Upkar
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| Upkar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Manoj Kumar |
| Written by | Manoj Kumar |
| Produced by | Harkishen R. Mirchandani R. N. Goswami |
| Starring | Manoj Kumar Asha Parekh Prem Chopra Pran |
| Cinematography | V. N. Reddy |
| Edited by | B. S. Glaad |
| Music by | Kalyanji Anandji |
Production company | Vishal Pictures |
| Distributed by | Vishal Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 175 min. |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Upkar (transl. Favour) is a 1967 Indian Hindi film directed by Manoj Kumar. The film held the top spot at the box office in 1967 and was the highest-grossing movie of the year.[1] It was Manoj Kumar's directorial debut film. The film was highly acclaimed, winning awards for best film, best director, best story, best dialog, and best lyrics.[2]
The film was inspired by India's prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri who suggested that Kumar make a film based on his motto for India, "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan" (English: "Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer").[2] Set in the backdrop of a Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Upkar celebrates village life and the contributions of farmers and soldiers to India. It stars Prem Chopra, Asha Parekh, Kamini Kaushal, Pran, and Madan Puri.
Plot
A village man, Bharat (Manoj Kumar), sacrifices everything for his brother's education. The brother, Puran, goes to study in the city and becomes attracted to the high-society lifestyle. Puran becomes a selfish man and returns to the village wanting to sell his share of the family's property. Bharat is unwilling to divide the property and transfers the disputed land to Puran's son.
When the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 begins, Bharat goes to the war front. With the help of his greedy uncle Charandas and some partners, Puran tries to profit by hoarding and selling grains on the black market. Puran eventually discovers Charandas' plan to separate the two brothers. Ridden with guilt and shame, Puran surrenders to the police.
Bharat fights bravely in the war but is captured by the enemy. He escapes but is badly injured and loses both hands. When Bharat returns home as a war hero, Puran apologizes to him. The two brothers remain in the village where they farm the family fields together.
Cast
- Manoj Kumar – Bharat
- Mahesh Kothare – Younger Bharat
- Asha Parekh – Dr. Kavita
- Prem Chopra – Puran ‘Kumar’
- Kanhaiyalal – Lala Dhaniram
- Pran – Malang Chacha
- David – Major saab
- Kamini Kaushal – Radha
- Asit Sen – Lakhpati
- Tun Tun – Lakhpati's Wife
- Madan Puri – Charan Das
- Manmohan – Kavita's Brother
- Aruna Irani – Kamli
- Manmohan Krishan – Bisna
- Sunder – Sunder
- Gulshan Bawra – Som
- Mohan Choti – Mangal
- Laxmi Chhaya – Guest dancer in "Gulabi Raat Gulabi"
Production
Background
According to an interview with Manoj Kumar, Rajesh Khanna was originally signed for the film. However, he won the All India Talent Contest and had to withdraw from the film. Prem Chopra replaced him.[3]
Some portions of Upkar were filmed in Rajkamal Kala-mandir studio, Kamal studio, Gurudatt studio, and Mehaboob studio. However, the principal photography took place in Nangal Thakran village in Delhi state. The film unit borrowed bullock carts and plows from the villagers for filming. Bharat's house and field were actual locations in the village, including the field where the"Mere Desh Ki Dharti " song was filmed.[4] The cast and production stayed in Delhi during most of the filming in Nangal Thakran, traveling to the village each morning for filming. However, they stayed in the village during the filming of night sequences.
Soundtrack
The film was scored by Kalyanji Anandji. Qamar Jalalabadi, Indeevar, Gulshan Bawra, and Sitaram Dhawan wrote the lyrics for the songs.
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Deewanon Se Ye Mat Poocho" | Qamar Jalalabadi | Mukesh |
| 2 | "Kasme Waade Pyar Wafa" | Indeevar | Manna Dey |
| 3 | "Mere Desh Ki Dharti" | Gulshan Bawra | Mahendra Kapoor |
| 4 | "Aayi Jhoomke Basant" | Prem Dhawan | Asha Bhosle, Shamshad Begum, Mahendra Kapoor & Manna Dey |
| 5 | "Gulabi Raat Gulabi" | Indeevar | Asha Bhosle |
| 6 | "Har Khushi Ho Wahan" | Gulshan Bawra | Lata Mangeshkar |
| 7 | "Yeh Kali Raat Kali" | Indeevar | Mohd. Rafi |
Reception
The music from the film was highly successful. The song "Mere Desh Ki Dharti" (transl. Land of my country) is played during Republic day and Independence Day of India.[2]
Awards and nominations
Won
- Best Film – V. I. P. Films
- Best Director – Manoj Kumar
- Best Supporting Actor – Pran
- Best Lyricist – Gulshan Bawra for "Mere Desh Ki Dharti"
- Best Story – Manoj Kumar
- Best Dialogue – Manoj Kumar
- Best Editing – B. S. Glaad
Nominated
- Best Actor – Manoj Kumar
- Best Music Director – Kalyanji–Anandji
- Best Male Playback Singer – Mahendra Kapoor for "Mere Desh Ki Dharti"
Other Awards
- National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film -- Manoj Kumar[5]
- National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Mahendra Kapoor for the song "Mere Desh Ki Dharti"[5]
- BFJA Award for Best Dialogue (Hindi) – Manoj Kumar[6]
References
- ^ "Worth Their Weight in Gold! - Box Office India: India's premier film trade magazine". Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
- ^ a b c "Upkar — film born of churn in newly-Independent India gave Bollywood a hit formula". 15 August 2021.
- ^ Manoj Kumar recounts the life and times of Rajesh Khanna on YouTube
- ^ "Story of a movie and a Delhi village". Hindustan Times. 12 January 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ^ a b The Times of India, Entertainment. "National Awards Winners 1967: Complete list of winners of National Awards 1967". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ "69th & 70th Annual Hero Honda BFJA Awards 2007". Archived from the original on 13 January 2009. Retrieved 8 January 2010.
External links