There are some films in the annals of Indian cinema that have left a lasting impact, and a quick online search will also reveal how Pyaasa tops all sorts of “best film” lists. However, all the reviews and analyses in the world cannot prepare you for the emotional gut punch that this film will plague you with; that’s also why it is a masterclass in tragedy.
Pyaasa: Review at a Glance
- Story — 5/5
- Acting — 4/5
- Direction — 3.5/5
- Music — 4/5
Must-Watch: YES!
Pyaasa Review — A Deep Dive
At its core, Pyaasa is about the conflict between human nature, money, and art, but the film is much deeper than that. Its protagonist, Vijay, loses everything — his love, his family, his very being — in the hopes of making it big as a poet. But he cannot even begin to imagine what fate has in store for him…
This isn’t a rags-to-riches story nor an inspirational one; it’s a gritty story about the very real corruption and dishonesty rampant in society. Though written back in the late ‘40s, the narrative is timeless, and many people across different timelines and circumstances will be able to relate to the issues highlighted in Pyaasa.
In fact, I also wondered if the film is more relevant today than it would have been in the time it came from.
What makes Pyaasa so rich emotionally is this certain…detached approach to Vijay; viewers aren’t necessarily made to invest emotionally in Vijay from the get-go. One might even argue there’s almost something off-putting about how morose and naive the protagonist can be at times.
But that also makes the story all the more impactful; scene after scene, as the tension builds up, it ends up creating more empathy toward Vijay’s predicaments and circumstances.
By the time the ending rolls around, you’re going to consistently be on the edge of your seat, just hoping for some closure or resolve.
Guru Dutt’s reflection on the human experience — especially for the unprivileged — will strike an emotional chord with all sorts of viewers because of its nuance. What also adds to this is that the poetry is hauntingly melancholic, refusing to shy away from telling the truth about society to the very people who have rigged the systems.
Though Dutt plays the pensive Vijay with near perfection, for me, it was Waheeda Rehman’s Gulabo who stole the show. While I did feel like many sites have mischaracterised just how big a role she plays in Vijay’s life for the bulk of the movie (at least until the climax), Rehman still plays the sex worker with the utmost grace and devotion.
Before watching the movie, based on what I read online, I felt as though Gulabo would have had more impact on Dutt’s actions. She seemed to be his paramour or his redemption. But upon finishing the film, it became clear that she is in love with him and merely tries to support him in her own capacity.
In other words, they live their individual lives, sharing just a few conversations and moments of respite. Their bond isn’t that…deep, and yet, Rehman is able to channel Gulabo’s inner feelings with such poise that she stands out the most in the cast.
(Plus, in a film where Dutt is mostly brooding and depressed, Rehman adds a playful vibe to many scenes).
Pyaasa also has an amazing soundtrack and legends like S.D. Burman, Sahir Ludhianvi, Geeta Dutt, and Mohammed Rafi weaved magic with their work.
In particular, Pyaasa is one of those few films that truly champion the power of poetry and words, something that has become quite rare in today’s Bollywood.
When everything is said and done, Pyaasa is a genuinely brilliant film that deserves all the recognition it has gotten. It is certainly one of the best films to have ever come out of India, and you simply cannot miss out on it!
Pyaasa Plot Overview
Pyaasa follows Vijay, a struggling poet whose work is unappreciated by society. Amidst constant rejection and disillusionment, he tries to find solace in his poetry and dreams. His journey intertwines with love, betrayal, and the pursuit of artistic truth, leading to a poignant exploration of human aspirations and societal hypocrisy.
Pyaasa Cast Details
- Guru Dutt: Vijay
- Mala Sinha: Meena
- Waheeda Rehman: Gulabo
- Rehman: Mr. Ghosh
- Johnny Walker: Abdul Sattar
- Mehmood: Vijay’s Brother
