Junoon (1979)

Set during the 1857 War of Independence, an obsessed Indian Nawab desires to wed a young Anglo-Indian woman, but the girl's obstinate mother stands between them.

Director:

Shyam Benegal

Writers:

Shyam Benegal, Ruskin Bond (story),

Stars:

Jalal Agha, Nafisa Ali, Tom Alter

7 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Jalal Agha	...	Kader Khan
Nafisa Ali	...	Ruth Labadoor
Tom Alter	...	Priest
Shabana Azmi	...	Firdaus (Javed's wife)
Ismat Chughtai	...	Maternal Grandmother of Ruth Labadoor
Benjamin Gilani	...	Rashid Khan
Karan Kapoor
Kunal Kapoor
Sanjana Kapoor
Shashi Kapoor	...	Javed Khan
Geoffrey Kendal
Jennifer Kendal	...	Mrs. Mariam Labadoor (Ruth's mom)
Kulbhushan Kharbanda	...	Lalal Ramjimal
Deepti Naval	...	Rashid's wife
Pearl Padamsee	...	Bitter woman

Storyline

The movie chronicles the period of 1857 to 1858 when the soldiers of the East India Company mutinied and many smaller kingdoms joined the soldiers in the hope of regaining their territories from the English. The movie is shown from the perspective of one of the leaders of the fight (Shashi Kapoor).

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Plot Keywords:

singer | based on novella | murder of priest | muslim | church | 

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Details

Country:

India

Language:

Hindi English

Release Date:

30 March 1979 (India)

Also Known As:

A Flight of Pigeons

Company Credits

Production Co:

Film-Valas

Technical Specs

Runtime:

141 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

User Reviews

Haunting, unforgettable

I've seen this movie twice, and liked it even better the second time. Right from the title scene of the crazy-looking "pir", the atmosphere created is gripping and unforgettable.

The events of 1857 were shocking in their violence, and neither the British nor the rebels showed themselves to be very honorable. The word "junoon" (obsession) connotes a tinge of madness, and that kind of madness is a very appropriate way to view the period. The "love story" is also suffused with the same out-of-control emotion. (Also, only a crazy man would want to leave Shabana Azmi for another woman, even one as gorgeous as the young Nafisa Ali!) Shyam Benegal has made a masterpiece that captures that feeling visually.

Now, if only they would convert this film to DVD, I would buy it in a second.

"That Pathan, he's looking at me."