Saath Saath ( 1982)

 

Saath Saath 

There is no doubt to the fact that one of the most cherishing experiences of making a film or a movie is the capture of time. Time is captured forever. The stills, the years, the people, the places, the fashion, the experience and above all the nostalgia is captured forever in the reels of the film. Years later, when someone watches a film, the time captured in those reels of the film are revisited by the viewers and of course by the people who had contributed their time in the making and production of the film.

The 1982 released film “Saath- Saath” is one such film that will take the viewers of today back into the time of those years. Starring Farooque Sheikh and Deepti Naval in principal characters, supported by Satish Shah, Rakesh Bedi, Avatar Gill, Neena Gupta to name a few, the film can be segmented into the feel- good slice of life genre. Watching the film in the current times is almost like a trip back into time. It’s like a time machine that will take the viewers into the simple and peaceful world of the early eighties.

The simplicity in the making of the film topped up with the memorable songs sung by the soulful Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh are the key highlights of the film. They don’t make it like this anymore. The supporting cast of the film are also an important part to the narrative that adds the much -required humor and childish immaturity like people observe in their teens.

The story revolves around the complicated character of Avinash Verma, brilliantly portrayed by Farooque sheikh, who is the believer of the fact that there has been wealth inequality in the world and he wants to bring a change through his writings. During his days in the college, he comes across Geetanjali Gupta, played effectively by Deepti Naval. As the story moves ahead, Avinash and Geeta get along and eventually they decide to get married. Post marriage as Avinash starts feeling the burden of the responsibility for his family, Geeta observes a change in personality of Avinash as he gradually becomes attracted to money and wealth and transforms into a completely different person. The transformation has been depicted very practically by the writer and every viewer would connect with the transformation. Money do change the souls of the people. How do the characters come along from that point forms the basis of the second part of the film.

The film makes one think hard about the principals of honesty. As viewers see the transformation, they don’t end up disliking the character but the character is treated a part of the crowd.

The highlight of the film are the beautifully sung songs by Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh. Those songs are memorable and are still relevant in the music charts. The Song “Tumko Dekha toh yeh Khayal Aaya” will take the viewers to the nostalgic drive into the 80’s. “ Ye Tera Ghar Ye Mera Ghar” sung by Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh brings that cheerful feeling to the soul.  The lyrics have been written by Javed Akhtar and they bring about the essence of the story through the songs. There is another college track dedicated to the entire support cast ,  “Tum ko Pata Hai” is engaging and has a beautiful tone and rhythm and above a endearing choreography that brings a positive cheer to the mood.

The humor of the film is more of a character based rather than situation based. Certain character traits and reactions are used as base for humor.  

 Another aspect of the film that the viewers of today will surely notice is the geographical nostalgia that it brings. The film is shot in the Mumbai of early 80’s and we get to see a lot of it in many of the scenes. The viewers will also observe the fashion of the characters and differences in the fashion choices of the different characters.

Coming to the supporting cast, Satish Shah has the most important role, particularly in the second half of the film. The role has a mixture of humor and of a shrewd businessman.  However, the character will still be termed as a positive and practical one and not a grey one.

The film depicts a time when different formats of film found space among the viewers. In spite of not having any big stars in the film, it has successfully passed the test of time. The film also showcases that low budget films can have a big impact on the viewers if made with determination and honesty. Being in the frame in the current times is not easy, but the film continues to draw viewers, be it on TV, or OTT and or on the web.

“Saath- Saath” as a film is a nostalgic journey that every film lover should take on. The melodious songs and the performances of the actors will make this film a good family viewing time in current times. Watch it with your family, elders and revisit the by gone time and era.