A woman who took up arms and defended her country is truly an invincible enemy. A very nice, very old black and white movie. Reminiscent of fairy tales about Sinbad Morekhod, mixed with adventure films about sea travel, shot in the 40s-50s of the last century, including Soviet ones (something like the film "Children of the Grant Captain" 1936, which is still black and white). For a long time I searched for it all over the Internet, there are in a couple of places on YouTube, but completely without translation, and only recently I found it in one social network in a special group, though with subtitles, but at least so looked. I've been hanging for over 5 years, I thought I couldn't wait for subtitles. But, here I found, watched and very happy, though uncomfortable as always to watch such a rich film with subtitles.
The era of Portuguese rule in India. People groan under the yoke of enslavers. The brave girl Nisha, having gathered a handful of loyal patriotic people, enters into an unequal battle with the enemy and, having received the nickname "Falcon", sinks Portuguese ships. By coincidence, the prince of the kingdom of Malabar Ravi, who hides his true origin, is captured by her. Will he follow the lead of the Portuguese general and his gang or side with the rebels?
The bloody Portuguese and the English with them. After watching so many films, I feel the same burning dislike for them and their oppression. Unusually, at that time, the main role is still played by a woman, or rather the film is named after the heroine. It's rare. Guru Dutt plays a prince and is very similar to him.
A very high-quality film made. Especially given the time it was produced. This is very different from most Bollywood stories. Although of course, naivety and fabulous did not escape. It's an entertaining movie, but it's an interesting idea. Such an adventure story in the historical context of the Portuguese conquest.
The plot, however, is not Indian. Pirates, sea, ships, boarding, slave trade. This is more familiar and understandable in Western cinema. Perhaps that is why the Indian audience could not appreciate this film. Another circumstance could play against the love of the national viewer - the main character is given a role not only not less, but more in comparison with the hero. And, in addition, the heroine is not a modest girl bowing her head before her elders, a ashamed man and in need of protection and care of the hero. Here the heroine is not only quite able to stand up for herself, but also is a bright personality. She is a leader who is able to protect the main character from the hands of enemies. Probably at that time it was too bold and not in accordance with tradition, especially for entertaining cinema.
Photographed beautifully, in places spectacular. Beautiful songs are skillfully woven into the narrative and are an integral part of the story as a whole and at the same time its decoration. Some songs, especially "Taare chaandni afsaane", and "Ae dil ae dilwale", are very melodic and quite dramatic, and Gita Bali performed them well - pleasant, inspiring lyrics. There were also some nice comedic touches from Johnny Walker and the Portuguese lady, which brought a bit of humor to this film.
The actors absolutely liked everything. Everyone has done a great job in their role. But of course, the most attention was paid to Guru Dutt himself. The creative personality feels extraordinary. Very beautiful, touching and at the same time fervently and humorously shown love story. The film is not a masterpiece, but a talented work. The pleasure is received.
I was pleasantly surprised and impressed to see that the main actress played such a strong role in the adventure action movie of the 50s. She is a brave, strong, sensual, experienced fighter and a good leader throughout the film. Even after she falls in love with a prince, she does not become meek and tame. When her team reproaches her for falling in love with the prince, she defiantly sings: "Why do you think I'm weak just because I'm in love?" She is even willing to give it up to continue her fight. On the other hand, the main female role has always been a strong component in the films of the one and only Guru Dutt.
Gita Bali without much effort shows his Nishu, with a firm character, fights, dances and, of course, keeps himself very decent. Guru Dutt looks and behaves like a true prince, I liked their chemistry with the heroine. Kuldeep Kaur is sometimes excessive, but at times funny. K.N. Singh - a kind of evil general, who can quite be considered an antagonist in this story.
"The Falcon" is a great classic adventure film that looks easy (even despite the subtitles). This genre seems to be lost in the recent trend of Indian cinema. But this is a classic, it is always there, we can return to it at any time when the soul wishes. Fortunately, this has become possible many times more than it was 10 years ago.
10 out of 10