Junoon | The Critique

Ruskin Bond’s works have a different sense of romance, the one people might consider sinful but the protagonist doesn’t see it any differently. Shyam Benegal works have very subtle realism blended with drama and emotions without going overboard. Junoon is a perfect blend of both artists’ brilliance. Made by Benegal and based on Bond’s novella A Flight Of Pigeons, Junoon which literally means Obsession is very true to its translation.

 

Set in 1857, when India struggles for independence, Javed falls in love with a teenaged British girl Ruth. Against Ruth’s and Mariam’s (Ruth’s mother) wishes they are brought into the Muslim household. Javed’s wife Firdaus objects to his wish of marrying Ruth. His brother Sarfaraz is a fighter against British and even he opposes Javed’s action. In turbulent times, world has turned upside down for the British family. Man of house is dead and they are living a life of destitute. A brilliant script, impressive narrative and outstanding performances complements direction of perhaps the best filmmaker of alternate cinema.

 

Shashi Kapoor as Javed, Naseeruddin Shah as Sarfaraz, Shabana as Firdaus and Jennifer as Mariam simply excelled in their individual roles and were complemented well by actors like Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Nafisa Ali and Sushma Seth. Jennifer deserves a special note. She is one of the most underrated actresses of this country. Technically Shyam Benegal’s movies have been excellent. Junoon is no exception. One scene deserves a special note where warriors return home, that one scene was at par with a similar scene from Gone With The Wind. I hope that summarizes well.

 

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh