For a film that released in 1974, this one was remarkably ahead of its time. It addressed campus issues like stalking, harassment, bullying, sexual assault and victim- shaming. And it also dealt with teacher- student relationships in a surprisingly refreshing manner, while keeping away from stereotypes and heavy-handed, preachy scenarios.
The best part of the film is (but of course!) the idealistic, strong-willed lecturer Pramod Sharma, so ably played by Vinod Khanna. Even the dark, solid-rimmed spectacles that he sports can’t conceal his dashing good looks and personality. No comments please, I’m a fan. He is well supported by Tanuja- always a delight to watch and Abhi Bhattacharya.
But the surprise of the film is Bindu who plays Rita, daughter of the Chairman of the college. As expected of any character played by Bindu, she’s the typical headstrong, spoilt, rich brat who’s used to getting what she wants and will stop at nothing to do so. But she’s also someone who has no qualms about dressing as she pleases (hot pants and the mini-est of skirts) and the way she stands up to the college lecher and bully is admirable. She’s honest about her feelings for the new lecturer and also brave enough to confess that she tried to get him into trouble when he didn’t reciprocate her feelings. In today’s day and age- that’s one strong lady!
The story begins when Pramod walks out on his wealthy businessman father to take up a job as a lecturer in Adarsh Mahavidyalaya. Because he wants to share his knowledge and not accumulate money. Idealistic, much? On his very first day; he handles the college bully and his gang of trouble makers with the greatest of ease, thus winning the admiration of other students, including Rita who is immediately smitten. Said college bully- Rakesh, is a nasty, despicable character who has several unsavoury rackets going on in the college hostel: extraction, drugs, adult magazines…the works.
There are several scenes where he confronts Rakesh about his unlawful activities, where he sidesteps Rita who tries her best to dazzle him with her charms, and even shuts down his colleagues who mock him for being so sincere in his work. What strikes the viewer is the calm restraint and grace with which he handles them all. Aside: this is one of the films where Vinod Khanna is at his intense best.
Matters come to a head when RIta sees all her attempts to woo her teacher are futile- for him she will only be a student. Thwarted and furious, she hatches a scheme to entrap him and accuse him of molesting her during a college excursion. This is the ‘imtihaan’ that Pramod has to face- prove his innocence without calling Rita a liar or accusing her of pursuing him every chance she got. That he clears this ‘imtihaan’ and then walks away to the words of ‘Ruk jaana nahin tu kahin haar ke, kanton pe chalke milenge saaye bahaar ke’ make for a fitting end to the story.
The romance between the lecturer and Madhu- daughter of the college principal who is battling her own inner torments- has the viewer rooting for them both. Of course, the music helps!
roz shaam aati thi magar aisi na thi
roz roz ghata chhaati thi magar aisi na thi
roz shaam aati thi magar aisi na thi
roz roz ghata chhaati thi magar aisi na thi
ye aaj meri zindagi mein kaun aa gaya
The melody lingers in the mind long after Pramod and Madhu have walked away together into the sunset.
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