Hindi Film industry got christened with the name Bollywood in the 1980s by Western Media, owing to the abundant movies being made that time with stories that had no rationale or scientific explanation. The biggest story idea that time was Punar-Janam (Reincarnation), even though the Hindi Film Industry ever since its inception dabbled with Punar Janam theme on and off . But the idea of Punar-Janam had all the chief ingredients of a commercial potboiler - Heightened drama, Family tiffs, Friendship tales, Forever love, Parental blessings and Bhagwan-wale-dialogues with lightening and thunder-storms.
Silly as all of it may sound, but audiences have lapped the story idea time and again, especially when combined with Superstar ensemble and Blockbuster Music. Biggest production houses and directors have made movies on the theme and it continues to entice the new crop of filmmakers to give a fresh take to the Reincarnation story.
After Last year's Rakesh Omprakash Mehra's not so successful launch pad to Harshwardhan Kapoor and Sayani Kher with the Reincarnation drama MIRZIYA, debutante director and well-established film producer Dinesh Vijan today launched the trailer of his upcoming film RAABTA. Starring the scintillating on-screen and rumored off-screen couple Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, RAABTA is an edge of the seat reincarnation-themed thriller with undertones of love and revenge. At the trailer launch, when Sushant was asked if he believes in Punar-Janam, the actor admitted, "I don't believe in reincarnation." Kriti, on the other hand, "Through the film I started believing in reincarnation."
No matter the truth or fiction behind the Reincarantion, RAABTA's trailer is indeed piping hot.
Silly as all of it may sound, but audiences have lapped the story idea time and again, especially when combined with Superstar ensemble and Blockbuster Music. Biggest production houses and directors have made movies on the theme and it continues to entice the new crop of filmmakers to give a fresh take to the Reincarnation story.
After Last year's Rakesh Omprakash Mehra's not so successful launch pad to Harshwardhan Kapoor and Sayani Kher with the Reincarnation drama MIRZIYA, debutante director and well-established film producer Dinesh Vijan today launched the trailer of his upcoming film RAABTA. Starring the scintillating on-screen and rumored off-screen couple Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, RAABTA is an edge of the seat reincarnation-themed thriller with undertones of love and revenge. At the trailer launch, when Sushant was asked if he believes in Punar-Janam, the actor admitted, "I don't believe in reincarnation." Kriti, on the other hand, "Through the film I started believing in reincarnation."
No matter the truth or fiction behind the Reincarantion, RAABTA's trailer is indeed piping hot.
Here is a list of Top 7 Punar Janam themed Bollywood movies that have not just set box office buzzing upon their release but are also remembered for the entertainment they continue to provide on repeat watch.
1) OM SHANTI OM
Year: 2007
Language: Hindi
Director: Farah Khan
Starring: Shahrukh Khan, then debutant Deepika Padukone and Arjun Rampal.
Set in the backdrop of 1970s and 2000s Bollywood, SRK plays a junior artist in the 70s who is head over heels on then superstar played by Deepika Padukone. Both die in the events resulting from a fire accident caused by the antagonist (Arjun Rampal) at a studio. Cut to present day with re-incarnation when SRK is a Megastar and son of a yesteryear Superstar and Deepika is struggling model. But there is a bhatakti aatma for twist and an erray of Bollywood Stars in an Award Ceremony sequence and a mega item song, thanks to the co-writer and filmmaker Farah Khan.
Director: Farah Khan
Starring: Shahrukh Khan, then debutant Deepika Padukone and Arjun Rampal.
Set in the backdrop of 1970s and 2000s Bollywood, SRK plays a junior artist in the 70s who is head over heels on then superstar played by Deepika Padukone. Both die in the events resulting from a fire accident caused by the antagonist (Arjun Rampal) at a studio. Cut to present day with re-incarnation when SRK is a Megastar and son of a yesteryear Superstar and Deepika is struggling model. But there is a bhatakti aatma for twist and an erray of Bollywood Stars in an Award Ceremony sequence and a mega item song, thanks to the co-writer and filmmaker Farah Khan.
2) KARAN ARJUN
Year: 1995
Language: Hindi
Director: Rakesh Roshan
Starring: Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, Ambrish Puri and Rakhee
Arguably the most popular, a cult classic Punar-Janam story, it starred SRK and Salman as brothers being raised by their mother played to perfection by Rakhee in a manner that can still break your heart into tears. The dialogues, the emotions, the songs, the fight sequences, the mother's cry and the magically ringing bells of a cave temple, KARAN ARJUN is what stories of YORE are.
Director: Rakesh Roshan
Starring: Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, Ambrish Puri and Rakhee
Arguably the most popular, a cult classic Punar-Janam story, it starred SRK and Salman as brothers being raised by their mother played to perfection by Rakhee in a manner that can still break your heart into tears. The dialogues, the emotions, the songs, the fight sequences, the mother's cry and the magically ringing bells of a cave temple, KARAN ARJUN is what stories of YORE are.
3) KARZ
Year: 1980
Director: Subhash Ghai
Starring: Rishi Kapoor, Tina Munim and Simi Garewal
Director: Subhash Ghai
Starring: Rishi Kapoor, Tina Munim and Simi Garewal
Margaya wo jawan, Ab suno daastan..
Janm leke kahin, phir wo pahuncha wahin..
Shakl anjaan thi, akal hairan thi..
Saamna jab hua, phir wohi sab hua..
Uspe ye Karz tha, uska ye Karz tha..
Rishi Kapoor lyp syncing Kishore Kumar for "Ek Haseena Thi, Ek Deewana Tha, Kya Umar, Kya Sama, Kya Zamana Tha" is the biggest Punar-Janam love ballad - Haunting and yet bringing a lump in your throat. Subhash Ghai's KARZ is the epitome of Punar-Janam drama which combined Bollywood's chief ingredients - Biggest Star of the time, Hugely Popular Music and a Love-Story to make audiences cry. Rishi Kapoor played Monty who discovers the shocking truth about his past life when he was killed by his gold-digger wife, while his family was rendered homeless. Supported by his lover, he decides to set things right.
The film sprawled reincarnation themed movies but none could math or surpass the popularity, until KARAN ARJUN. Farah's SRK starer OSO had dollops of KARZ hangover elements even as Himesh Reshammiya remade the movie as KARZZZ (with extra ZZZ) in 2008 but to shockingly bad effect.
4) KUDRAT
The film sprawled reincarnation themed movies but none could math or surpass the popularity, until KARAN ARJUN. Farah's SRK starer OSO had dollops of KARZ hangover elements even as Himesh Reshammiya remade the movie as KARZZZ (with extra ZZZ) in 2008 but to shockingly bad effect.
4) KUDRAT
Year: 1981
Language: Hindi
Director: Chetan Anand
Starring: Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini and Raaj Kumar
This is the one of the pioneer stories of conventional punar-janam plots. Chandramukhi visits Shimla and learns that she is a reincarnation of Paro, a girl who was raped and murdered. Plagued by her dark past, she attempts to bring the culprits to justice.
It's a love story that happened some time ago in time, and then again. Plus there is the traditional Ramu-kaka character, without whom the punar-janam could not be detected! Also, it has Rajkumar. Must watch!
5) NEEL KAMAL
Language: Hindi
Director: Chetan Anand
Starring: Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini and Raaj Kumar
This is the one of the pioneer stories of conventional punar-janam plots. Chandramukhi visits Shimla and learns that she is a reincarnation of Paro, a girl who was raped and murdered. Plagued by her dark past, she attempts to bring the culprits to justice.
It's a love story that happened some time ago in time, and then again. Plus there is the traditional Ramu-kaka character, without whom the punar-janam could not be detected! Also, it has Rajkumar. Must watch!
5) NEEL KAMAL
Year: 1968
Language: Hindi
Director: Ram Maheshwari
Starring: Waheeda Rehman, Manoj Kumar and Raaj Kumar
Sita (Waheeda Rehman) and her friends go on a trip. Sita sleepwalks and when she is about to be hit by a train on the railway track, Ram (Manoj Kumar) saves her. Impressed, her father decides to get her married to him. After the marriage, Sita discovers that her sleepwalking is not a simple sleepwalking as it takes her to the story of her past life - Chitrasen (Raaj Kumar), an artisan, is in love with the princess Sita (Neelkamal in her past life). The king rejects his alliance for his daughter, and buries him alive. Chitrasen's love for Neelkamal is immortal and his soul survives for centuries to meet her.
Sita is invited to Chitrasen's place by a song, where she sleepwalks to every night. Her mother-in-law, a very cross person, believes that Sita is in love with another and gives her a tough time at home. One night Sita reaches Chitrasen's place and a brief conversation ends with Chitrasen's soul becoming free and Sita falling unconscious. Ram rescues her & they lead a good life.
The song Aaja Tujhko Pukare Mera Pyar in Mohammad Rafi's ever haunting voice is still a must for forever love playlist.
6) MADHUMATI
Year: 1958
Language: Hindi
Director: Bimal Roy
Starring: Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala
The first and only collaboration between Bimal Roy and Ritwik Ghatak, it was one of their most commercially successful and influential films. It starred Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala in the lead roles with Pran and Johnny Walker.
While driving his car on a rainy night, Anand's (Dilip Kumar) car breaks down, and he goes to seek shelter in a nearby house. He is let into the house by the servant, and he is permitted to stay until the rains stop be able to get his car fixed. It is here that he will find out about his previous birth, his true love, Madhumati (Vyjayantimala), their ill-fated, star-crossed and tragic romance, and how events in his previous birth are going to effect him in this life-time. The film had a gothic noir feel to it.
Madhumati won the National Film Awards for Best Feature Film in Hindi and nine Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Music Director, Best Female Playback Singer, Best Dialogue, Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematographer.
Janam Janam, the 1988 Hindi film starring Rishi Kapoor, is a remake of Madhumati. In 2007, Farah Khan and Shahrukh Khan made Om Shanti Om using some obvious plot elements from Madhumati, especially in OSO's ending.
7) MAHAL
Language: Hindi
Director: Ram Maheshwari
Starring: Waheeda Rehman, Manoj Kumar and Raaj Kumar
Sita (Waheeda Rehman) and her friends go on a trip. Sita sleepwalks and when she is about to be hit by a train on the railway track, Ram (Manoj Kumar) saves her. Impressed, her father decides to get her married to him. After the marriage, Sita discovers that her sleepwalking is not a simple sleepwalking as it takes her to the story of her past life - Chitrasen (Raaj Kumar), an artisan, is in love with the princess Sita (Neelkamal in her past life). The king rejects his alliance for his daughter, and buries him alive. Chitrasen's love for Neelkamal is immortal and his soul survives for centuries to meet her.
Sita is invited to Chitrasen's place by a song, where she sleepwalks to every night. Her mother-in-law, a very cross person, believes that Sita is in love with another and gives her a tough time at home. One night Sita reaches Chitrasen's place and a brief conversation ends with Chitrasen's soul becoming free and Sita falling unconscious. Ram rescues her & they lead a good life.
The song Aaja Tujhko Pukare Mera Pyar in Mohammad Rafi's ever haunting voice is still a must for forever love playlist.
6) MADHUMATI
Year: 1958
Language: Hindi
Director: Bimal Roy
Starring: Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala
The first and only collaboration between Bimal Roy and Ritwik Ghatak, it was one of their most commercially successful and influential films. It starred Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala in the lead roles with Pran and Johnny Walker.
While driving his car on a rainy night, Anand's (Dilip Kumar) car breaks down, and he goes to seek shelter in a nearby house. He is let into the house by the servant, and he is permitted to stay until the rains stop be able to get his car fixed. It is here that he will find out about his previous birth, his true love, Madhumati (Vyjayantimala), their ill-fated, star-crossed and tragic romance, and how events in his previous birth are going to effect him in this life-time. The film had a gothic noir feel to it.
Madhumati won the National Film Awards for Best Feature Film in Hindi and nine Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Music Director, Best Female Playback Singer, Best Dialogue, Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematographer.
Janam Janam, the 1988 Hindi film starring Rishi Kapoor, is a remake of Madhumati. In 2007, Farah Khan and Shahrukh Khan made Om Shanti Om using some obvious plot elements from Madhumati, especially in OSO's ending.
7) MAHAL
Year: 1949
Language: Hindi
Director: Kamal Amrohi
Starring: Ashok Kumar and Madhubala
Mahalwas a groundbreaking supernatural suspense thriller and one of the earliest known films dealing with reincarnation. This Kamal Amrohi's directorial debut launched both playback singer Lata Mangeshkar and the leading lady Madhubala into super-stardom. Its songs, particularly "Aayega Aane Waala" sung by Lata Mangeshkar, are perennial favorites.
In Allahabad, there is a beautiful abandoned palace. When a new owner, Hari Shankar (Ashok Kumar) comes to live in this palace, the old gardener narrates the story of incomplete love.
Mahal made Lata Mangeshkar famous and established playback singers as stars in their own right. Before Mahal, records listed character names and indeed the first batch of records credited "Aayega aane wala" to Kamini, the character played by Madhubala. When the song first played on All India Radio, its phone lines were flooded with callers inquiring the singer's name. All India Radio had to find this out from the record company before it could announce Lata Mangeshkar's name on the air. The film was included in the British Film Institute's list, "10 great romantic horror films".
SPECIAL MENTIONS:
8) MAGADHEERA
Language: Hindi
Director: Kamal Amrohi
Starring: Ashok Kumar and Madhubala
Mahalwas a groundbreaking supernatural suspense thriller and one of the earliest known films dealing with reincarnation. This Kamal Amrohi's directorial debut launched both playback singer Lata Mangeshkar and the leading lady Madhubala into super-stardom. Its songs, particularly "Aayega Aane Waala" sung by Lata Mangeshkar, are perennial favorites.
In Allahabad, there is a beautiful abandoned palace. When a new owner, Hari Shankar (Ashok Kumar) comes to live in this palace, the old gardener narrates the story of incomplete love.
Mahal made Lata Mangeshkar famous and established playback singers as stars in their own right. Before Mahal, records listed character names and indeed the first batch of records credited "Aayega aane wala" to Kamini, the character played by Madhubala. When the song first played on All India Radio, its phone lines were flooded with callers inquiring the singer's name. All India Radio had to find this out from the record company before it could announce Lata Mangeshkar's name on the air. The film was included in the British Film Institute's list, "10 great romantic horror films".
SPECIAL MENTIONS:
8) MAGADHEERA
Year: 2009
Landuage: Telegu
Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Starring: Ram Charan and Kajal Aggarwal
Magadheera is a reincarnation themed film directed by BAAHUBALI fame S. S. Rajamouli. The plot revolves around four people: a valiant warrior in charge of the princess' safety; the princess who loves him; her cousin who lusts after her; and an emperor who wants to conquer their kingdom. They all die before their wishes are fulfilled and are reborn after 400 years, at which point the warrior kills the scheming cousin with the support of the reformed emperor and wins over the princess.
Magadheera was to be remade in Hindi on multiple occasions, first with Salman Khan and later Shahid Kapoor but the film could not materialize. RAABTA as a story resembles closest to it but no official confirmation so far.
Landuage: Telegu
Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Starring: Ram Charan and Kajal Aggarwal
Magadheera is a reincarnation themed film directed by BAAHUBALI fame S. S. Rajamouli. The plot revolves around four people: a valiant warrior in charge of the princess' safety; the princess who loves him; her cousin who lusts after her; and an emperor who wants to conquer their kingdom. They all die before their wishes are fulfilled and are reborn after 400 years, at which point the warrior kills the scheming cousin with the support of the reformed emperor and wins over the princess.
Magadheera was to be remade in Hindi on multiple occasions, first with Salman Khan and later Shahid Kapoor but the film could not materialize. RAABTA as a story resembles closest to it but no official confirmation so far.
9) EEGA
Year: 2012
Language: Telegu (Hindi Dubbed Ver - MAKKHI)
Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Starring: Sudeep, Nani, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu
It's not really a Bollywood movie, but it had to be on the list. Directed by BAAHUBALI fame director S.S. Rajamouli, it's a Telugu movie dubbed in Hindi on popular demand. Against all set conventions, this revolutionary story depicts an inter-species re-incarnation that was never known to us. The hero returns as an angry house fly and takes revenge to win back his girl. If you don't like flies, watch it for the title track! It is amazing!
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