director.Dialogues was great but shatru through his talent make the simple line memorable.

One of the best movies of during childhood. This movie covers the topic of unemployment, anger, rivalry between two groups, the social problems. I bet you can learn many things and understand the emotions.

The character of Shyam and Chhenu so well played that you will remember after so many years. A great movie and on par with Anand. Awesome songs 'Haal chaal theek thaak hai" and one sad song "koi apna hota".

Meena kumari plays role of "Naani Ma" leaves memorable impression. The movies leaves you in some sadness but highlights the social issues nicely.

Thanks.

This is one of those movies that bring tears to your eyes.

The movie with a vision and intention, so valid for today as it was for that time.

But I remember this movie for one of the best scenes I have ever seen. A scene in which Meena Kumari tells Vinod Khanna and co about the freedom fighters and says that they were the actual 'thag' and not you.

One of the most poignant scenes of the movie.

And then I am biased towards Vinod Khanna who is anyways one of the best looking stars of India and the detached look that he gives lends more to his character. And then I am biased towards Shatruganh Sinha :-) An actor I consider who has his own class !!

The weakest link of the movie is Meena Kumari which is way too melancholy for her role. Or may be I am again biased against her :-)

This movie is perfect portryal of that era and showcases youths problems. It shows unemployment' political warfare and many more issues. The film is very well made and everyone has acted superbly. I'm 19 and I loved this film I have seen lot of old movies and me and my family wathc one film every Saturday. So this one is the recent one I saw and I'm glad I watched. Now I do wish many more young freinds of mine watch this movie to see how was it to be a youth in that period

Review By Kamal K

This movie is a classic and flawless. It is simple but impactful, thought provoking and satire. Close to reality. Whatever we are facing in 2021 the same situation and problems was there in 1971 nothing has changed. From years and years we are dealing and fighting against corruption.

Gulzaar saheb you are great no one can be like you 🙌🙌 you are true legend.

Mere Apne review :

Adapted from a Bengali hit, Mere Apne is almost a precursor to movies like N. Chandra's Ankush (1986) and Mansoor Khan's Josh (2000) which showed the rivalry of two gangs of unemployed youth. Here, the warring gangs were led by the young Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha who became big stars later. Particularly, Shatru's Chainoo has attained cult status now...

Tragedy queen Meena Kumari played a seventy plus lady whom these 'berojgaar bekaar' guys show deep respect for and turns a catalyst to transform their wayward lives. Meena Kumari was almost half her onscreen age when she played this role and this film attained immortality for being one of her finest performances ever. Sadly, she passed away few months after the movie's release depriving Bollywood of an immense talent forever!!

Mere Apne explored multiple themes like student politics, jobless youth used by corrupt politicians and the urban apathy towards human relations where money is anything and everything!! Director Gulzar's execution was first rate even as he balanced out a grim subject within the realms of commercialism. Kishore Kumar's "Koi hota jisko apna" is still on the lips when you recollect Mere Apne!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

A remake of 1968 Bengali Movie 'Apanjan', this movie is superbly directed by Gulzar and marks introduction of two of the finest villains of Hindi film industry, Vinod Khanna & Shatrughan Sinha, in leading roles. Though, they both have grey shades in this movie. A superb performance by Meena Kumari which was well supported by Khanna & Sinha. Salil Chowdhary composed some nice tunes including widely popular 'Koi Hota Jisko Apna' sung by Kishor Kumar. Good a for a watch.