Pyaasa | 100 Years Of Indian Cinema | Under Lens

Across the world Guru Dutt is known as a path breaking filmmaker. Much of all adulation is for two special movies Kaagaz Ke Phool and Pyaasa. Rated amongst the best in Cinema, Pyaasa reinvented plot devices and presented a story that changed how West perceived Indian mainstream cinema. 

 

Vijay is a talented poet who is unable to make a living. His love marries a rich man. A prostitute who is in love with his poetry tries to provide some consolation which he is not able to accept. A typical Devdas-like setting largely makes up for the first half. It’s the second half which makes Pyaasa such a classic. The rich man tries to exploit his talent after he is assumed to be dead. He is lauded. People who shunned him in his early days try to make a legend out of his grave. But he is not dead. Rival to the rich man try to use him as a medium to settle scores. Disgusted with the hypocrisy, Vijay leaves them for his own peace.

 

Pyaasa is a scathing statement on the diabolical ways of world. The contrast between rich and poor, in words and actions, subtly highlights the need of socialism in this country. The influence of market forces on liberal arts is boldly shown. Different relationships, especially the one between Vijay and Gulabo (prostitute), are beautifully explored. The element of disgust fades away slowly and mutual admiration seeps in. Love, in traditional way, is not allowed to influence the narrative as it would have been unrealistic. In the climax, the way Vijay denounces the world, its simply brilliant. Light and sound effects add a heavenly touch to a rather simple scene. No wonder, Pyaasa is rated among the best in World as all-time greatest films.

 

Trivia: Guru Dutt wanted Dileep Kumar to play Vijay but he declined. Pyaasa turned out to be a critical and box-office success rated among the best in cinema. Dileep Kumar also declined Lawrence Of Arabia (role later played by Omar Sharif). Another all-time greatest film. Omar Sharif also got an Oscar nomination.