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Coming from a poor and destitute family, Urvashi is encouraged by her mother, Shanta (Sualbha Deshpande) to be on more than friendly terms with a much older male, Keshav Dalvi (Amol Palekar). Keshav takes a liking to young Urvashi, and encourages her to explore her talents in films, which she does, and does gain popularity, starting as a singer, than accomplishing herself as an actress/singer. She decides to marry Keshav, only to be discouraged by her own mother, but she is strong-willed, and does marry him. She has a baby girl after the marriage, but feels stifled and oppressed with Keshav, and has affairs with her co-star Rajan (Anant Nag), a film producer, Sunil Verma (Naseeruddin Shah), but ends up dissatisfied. Then she meets wealthy Vinayak Kale (Amrish Puri), and decides to settle down with him, little knowing that he is already married to another woman, and also has a son. By the time she finds out it is too late, she has already been accepted in his household, and any woman, whether his own mother(Dina Pathak), his present handicapped wife, and even Urvashi have to follow the rules laid down – no women can leave the house under any circumstances, except after death.
Duration: 142 min
Released: 1977
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 (281 Votes)
Genre: Drama, Hindi Movies
Stars: Amrish Puri, Anant Nag, Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil
Directors: Shyam Benegal
Writers: Girish Karnad, Satyadev Dubey, Shyam Benegal, Hansa Wadkar
Year: 1977
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Bhumika (1977): A Cinematic Journey into the Complex Life of an Actress
Introduction
Bhumika, a 1977 Hindi drama film, stands as a celebrated classic in Indian cinema. Directed by the renowned Shyam Benegal and starring the iconic Smita Patil along with Anant Nag, this film is much more than just a story about an actress; it is a profound exploration of identity, societal expectations, and the tumultuous journey of self-discovery. As one of the defining movies of parallel cinema in India, Bhumika delves deep into the personal and professional life of its protagonist, delivering a narrative that remains relevant even decades after its release.
What Is This Movie About?
Bhumika is inspired by the real-life story of Marathi actress Hansa Wadkar, capturing the complexities of her life and career. The story revolves around Usha, portrayed by Smita Patil, who embarks on a journey from a small town to the glamorous yet unforgiving world of cinema. The film traces her rise as a celebrated actress and her fluctuating personal relationships.
The narrative is poignant and multi-layered, capturing various phases of Usha's life — from her struggles as a young girl culturally confined by traditional norms to her attempts at carving a niche in films, navigating marriage, love, exploitation, and self-assertion. The movie does not merely highlight the glamour associated with acting but rather reveals the emotional costs endured by an actress balancing public adulation and private suffering.
The film's title itself, Bhumika, meaning 'role' in Hindi, metaphorically represents the various roles Usha plays – in society, in her family, and on screen. It questions the boundaries between an individual's true self and the identities imposed by society and cinema.
Main Actors
Additionally, the film boasts of a talented supporting cast whose performances enrich the narrative and provide insights into the societal contexts surrounding the protagonist.
Director and Writer
Shyam Benegal, the director of Bhumika, is a pivotal figure in Indian parallel cinema. Known for his socially relevant and artistically profound films, Benegal's direction in this movie masterfully balances the personal and political, the intimate and the societal.
The screenplay and writing were crafted by noted writers Shama Zaidi and Girish Karnad. Their collaborative writing delivers a compelling narrative structure, rich dialogues, and character development that authentically portray the challenges of a woman within the patriarchal frameworks of society and cinema.
Music and Songs
Although Bhumika is a film deeply rooted in the drama and life of an actress, its soundtrack plays a subtle yet important role in enhancing the movie's mood and themes. The music was composed by Bhaskar Chandavarkar, whose compositions help underline the emotional undertones without overpowering the narrative.
The songs in the film are sparse and reflective rather than typical Bollywood-style musical extravaganzas. They complement the storytelling by providing contemplative moments rather than commercial appeal. Notable songs include soulful melodies rendered by singers like Yesudas and Suresh Wadkar, whose voices lend authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.
Legacy and Impact
Bhumika remains an important film in Indian cinema, especially for its realistic portrayal of a woman navigating the film industry. It challenged the conventional storytelling and representation of women in Hindi cinema during the 1970s. Smita Patil's performance set a benchmark for future actresses portraying complex female characters.
Shyam Benegal's direction and storytelling, combined with the exceptional acting and writing, led the film to receive critical acclaim, including several awards. It continues to be studied and appreciated for its cinematic craft and its courageous exploration of female autonomy and identity.
Conclusion
In summary, Bhumika (1977) is an evocative, emotionally stirring drama that transcends time. Through the heartfelt performance of Smita Patil and the visionary direction of Shyam Benegal, the film offers a compelling insight into the life of an actress burdened by multiple societal expectations and personal conflicts. It remains a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian cinema, women's narratives, and the art of storytelling.
To learn more or to experience the movie firsthand, you can visit the IMDb page here.
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