As an artist, Guru Dutt is one of the best Indian cinema has produced. I am a huge fan of the director, though I also believe that Kaagaz Ke Phool — often regarded as one of his best films — is why it is important not to go by what others have said.
Kaagaz Ke Phool — Review at a Glance
- Story — 3.5/5
- Acting — 3.5/5
- Direction — 4/5
- Music — 3/5
- Cinematography — 4/5
Must Watch: Objectively, I don’t know if Kaagaz Ke Phool necessarily offers something new and exciting for it to be counted as Dutt’s best effort. However, given its historical and cultural significance, you should watch it — if only to arrive at your own conclusions about the film.
One-Time Watch: Yes
Kaagaz Ke Phool Review — A Deep Dive
Having seen Pyaasa — and having been floored by it — I was extremely excited about Kaagaz Ke Phool. But I suppose there is a reason they say you shouldn’t have any expectations going into something new…
I must confess: I was a tad bit disappointed with Kaagaz Ke Phool, which is supposed to be one of Dutt’s best films, for the following reasons.
Every review that I read said that this film shattered norms and expectations a few decades after its release, and while that may have been true back in the day, in 2024… I don’t think it necessarily deserves the level of hype that some of Dutt’s other ventures warrant.
The biggest reason I feel so disappointed by Kaagaz Ke Phool is that the characters don’t really put down their guard till most of the scenes go by… and at that point, it almost feels like you have been cheated out of deep emotions and a rich story, unlike in some of his other films.
While many have dubbed Kaagaz Ke Phool to be an autobiographical account of the director — and it definitely does tackle staple Dutt themes like the impersonal nature of fame and what it takes from the individual — there’s a lot more in the story that needed work.
One thing in particular that stood out to me was the fact that the decisions made by the lead characters depended largely on acceptable social norms.
It’s not that their feelings and decisions didn’t make sense. It’s the fact that in Kaagaz Ke Phool, only social norms — not their inherent desires or emotions — appear to move the story forward. While a viewer could understand why the characters do what they do on a surface level, this film lacks the hardcore introspection that it requires for it to be truly impactful.
Given the fame and “cult status” this film has acquired, it threw me off guard that Kaagaz Ke Phool fails to entice and grip its viewers until most of the story has already been told.
To be fair, I am not asking for either just logic or emotion to dictate the fate of the protagonists.
Instead, what I lament is the fact that we, as the audience, don’t really get to know too much about the very people we are watching on screen. Even if they submit to what is acceptable, we are robbed of the emotions motivating those “obvious” decisions.
In that sense, Kaagaz Ke Phool seems to be more of a self-fulfilling prophecy than an autobiographical account.
Having said that, the beautiful pairing of Waheeda Rehman and Dutt truly makes it a charming watch, and the latter portion of the film even has some mild Atonement (2007) vibes.
If nothing else, Kaagaz Ke Phool is a great case for the need to separate the art from the artist. While there’s a lot Dutt could have improved in terms of the story, his directorial prowess definitely shines through in the movie. The framing, the mise en scene, and the lighting — all deserve a round of applause.
In particular, the picturisation of Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam is one that deserves to be talked about for eons. In fact, I would even go as far as to say it is the first time there is any real evidence of pure emotion in the entire film (though please feel free to disagree with me and discuss your point of view).
I will also say that while the majority of the movie scenes could use more emotional richness, the climax does get good, so if for nothing else, you should consider watching Kaagaz Ke Phool for what happens later on in the story.
Kaagaz Ke Phool Plot Overview
The film explores the life of Suresh Sinha, a successful film director, and his tragic love story with Shanti, an aspiring actress and his protege, while his marriage falls apart. Though Sinha knows full well what it means to have “made it” as a director when he is young, the artist and, perhaps, human in him goes through tumultuous changes when Shanti decides to go her own way, and he gets addicted to liquor.
Kaagaz Ke Phool Cast Details
- Guru Dutt: Suresh Sinha
- Waheeda Rehman: Shanti
- Johnny Walker: Rocky
- Baby Naaz: Pramila “Pammi” Sinha
Continue Reading: 3 Reasons Why ‘Pyaasa’ (1957) is a Masterclass in Tragedy
