Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974)

Sadly Over-hyped

Boring

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I was expecting more from a movie that was such a blockbuster and winner of several filmfare awards. Notwithstanding the amazing suspension of disbelief requirement, contrived song sequences and coincidences that were considered staple of Indian films of that time, the plot themes are so mixed up on purpose to get full 'masala' that you have a potpourri of a love triangle, family drama of a joint family, patriotism, secularism, and a social and political commentary - all of which are half baked and poorly done. This film was made in 1974 when youth unemployment and poverty were big issues. Indira Gandhi had won the previous general elections in 1971 on a 'Garibi Hatao' or 'Banish Poverty' manifesto, and then failed to deliver on these fronts because of her continued socialist/crypto-communist agenda. Yet, and most disappointingly and dishonestly, the film blames all evils on dhoti clad lalas and banias, while absolving the political leadership by explicitly relaying Indira Gandhi's 15th Aug broadcast, showing Vote Congress graffiti and singing paeans to socialism. Actually I have lost a lot of respect for the cinema going public of India of those times and for Manoj Kumar as well after watching this silly film. Even my favorite singer Mukesh sounded off-key in all songs.

Of course, In Tamil nadu in 1974 very few schools taught Hindi. Fortunately I studied in the ISC stream, and so could understand the movie to a large extent. This movie, though released in 1974, we could see it only in 1975 summer,as we were in rural tamil nadu.1974 was very troublesome for youngsters of the country.There was no clear direction for us. TV was unknown then.at least in Tamil Nadu.We had very few role models. Traditional heroes of tamil films for not talking of honesty and trustworthiness. There was this Railways strike In the news we were constantly bombarded with cases streaking " running without dress"; including Indian cities. This movie helped us to have role models. There were several of them. Of course sardarji was one. The jawan who dies suppressing his cough. zeenath having the gun wound yet expressing love. Moushmi chatterji fighting injustice in the end. people views on the same scene differ. Amitabh driving with a single hand was sorry...is thrilling even to think of it. Amitabh as a college student getting slap for trying to join with wrong forces in the beginning of the movie, all very vivid in the memory,for I had to see the movie in theaters. I enjoyed every bit. I saw two times. I don't mind if the movie was too cinematic. We need such stories to stimulate our younger generation. Now I am a community based paediatrician with 25 years experience. I will certainly recommend to my children

Along with Kranti definitely one of Manoj Kumars best movies. And also on e of the best movies ever made in India. Also this is the first movie that co starred the later hit jodi of Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi kapoor (not counting the movie Bombay Talkies in which Shashi was the leading man and Amitabh an extra whos scene had been cut from the movie). A great cast compromsing of Manoj Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Moushumi Chatterjee, Dheeraj Kumar, Madan Puri, Kamini Kaushal, Raza Murad, Aruna Irani, Manmohan and many many others. The story has a few subplots which are done very well. Though Amitabh Bachchan has a supporting role of maybe 50 to 60 minutes max, he is the scenestealer! As usual! The role portryed by premNath was written for and offered to Pran who turned it down because he had just played a similar role in Amitabh's Zanjeer. Manoj Kumar could not handle this and never offered Pran another role again.The songs are all good but the best of the lot is actually Main Na Bhoolunga (part 2).

If compared with other Indian commercial films, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan does not have much flow.I'm not sure about the status and the financial conditions of the Indian singers at the present time. But this film indicates that, during the 70's, even the best singers would get nowhere with their talents. In this film, Manuj Kumar is a singer with a legendry voice (Mukesh), yet he has neither fame nor money.If talented singers did make a good living out their arts in India during the 70's, then this is perhaps the film's big flaw.But overall, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan is probably one of Bollywood's few films that actually makes sense.The direction, acting and story line are superb. The songs are related to the story, and are always inspiring to listen to.Most Bollywood's films are hardly watch able, but it will be a pleasure to watch this one more than twice.