This was a nice film with drama, music, romance and a message made by and starring Raj Kapoor at his peak. He again demonstrated his love of the visual Charlie Chaplin, along with facial similarities his politics were probably not too far removed either.
Jaunty orphan Ranbir Raj makes his way to Bombay to make his fortune, after encountering much human trickery ends up poor in money but rich in love. Reflecting the ups and downs are many good Jaikishan songs, especially Mera Joota Hai Japani and the relentless bouncy Ichak Dana Bichak Dana both sung by Mukesh. Nargis seldom looked lovelier, either when singing in the rain, or in the key emotional scene watching her ghostly version singing her true feelings to Raj. He took to a tuxedo much better than Chaplin did too! The sets were all (RK) studio bound, but were atmospherically displayed in the gleaming black and white.
Overall nothing too heavy but not totally inconsequential either, a perfect example of early Bollywood.
Jaunty orphan Ranbir Raj makes his way to Bombay to make his fortune, after encountering much human trickery ends up poor in money but rich in love. Reflecting the ups and downs are many good Jaikishan songs, especially Mera Joota Hai Japani and the relentless bouncy Ichak Dana Bichak Dana both sung by Mukesh. Nargis seldom looked lovelier, either when singing in the rain, or in the key emotional scene watching her ghostly version singing her true feelings to Raj. He took to a tuxedo much better than Chaplin did too! The sets were all (RK) studio bound, but were atmospherically displayed in the gleaming black and white.
Overall nothing too heavy but not totally inconsequential either, a perfect example of early Bollywood.