Harshit Pande
PYAASA may have released in the late 50s but the real, deceptive, avaricious and greedy world it showed back then makes it relatable to the present generation and even the generations to come. I think this is the reason why Guru Dutt (Director) is considered as "the man ahead of his time". All the songs go perfectly well with the drama and contribute to the screenplay and take the story forward. When talking about the songs, the lyrics should be given a special mention as they are just out of the world. Such well written songs are to die for. The movie tried to question the problems lingering in the society at that time in a way that evidently showed the genius of the director and his clear vision about his perspective of the world around him. It also very well portrayed the turmoil and hardships faced by the people in every sphere of life and that nobody cares about anyone in this self-centered world. At the end I would say that, PYAASA is a genuine masterpiece by Guru Dutt.And finally, the only obnoxious thing I can think of is that it took decades for the audience to understand and praise this work of his both in reel and real life. So, I would recommend everyone to watch it anywhere in the world and have one of your greatest cinematic experience.
MartinHafer
I have a harder time evaluating "Pyaasa" than someone watching it in India. That's because here in the States, we are pretty much stuck with whatever DVD copies we get of Indian films. Some have wonderful translations and some are horrible and unwatchable. While "Pyaasa" is not horrible, it's not particularly good and I would love to know if there is a better company making this disc in English. Eros Video's copy does what some annoying DVD producers do--they provide no translations of the songs--so you only can guess as to what they are saying. While it's easier with Indian films to fill in these blanks than with films from most other countries (since the songs are about the action taking place immediately before and after the songs), it still is wrong not to translate them--and does an injustice to the filmmakers. Additionally, a few times the translations are a bit scrambled. It's a shame--but STILL I recommend you see the film because it's very, very good.Vijay is an educated man. However, despite his ability to make money and live the life of a middle-class man, he is a poet by trade and in his heart. Though he'll starve, he'd rather create art and sees life through very romantic eyes. Through most of the film, he's an undiscovered genius. He also has two problematic relationships---one, his ex-girlfriend who has chosen to marry for money and security (and who has broken his heart) and another who is a prostitute who ADORES him and his art.About halfway through the film, however, the film makes a HUGE change in direction. I loved this, as the first half of the film was only mildly interesting. After the twist, the film REALLY came to life. You see, through some odd circumstances, people think Vijay has died. And, like some great artists, after his 'death' he's discovered and adored by the masses! What's next is completely unpredictable and clever--and well worth seeing. I'd say more but I really don't want to spoil the film. It's a classic and well worth seeing. A truly unique and enjoyable plot about love, success and art.
Praveen Kumar
This one is listed on Time's 25 top movies from around the globe . Everything in this movie is A grade starting from direction , acting , music , theme , story. But the thing that stands out unique and best is the amount of intensity and its ability to make audience feel that intensity . The whole movie goes on telling you a story about struggling poet. You are watching the movie and have an idea how it may end but only for last twenty minutes of movie. The last twenty minutes of movie are the strength of this classic flick. You may not be remembering the story when you get out but you will be feeling the thoughts emerging and revolving around the drama of last 20 minutes. And thats where the movie succeeds brilliantly. That much amount of theme with excellent dialogs and turnarounds, no one else has ever put in just twenty minutes of cinema. Definitely this is the best movie ever made in Indian cinema history and do not have any reasons with current bollywood trends , to believe that it won't remain best forever. I will say that this is a must watch for everyone who believes in quality cinema and does not want only entertainment. 10 on 10 points for this movie.
kramachandran
A thoroughly watchable movie specially for the weepy types. The direction , the cinematography are very good considering the times. The lighting and other cinematic effects are technically a cut above the rest for those times. Guru Dutt puts in his best for this movie , both in the fields of acting and directing, and the product doesn't fail the viewers expectations, rather it greatly exceeds them. The songs and the background score are composed by SD and one of the highlights of the movie. Everything has come together very well for this movie and Dutt has left no stone unturned to make this movie a masterpiece. This movie was released in the same year as "Mother India" another block buster, but Pyaasa managed to hold its own. The only drawback, if at all it can be called one, is the philosophy of the director cum hero. Dutt wallows in self sympathy throughout this movie, and views the world in an extremely negative light. If you are looking for to cheer the resilience and ultimate triumph of the human spirit then this one is not meant for you. But again this movie is a tribute to the forgotten art of poetry and the pearls of poetry are born out of the extreme pain and misery of the poets imprisoned in these shells.
AD
