Shree 420 (1955)

Director:

Raj Kapoor

Writers:

Khwaja Ahmad Abbas (story)
Khwaja Ahmad Abbas (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

6 September 1955 (India)

Genre:

Musical | Drama | Romance

Plot:

Wearing torn Japanese shoes, English trousers, a red Russian cap, and a Hindustani heart, orphaned Ranbir Raj comes to Bombay to make his fortune...

Plot Keywords:

Love | Money | Laundry | Teacher | School

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

Nargis	...	Vidya Omkarnath Shastri
Nadira	...	Maya
Raj Kapoor	...	Ranbir Raj / Raj Kumar of Pipli
Nemo	...	Seth Sonachand Dharmanand
Lalita Pawar	...	Ganga Mai
M. Kumar
Hari Shivdasani	...	Philachand
Nana Palsikar	...	Gambler with goatee
Bhudo Advani	...	Gambler
Pesi Patel		(as Pessi Patel)
Ramesh Sinha
Rashid Khan	...	Radiwala
Sheelavaz		(as Sheila Vaaz)
S.P. Berry
Kathana

Also Known As:

Mister 420 (UK) (subtitle)
Mr. 420
Shri 420 (India: Hindi title) (alternative transliteration)

Runtime:

168 min

Country:

India

Language:

Hindi

Color:

Black and White

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

India:U | UK:U

Filming Locations:

R.K. Studios, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Company:

R.K. Films Ltd.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Kilukkam (1991)

Soundtrack:

O Jaanewale Mud Ke

Beautiful, meaningful, funny, sad, and always relevant

Raj Kapoor's social dramedy "Shree 420" is a real gem. His character represents the common man who is lost in a world dominated by the rich and famous. His character, in an amazingly dizzy combination of comedy and drama, is unforgettable. He is sad, he is lonely, he does not know what the future plans for him, so he just prefers to forget it all, to be cynical and laugh about his misery. He falls in love with a beautiful young woman called Vidya and wants to succeed on his own moral terms, but it's just impossible when the society is stereotypical and cruel. After being introduced to the world of gamblers by a vulgar dancer named Maya where he can use his talent for card manipulation, he decides to use his skills and become part of this corrupted society.When he wants to comeback, it's perhaps too late. Such was the lot for simple people of that time.

Raj Kapoor makes a fantastic job in terms of acting and directing. As a director, he pays attention to details and makes sure all the required elements of the film are done realistically. As an actor, he delivers a terrific performance. His comic timing is top-notch, his pain is well-evident, and he makes his character's transformation from a simple funny guy to a sophisticated gambler to a serious and unhappy businessman brilliantly. Nargis, as his beloved, is just splendid in this film. She is presented as the epitome of goodness, Indian female beauty, purity and modesty. She was a superb actress by all the possible standards. It goes without saying that Kapoor and Nargis had the most powerful on-screen chemistry of their time.

I liked the realistic portrayal of life in urban Bombay of the 50s. The film is thoroughly interesting and entertaining, it has a wide range of emotions and memorable moments. My favourite scene is when Nargis' character comes to the casino and she is publicly humiliated by Nadira's Maya. She starts crying quietly and restrainedly while Kapoor looks at her. It is a wonderfully acted scene. The film's music is considered to be an all-time classic, and rightfully so. My favourite songs are "Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua" and "Ramaiya Vastavaiya" which are not only melodious and memorable but also very beautifully pictured in the film. "Shree 420" has it all, superb comedy, powerful drama, charming romance. It is full of hope, love and optimism, and can be easily described not only as one of Raj Kapoor's best, but also as one of Indian cinema's finest.