Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)

A popular director recruits a new actress to work for his Movie. The popularity of the movie spills over to the already strained relationship between the Director and his in-law leading to ... See full summary »

Director:

Guru Dutt

Writers:

Abrar Alvi (story), Abrar Alvi (dialogue)

Stars:

Waheeda Rehman, Guru Dutt, Kumari Naaz

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Waheeda Rehman	...	Shanti
Guru Dutt	...	Suresh Sinha
Kumari Naaz	...	Pramila Sinha (as Baby Naaz)
Johnny Walker	...	Rocky
Mahesh Kaul	...	Rai Bahadur Verma
Veena	...	Veena Varma / Veena Sinha
Minoo Mumtaz	...	Veterinarian
Nilofar	...	(as Nilofer)
Ruby Mayer	...	(as Sulochna Devi)
Sheela Vaz	...	(as Sheila Vaz)
Vikram Kapoor	...	(as Bikram Kapoor)
Mehmood	...	Suresh Sinha's brother
Mohan Choti
Munshi Munakka	...	(as Munshi Munaqqa)
Haroon

Storyline

A popular director recruits a new actress to work for his Movie. The popularity of the movie spills over to the already strained relationship between the Director and his in-law leading to ban in his access to his own daughter. Due to the emotional turmoils, the director falls from the height, while the actress who is now the queen of industry tries to bring him back into world.

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Plot Keywords:

director | in laws | drinking | sweater | custody battle | 

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Genres:

Musical | Romance

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Details

Country:

India

Language:

Hindi

Release Date:

28 November 1984 (France)

Also Known As:

Paper Flowers

Filming Locations:

Modern Studio, Andheri, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ajanta Pictures, Guru Dutt Films Pvt. Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

148 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was India's second widescreen film; it used the CinemaScope process.

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Connections

Referenced in Pagdating sa dulo (1971)

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Soundtracks

"Hum Tum Jise Kehta Hai Shaadi"
Sung by Mohammad Rafi
Music composed by Sachin Dev Burman
Lyrics by Kaifi Azmi

User Reviews

Like Poetry On Canvas

Dutt's 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' (Paper Flower) very much reflects his own life story. It can be described as poetry on canvas as it's beautiful, lyrical, agonizing, heartbreaking and a treat to watch. The legendary Guru Dutt pretty much lived the life of the famous painters whose works gained appreciation only after their tragic departure. Dutt's other masterpiece, 'Pyaasa' parallels this. Sadly, 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' was a commercial failure after its release. Ironically this is also shown in the film as Sinha's last film is a commercial disaster. Both 'Pyaasa' and 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' somewhat parallel this genius's life.

The cinematography has always been a highlight of Dutt's films. The use of lighting is very good as it emphasizes the somberness. The light beaming on the screen during the premier of Sinha's 'Devdas' and the spotlight on the main characters during the interval song are examples of the skillful use of light. The overlapping images, the close-ups, and the long-shots all work effectively.

Among the songs, it is the unforgettable 'Waqt Ne Kiya', sung by the late Geeta Dutt, that stands out. It's both shot beautifully and the lyrics are magic as it expresses the silent emotions conveyed between the two protagonists. 'Dekhi Zamaane Ki Yaari' is also a good track. The rest of the songs range from okay to adequate. The Johnny Lever track could have easily been left out. The character itself was not really necessary.

The relationship between Sinha and his estranged wife seems a little hazy. Perhaps it was a good idea not too put too much focus on them as the film was mainly about Suresh and Shanti's relationship. The characters of Mrs. Sinha and her parents are very caricaturish.

The chemistry between the enigmatic Guru Dutt and the luminous Waheeda Rehman is electric. They convey so much without saying anything. As Sinha says, 'We have always understood each other'.

While 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' has its flaws (which I think are very few), it is essentially a beautiful powerful classic. The storytelling is simple without being too emotionally manipulative or preachy. 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' is a gift to cinema.