Monday, May 27, 2013

# Naya Daur Review.

Friends in the series of presenting and revisiting reviews of classic films from vintage film magazines presented herewith is the review of a all time classic movie 'Naya Daur'(1957) taken from Filmfare 13th September 1957 issue. 


























Since due to inconvenient format and big size of the magazine this page couldn't be able to scanned up properly without getting cropped from sides hence i am presenting the text of this review also.

"A powerful and vibrantly gripping picture,B.R.Films' "Naya Daur" is a distinctly successful combination of pertinent social education and moral, and top rate entertainment.

Set in a little village which is distinguished for the happy camaraderie and genuine affection which exists between the simple people who live in it, the picture poses the problem of man-power versus machinery.

The story revolves round the innovation into the artisan community of a machine which leaves the villagers jobless and unhappy. The drama rises when the villagers led by their favourite, Shankar, set out to prove that they can beat the machine. They agree to prove their worth and literally stake their future welfare on a race between Shankar's tonga and the young zamindar's bus.

The dramatic build-up derives an added fillip from the misunderstanding between two fast friends-who are almost symbolic of the erstwhile unity and happy compactness of the villagers and the elder zamindar-over the girl they both love.

How the villagers win their prestige under Shankar's guidance and because of his courage,integrity and belief, all of which makes it possible for the tonga to race in ahead of the bus, is told in an enthralling manner, rich in suspense and thrills,lit with a vast human appeal and, above all, brilliantly translated by the main portrayals.
The screenplay, despite that the fact it tends to be too lengthy, especially in some of the sequences, is coherent and the inherently fascinating motion picture story develops along logical lines to the dramatic high point and the thrilling climax, in which the young zamindar is made to realize his mistakes by his father, the two friends are reconciled and each has found his own sweetheart, and the villagers are happily restored to their old state of quiet peace and ample means.

The performances are good, with Dilip Kumar, as Shankar, turning in a portrayal which is utterly magnificent in every phase and mood. The second-best performance comes from Ajit who, as his bosom friend and rival in love, acts with a fine sense of balance between rough virility and masculine sentiment.   
Vyjayanthimala, in the role of the woman they both love, fails to fully portray what is actually a plum role. Inadequate as regards the dramatic side of the role, she is excellent in the dance sequences, displaying her undeniable talent and versatile grace. Chand Usmani in the other romantic role is very good and never loses a chance to give the character rich, meaningful expression.
The support is superb, with Johny walker in an extraneous role providing the most scrumptious fun and incredibly delicious foolery we have yet seen.

The music is definitely one of the assets of the production and O.P.Nayyar deserves a special over-sized bouquet to himself for his absolutely brilliant music score.
The dances are beautifully composed and executed, but the presentation of the Bhangra numbers could have been much better. The dance sequence featuring Kumkum and Minoo Mumtaz is a perfect piece.

The production values, specially Malhotra's superb photography, are impeccable." 

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