When the system is riddled with flaws (Nikaah)

BR Chopra's Nikaah is a heartfelt treatise on the true state of women in an Islamic society. From the surface everything might appear rosy, but actually there are too many situations when she might not consider herself safe, secure and in a stable circumstance. In fact, even when the Islamic law is so called trying to safeguard her interest, it is actually making her go through even more pain. Treated like a toy by male chauvinism that is so rampant in society, she is at the beck and call of every other mind except hers. Yes, once you watch this 1982 drama, you would actually thank your stars that you are not in Nilofer's shoes...

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Courageous courtesan (Sadhna)

The blatant divide between pure and impure is smudged immaculately as Geeta Dutt croons Tora manwa kyun ghabraye rey in the lips of Leela Chitnis. Through the song we are actually made to ponder on whether Champabai is seriously an impure woman who needs to be judged by society and its norms? Or is she just like any one of them who has a right to offer her prayers to the Almighty, touch the idol and seek her heart's prayers? Is the world made by mortals equipped enough to decide on whether she deserves a second chance?

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United they stand (Naya Daur)

Man vs Machine tipped Horses vs Wheels. Thereafter, Love vs Friendship took center stage, before I realised that Naya Daur, B R Chopra's magnum opus, is a film that cannot be buttonholed into any two categories. It is a film that celebrates the beauty of classical Indian cinema, while harping on the issues of industrialisation in post-independant India and overall, salutes dignity of labour. It brings together some of the best in filmdom. This 1957 drama has the ingredients for becoming a blockbuster in any day and age.

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