Manoranjan review :
Before Raj Kapoor got besotted by the charming Zeenat Aman to cast her in his Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978), younger bro Shammi worked with her in his directorial debut Manoranjan. Featuring Sanjeev Kumar opposite Zeenat, Shammi Kapoor himself played the pivotal role of Cafè owner Dhoop Chaaon who is also the film's narrator.
Based on the musical comedy 'Irma La Douce', the plot revolves around a red light street called Manoranjan where simpleton havaldar (Sanjeev Kumar) is assigned his first duty and gets fired pronto for catching his senior inspector (Madan Puri) red handed with a prostitute.
The havaldar then befriends a kind hearted prostitute (Zeenat) and in a bid to stop her immoral business, disguises as a Lucknowi Nawab to become her regular client. The 'kahaani mein twist' comes when one fine day, the havaldar gets caught for murdering the Nawab!!!
Shammi Kapoor's direction was not to the level of Raj Saahab but he deserves credit for handling such a bold subject in the 70s. A heroine sleeping with the hero without even knowing him properly was something unimaginable in those times and naturally, the film was shunned by the critics and audience alike. Presenting prostitution as an element of fun was another factor which evoked a lot of criticism.
The super gorgeous Zeenat Aman is the highlight of the film and the camera seems to be in love with her whether lingering on her bare back or caressing her beautiful legs in one scene. There are two bathing scenes devoted to her and undoubtedly, Manoranjan is a treat for every Zeenat Aman fan. Satyam Shivam Sundaram was about inner beauty but Manoranjan is all about the exterior....and its in your face!!
Regards,
Sumeet Nadkarni
