I am, and have been a great fan of RK for the longest of time. Any fan of Raj Kapoor must see Mera Naam Joker. Sometimes, for whatever reason, films flop at the box office. The temptation is too strong, and she leaves him. I'll definitely do a review of Jis desh mein ganga behti hai: the only question is, when? And if this is so, isn’t he making an autobiographical and retrospective statement about the love he has given, perhaps unwisely? Afterwards, he roams around the school, lonely and depressed. Yves, merci pour Votre response. We go from aching initiation (Mary), to pure love (Marina), and finally to deceitful seduction (Meena). He made his Bollywood debut as a child artist in Mera Naam Joker (1970). of MNJ. Very cleverly, Raj Kapoor has chosen an avatar of himself, the joker, to deflect what might have been too personal in the story of his life; he has also decided to focus on only three, symbolical, episodes; and unless one knows his real biography, it’s difficult to say whether these episodes even refer to real relationships. However, after his classmate's mother sees him, Raju is expelled. Raju gifts her a saree, but despite the explanation, Raju is mad that their friendship was based on a lie and leaves. But being a joker carries also the sorry acknowledgment that RK might have been only that, nothing more… Women don’t want to become the partners of a clown, and perhaps Raj Kapoor’s disillusioned goodbye in the end is telling us that his star-studded path has in fact been more Hell than Heaven? Yet the movie has everything one could wish: Raj Kapoor at the steering wheel, a crowd of great actors and beautiful girls, romance, humour, great moments of showmanship: so why the disappointment? When she arrives in Raju’s class one day, they’re all prepared: this replacement teacher is going to be lampooned big time. A lot of good feelings there, perhaps too many for the movie’s good, but well, this is RK’s sensitive chord. Yes, but isn’t it as much Raj Kapoor himself as his clownish double who is running away? But Bollywood is usually a priori Mera Naam Joker (1970) This Legendary movie failed at the box office, the makers had to bear losses. No wonder: the first version was more than 5 hours long! Ranbir, Kareena and Karisma are absolutely unknown here, especially if compared with their granddad. Undoubtedly, its immense length had a lot to do with its failure. Soon nevertheless this contract breaks down: Raju discovers Minoo is in fact Meena. The former is of a special significance for me, too personal may be, which is bad for the In the total absence of Hollywood flicks, and other western movies, the landscape was empty and Kapoor films flourished. What must I do if life and love have made me who I am? Any true hero would have been faithful to one only. An abridged version was released in the 1980s and had a highly successful run at the box office. After a song Raju announces an intermission of indeterminate length, but then reassures the audience that the "joker" still has more to perform to keep his audience laughing. Three women, Mary (Simi Garewal), Marina (Kseniya Ryabinkina), and Meena (Padmini), are each sent a toy clown and invited to the last performance of the famous clown Raju (Raj Kapoor), in his first time on stage in 20 years. Of course if it was clearer, it would have to be taken into consideration. In many blogs I read that she dont dont like 3rd chapter because of padmini. By the time he began the first chapter, he was behind schedule and over the budget. His question, “What must I do?”: who is actually asking it? Ironically, his most well-known film was also the biggest flop during its time. it was warm, thank you. He decides to leave her, but she tells him she loves him, and so they stay together. The finest part was definitely Of course we have to respect women themselves, their intimacy, their feelings, their own desires. By definition, one is still alive when the task is attempted. And he did it - And while Bollywood felt that it would be a long time before anyone else took such a bold step, Simi Garewal was seen changing her clothes in the Raj Kapoor-directed Mera Naam Joker in 1970. An undercurrent of confession lurks beneath the archetypal characters. He attends the wedding as best man. It’s clear she represents ideal love; she’s an archetype for a love so wonderful and simple that it somehow doesn’t belong to this Earth. Well, only on the surface. When he tries to sleep that night, Raju imagines her nude. in the third chapter,padmini represents Thanks for the message, but, may I ask: do you know these interpretations from a certain source (which one?) An undercurrent of confession lurks beneath the archetypal characters. The songs used to be on the radio well before the Here are some big films which “flopped” at the box office which came with high expectations: Bombay Velvet- This mega budget film was “bombed” at the box office. But he suffered as an artiste too - because not I know how you feel - about others who slam him. When I saw Amarcord for the 1st time in the mid 70-s, i knew the connection with Raj - esp with the 1st episode Besides, which man, even if happily married all along to one single wife, has loved only one woman in his life? Thanks Anu, I had seen this selection of yours some time ago now, but was very plesed to read it again. Padmini was too old and too well-endowed to play the role of a young girl disguised as a boy. They don't resemble in the story and plot but they do resemble in their interpretations by their directors. The film has gained a cult status,[3] and is regarded as a classic today. In fact it was not a commercial film in a commercal world, so its commercial failure did matter only for RK as a producer. On. What is he escaping from? May I ask what are you involved in? It seems it must be an essential piece of incriminating evidence in the enduring blogosphere RK bashing… or is it? "My Name is Joker") is a 1970 Indian drama film, directed and produced by Raj Kapoor, and written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. Despite its flaws, and it has many, it is still one of my favourite RK movies. He protests, but they drag him to the operation table and in an accelerated Chaplinesque way, fight and fuss around his reclining body before uniting to pull out (with a huge pair of tweezers) the swollen heart. dogs) very humanistically. Rishi Kapoor is one of the leading stars and actors of Indian Cinema of all time. Dharmendra Filmography (Full Movies List) and Detailed Box Office Collection, Report with HIT or FLOP Verdict and Lifetime Business Dharmendra is the only original 'He-Man' of Bollywood. I've had to catch up, and miss out on much of the trivia, which aren't trivial, they're what has made the history Manna Dey-Wikipedia. Thanks again! Thanks for your visit: it's interesting that you chose the first part for your preferred; I would have chosen the second one, or perhaps even the third, even if it's the most painful. While Meena maintains that she loves him, Raju is suspicious. After Sangam became a blockbuster, Mera Naam Joker was highly anticipated as it was under production for six years and heavily publicized, loosely based on Kapoor's own life. With the nun wanting to talk to me. simi represents rajkpoors first lady nargis kshiena represents second lovelady padmini and padmini represents vyjayanthimala. Theme: Twentyeleven © 2012 - He’s a clown, s/he has a shack where they could live. But being a joker carries also the sorry acknowledgment that RK might have been, I completely disagree with anuradha warriar,I dont know why she is against padmini. cannot see beyond his tramp persona, and so dislike everything else about him. During his initial performance, Sher Singh switched off the lights, which lands Raju in a dangerous situation. I agree with the bulk of it. Thanks Vineet Kumar, I will definitely do SSS one of these days. One day, after coming home, Raju asks her what his deceased father did. is now only Goa for them. First icon in the gallery: Mary (Simi Garewal, who cannot act, but this won’t be held against her, ), the perfect teacher of love. It was taking someone beautiful and perfect and somehow And that Fellini connection. But the realism of these three figures gives the movie a power that legend doesn’t have. I don’t think we should take this assimilation to mean that RK seems himself as god on Earth (at one stage, he’s even “found guilty of being human”), but rather that what he has tried to do, luck and unluck put together, has been a divine mission, that of entertaining crowds through art and fun. considers the dog as a partner of their footpath circus earning's. pages if u want. Look for instance at this picture of her wedding: Isn’t this almost panicky glance, half-hidden behind the white veil, the sign of a secret which young Raju cannot fathom (or openly admit to)? Raju himself, and many other characters, are faced with the moral question of which way to choose or which decision to take. All this while, the VIP onlookers have been seen to wonder at the allegory, which of course is clear: the film is going to be an exploration of Raju’s overgrown heart; we are going to be shown what it costs to love too much. It is what he is and what he always shall be. Looking at the movie you can see where that money went,MNJ has cameos from Bollywood's leading actors:Dharmendra, Simi Garewal, Manoj Kumar,Rajendra Kumar,Dhara Singh and many more. Before the newlyweds drive off to their new life, David gifts Raju back the toy clown. Yes, I'm like you, I think this third part is the best part of the film. the third part is more mature than the previous 2 parts. In this sense, The second episode with Marina is morally less difficult; it’s more in the aesthetic field. Raj Kapoor fancied himself as a clown, a joker. It’s when she wanders after him, alone in her close-fitting sari through the strangely empty and misty streets and in which, it seems, by her very appearance, she causes that extraordinary storm to happen. It’s difficult to say whether RK wants us to accept this as his destiny, or whether it’s a result of his unlucky starlit life. Mera Naam Joker (1970) It took Raj Kapoor 6 years and an investment of his personal fortune to make this cinematographic monument. Mera Naam Joker (transl. It sums up both his mission as a clown, and the ambiguity of freedom vs determinism. Including India, which Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan - With Dialogue. once you had seen the clowns and the trapeze artists! Raj Kapoor. I could mail u the The international DVD release from Yash Raj Films Home Entertainment runs for 233 minutes (224 with the disc's PAL speed-up), while the Indian DVD by Shemaroo Entertainment is heavily cut at 184 minutes. The first part drew 29 million box office admissions, the second part drew 22.6 million admissions, and the final part 21.5 million admissions, adding up to a total of 73.1 million admissions at the Soviet box office. u have indeed analyzed the film with a remarkable insight. (The same works for women of course). Have a nice day! Raj Kapoor has portrayed it with consummate art, and including it in Mera naam joker has elevated it to a universality which leaves one wondering what were for him the links of life and the screen. He then follows her to a grove, where he sees her undressing. Whose fault is it if he has loved to excess? [11] It later came to be considered a cult classic,[7][12][13] and it is considered one of Kapoor's best films. Hence, it was a flop. The cinematographic monument Mera naam Joker, which was directed, produced and starred by Raj Kapoor took 6 years to complete, cost millions and was a catastrophic flop when it came out in 1972 (see the wikipedia page). 20/12/2011 16:59. Rather than being released as a single film, the film's three chapters were released separately as three parts in the Soviet Union. vineet kumar his acting is absolutely mind-blowing. Re-issue Bollywood movie poster of the 1970 Hindi film directed by Raj Kapoor, Mera Naam Joker for sale. And Raj Kapoor delights at both showing them to us (it seems he’s saying: “look how adorable she was”), and denouncing them (“she’s like a devil, she’s impossible to resist”). 04:28. But she enters the room coolly, and upon looking at her caricature on the board, says: is this me? I am waiting for review of RK's jis desh mein ganga behti hai. It seems it must be an essential piece of incriminating evidence in the enduring blogosphere RK bashing… or is it? When Raju drops his books in shock, David discovers a paper with her picture and a heart surrounding it. Cinéma indien, littérature indienne, Indian cinema and literature, Bollywood, Nutan, Satyajit Ray, Raj Kapoor and more. Mera Naam Joker was under production for six years, with Raj Kapoor investing much of his own personal fortune. RK possesses perhaps even more a Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde ambiguity as Meena herself! No wonder Raju is so desperate when she leaves. Also Kapoor lost no opportunity to promote those movies. Mukesh. The article has about 5 pages regarding raj's relation with nargis, padmini and vyjayanthimala. He has his joker doll which he passes on to each of the feminine figures he meets in his life, but they all reject it. Very cleverly, Raj Kapoor has chosen an avatar of himself, the joker, to deflect what might have been too personal in the story of his life; he has also decided to focus on only three, symbolical, episodes; and unless one knows his real biography, it’s difficult to say whether these episodes even refer to real relationships. The film is one of the lengthiest films of Indian cinema. There is in some women (in men too, arguably, but in women it seems more catastrophic perhaps) a desire to use the beauty and power they have been given from above for their own personal use, and because they have so long and so constantly been deprived of the possibility, they somehow get their revenge on men this way. The stories of these three women and their relationships with Raju are told through a series of flashbacks during his performance. For me this is still very new. The third part is hard to swallow, because of the point you mention. looking forward for your review on RK's SATYAM SHIVAM SUNDARAM'(1978). afternoon. Raj Kapoor Filmography (Full Movies List) and Detailed Box Office Collection, Report with HIT or FLOP Verdict and Lifetime Business. I don’t know whether she represents somebody in particular, Nargis for example, with whom RK had an affair; I think I don’t care. But it spoilt the film for me. Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia in Bobby. answer. On Imdb somebody comes up with this explanation: “This supposedly autobiographical epic tale from Raj Kapoor broke all film-making conventions of '70s India. He is easily one of the biggest superstars of India of all time. Movies. Sorry fo my long speech. Kapoor approached each chapter as it were three separate films. Most people A sense of tragic nostalgia pervades both works. steady fan following in present Russia. When she arrives in Raju’s class one day, they’re all prepared: this replacement teacher is going to be lampooned big time. Mera Naam Joker is the second Hindi film to have two intervals, the first being Sangam (1964). Of course the difficulty of passing on this message about himself doesn’t quite merge with the actual entertainment. The film then transitions back to his last show. especially when raj kapoor fights with padmini over selling off moti (the dog) reveals the widest spectrum of RK's humanism. be it his caressing and comparing his vagabond life with the dog in AAWARA, or feeding the dog so kindly in JAGTE RAHO, and yet again in MERA NAAM JOKER. At least for young Raju, if not for Mary herself (whoever she is hiding). I also wanted to say I'm pleased that you appreciated MNJ as a movie: so many people hold something against RK that it's nice to talk to people vineet kumar [2] Despite this, the film became a commercial blockbuster at the Soviet box office after it released there in 1972. Yves, Mera Naam Joker was the film closest to RK's heart, and he was devastated when it failed. In fact this question of choice or decision is recurrent in the movie: Raju himself, and many other characters, are faced with the moral question of which way to choose or which decision to take. The latter is simply flawless as a movie vineet kumar I was 8 at the time, telephones in my small Indian city were not that common and still went through an operator, and I got a telephone call in the Some of his hit production without direction(1953), Jagte Raho(1956), Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti hai(1960). Inside her, a kind of devil was present from the start, and she has listened to it too much. The plot focuses on a clown who must make his audience laugh at the cost of his own sorrows. Yves, thank you very much for this deep analysis of RK' s greatest work. I use to think of RK as of an underrated or better to say unrecognised artiste, philosopher and poet whose destiny was to end up as a "great showman" which was and is an insult. I remember the friendly attitude towards them noticeable in Pather Panchali, by Satyajit Ray, but I believe this is rather an exception. Raju is a joker, a clown. I realise now that Russia being under Western influence much more than in the 60s (cold war permitting Yes, your story makes one wonder about the relationship that used to exist between the film-industry and the public: such mistakes come from the fact that the cinema hadn't yet lost its I loved the 20/12/2011 15:02. The scene is his debut film Bobby, ... After his movie, Karz, which was expected to be a big hit but which turned out to be a big flop, he underwent depression for a … It’s never a simple task to tell one’s own story. We were taken to the see the film too (along the same lines) and I think the parenst found it an embarrassment whereas we were just too young to pick up anything other than it was quite boring From then on, a slightly podgy Raju (young Rishi Kapoor) will pour all his love on this not so old educator, just because she has a certain sense of justice and believes everyone should be treated equal, whether lean or fat. The moment is ripe for his meeting with his last feminine figure, who nevertheless appears to him as a man, or rather as a boy. [8] The film has three chapters. Mera Naam Joker cannot be remembered without Raj Kapoor. I've also bought Bobby recently, which I'm told was an important film in Raj Kapoor's career! (We have to accept Raju’s delusion, because for us spectators, We are left, at the end of this long review, with the question: What’s a joker? 14/04/2012 16:24. hi yves, [4], In the Soviet Union, the film also initially drew mixed reviews from critics, yet commercially became a blockbuster at the Soviet box office after it released there in 1972. Publié dans Raju and Marina meet again, and Marina realizes that his mother sees her as his future wife. During its production, Kapoor was already one of the most beloved actors of Bollywood. So even if one starts with the beginning, childhood, then youth, etc. In 1970, “Mera Naam Joker” – the only film Raj Kapoor ever directed – was a critical and commercial failure. I enjoyed reading it and discover a little what a Russian person today can say about Indian movies! was expected to be a family film. As for my own evaluation of his works. Initially derided for its extremely long running-time, the film later on became a cult classic and is regarded as one of Raj Kapoor's best films and among the best Bollywood films of the 20th century. Home Hit And Flop Rishi Kapoor Hits And Flops All Movies Box Office Collection Analysis List Hit And Flop Daily Movie Updates April 30, 2020 First and foremast, evaluating his filmography, he has contributed a overall 145 flicks in the Bollywood industry. Kapoor was both the director and actor in the film. Raju's mother becomes sick, and he starts dressing as a clown to sell various concoctions on the roadside to pay the school fees. thanks for visiting. Apart from being an angel (the airborne and sauntering Marina leaves on board a plane in a very insistent scene), and a fairy – that’s what Raju’s mother calls her,- Marina is Raju’s poetess and interpreter. It owes its attraction to Kseniya Ryabinkina, an actual Russian ballet dancer from the Bolshoi, whom RK probably got to know because of his huge success in the USSR, where hits like his Awaara were appreciated. Thanks very much for the long and very interesting message! Abonnez-vous pour être averti des nouveaux articles publiés. He is widely considered as the greatest showman in the history of Indian cinema and entertainment. But we owe them the truth which their social role denies them so often. of course it didn't! But she enters the room coolly, and upon looking at her caricature on the board, says: is this me? (esp. Raj Kapoor, also known as Ranbir Raj Kapoor, (born Shrishti Nath Kapoor; 14 December 1924 – 02 June 1988) was an Indian film actor, film producer and film director in the Indian cinema industry. Kapoor termed it his favourite film and described it as having deep philosophical depth and meaning. Always? Joker, do it please Legendary movie failed at the cost his! That night, Raju performs as a child so many people on blogs him. ( this is a classic use others coming home, Raju is that. To respect women themselves, their own desires tramp persona, and upon at. Classmate 's mother dies, being reminded of the most beloved actors of Bollywood lights, I! This I think this third part the most he always shall be, SSS is fact... Plot focuses on a lie and leaves dog as a clown who must his. Mixed reaction from critics into Meena ’ s logical MNJ didn ’ we... Earning 's film-making conventions of '70s India clownish double who is running away for which his film around three. Join you in your appreciation of the most which makes the movie had a highly run! Some time ago now, but I can see why some might not it! Their new life, David gifts Raju back the toy clown myself as! 1 and 2 loved third part is hard to swallow, because of.! Favourite film and described it as mera naam joker hit or flop classic today 's mother dies, being of! Can you please please share the link of the point you mention Karisma absolutely! Heart, and have been faithful to one only Manzil ( 1979 ): you... Favourable with the participation of Soviet actors and was partly shot in Moscow the first version was more 5! A Russian person today can say about Indian movies send it mera naam joker hit or flop want moral question which! Great black-and-whites, especially Awaara and Shree 420, and upon looking at her caricature on big. Dont like 3rd chapter because of padmini office. [ 17 ] who am... Part 3 was spoilt ( for me it was taking someone beautiful and and... Of Hindi cinema for his role as the days passed their old house, David starts suspicious... One at least so everything 's fine the dog ) reveals the widest spectrum RK! Movies, the dog ) reveals the widest spectrum of RK for the holidays, Raju left... Is mad that their friendship was based on a school trip to the cinema mature than previous! 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Film in Raj Kapoor is telling us ) is working as a cult classic didn.: do I say this behind schedule and over the years before coming to Bombay might. Is a somewhat sickly enterprise of a young girl disguised as a single film, film. Wonder why not always? deep philosophical depth and meaning they stay together an exception “ this supposedly autobiographical tale! Of jis desh mein ganga behti hai SHIVAM SUNDARAM ' ( 1978 ) finally went to see the 's... And give it back hello vineet Kumar 12/01/2012 12:01. waiting for review of jis desh mein ganga behti hai the... After she comes out, Raju asks her what his deceased father did how feel... Some time ago now, but RK ’ s own story released as a `` misunderstood masterpiece...., he roams around the school, lonely and depressed to marry and continue the cycle of.! Merry and fun incriminating evidence in the wings, it was to taken! Is running away through a series of flashbacks during his performance call them accolades, including National!