Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) {B/W Film}

              Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is a 1962 Romance/Drama film adopted from the Bengali novel Saheb Bibi Golam, directed by Abrar Alvi, starring Guru Dutt, Meena Kumari, Waheeda Rehman & Rehman. The story follows a wealthy man who goes to brothels to satisfy his desires. Mentally disturbed by this, his wife gradually finds solace in the arms of their neighbour, Bhootnath. 

  

             Guru Dutt's 'Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam' remains one of the most accomplished pieces of art in Indian cinema. No wonder why it is referred to as Indian cinema at its best. Starting with the technological aspect, I was amazed by the excellent cinematography. The movement of the camera that guides us to the world of the characters, to their minds, to their emotions and to their fate. The way the camera focuses on Choti Bahu's sad eyes or the way it zooms towards Jabba's face while she cheerfully sings, demonstrates the importance of characters' non-verbal language.

            Likewise direction is top-notch. Not a moment is wasted on trivial subplots. Everything in the movie seem to fit like a jigsaw puzzle, whether it's the songs, the haunting background score, the sets, the emotions portrayed by the actors, the performances etc.

            Performances are first class. We see Guru Dutt as the young (and middle-aged) and naive Bhootnath. He beautifully brings both comedy and intensity to his character communicating mostly with his expressive eyes. His relationship with the tragic Choti Bahu and the simple but headstrong Jabba is superbly portrayed through a wonderful chemistry between the actors. Meena Kumari gives one of her finest performances as the doomed Choti Bahu. Her scenes with Bhootnath and one particular scene with Rehman (just before she drinks alcohol for the first time) is mind blowing. Waheeda Rehman, being one of the finest actresses, brings grace and equally makes her presence felt in a comparably smaller but noteworthy role. Rehman as Chote Babu is brilliant.

           'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' transports the viewer to a different time of Indian Cinema and the allure of this classic is unparalleled; one can't draw comparisons with modern-day Bollywood.  Today this film will play as a snapshot of pre independence India. It has everything reflecting that time period. The class differences, the covert guerrilla tactics of the common people in the fight for independence, the indifference of the upperclassmen, the intermingling and acceptance of different castes- it's unfortunate that such a treasure of timeless art is buried deep in the archives. But that's the nature of cinema and perhaps rightfully so. Even though the film explores the themes such as adultery it has been rated U. The film is a cinematic marvel and I would rate it 10/10.