The film Anand, directed by the masterful Hrishikesh Mukherjee, is a deeply emotional and inspirational cinematic experience. It stars the iconic Rajesh Khanna as the titular character, Anand, and Amitabh Bachchan in a stellar performance as Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee, affectionately known as ‘Babu Moshai’. The film is supported by a talented cast including Sumita Sanyal, Ramesh Deo, and Seema Deo.
The Story of Anand
Anand is introduced as a radiantly cheerful, friendly, and relentlessly positive man. Despite having a terminal illness-lymphosarcoma of the intestinewhich limits his time, Anand chooses to live every moment to its fullest, inspiring joy and present moment awareness in everyone he meets. As his health inevitably declines, Anand’s commitment to life remains unshaken. He consciously isolates his medical struggles to avoid burdening or disrupting the routines of those around him, maintaining his outward persona of unadulterated cheerfulness.
The Doctor and the Patient
Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee, a serious and socially conscious doctor often preoccupied with the world’s suffering and poverty, initially views life with cynicism. His encounter with Anand profoundly alters his perspective, teaching him to embrace happiness and lightness. Bhaskar becomes deeply concerned about Anand’s deteriorating health. A notable incident occurs when Bhaskar, worried about Anand’s recovery, is annoyed by Anand’s characteristic jokes and pranks, viewing the behavior as irresponsible given his condition. Bhaskar later regrets having shouted at Anand, recognizing the source of his friend’s unique approach to life.
The Enduring Legacy
As anticipated, the tragic day arrives, and Rajesh Khanna’s character, Anand, passes away. However, the film delivers a final, moving moment: his voice is surprisingly heard, delivering a profound message: “Life and death are in the hands of the Almighty. We are only puppets in the hands of the Almighty”, his voice recording, intended for a playlet Anand had acted in, serves as his final testament. Anand leaves the physical world, but his memories, positive spirit, and life-affirming pranks remain a powerful, lasting presence in the lives of those he touched. The film concludes, leaving spectators with a deep, emotional impact.
Critical Acclaim and Music
The film’s enormous success is attributed to the powerful triumvirate of Rajesh Khanna’s mesmerizing performance, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s sensitive and nuanced direction, and the soulful, unforgettable music composed by Salil Choudhury. Two of the film’s songs have become timeless classics: “Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye,” sung by Mukesh. “Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli,” sung by Manna Dey. The legacy of Anand endures as a powerful meditation on finding joy and purpose in the face of mortality.
Principle Correspondent, Prime Post
Vidya Sagar Chaturvedula is a passionate film enthusiast whose four-decade career spans multiple sectors, including media and industry. Fluent in Telugu, Hindi, and English, he has a deep appreciation for cinema, particularly films in those three languages. His passion goes beyond simple viewing; he enjoys analyzing directional skill, the emotional depth of actors’ performances, and the profound meaning embedded in dialogue. Mr. Sagar is known for his ability to clearly articulate and narrate his insightful film analyses after watching a movie.
Powerful performance by super star Rajesh Khanna. “Death is anyway invetable”. So, let us live to the fullest with joy. This is the concept of the film. Excellent direction by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
Very good movie.Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachhan both did excellent job.
Terminal illness and proximity of death is the time when you can live life to the fullest.
Appreciating and savouring each moment. That approach improves interpersonal relations.
So much so that even a small interaction can spread love and belonging. As shown by Johnny Walker and Rajesh Khanna.
Every aspect of the movie is philosophy in action
Very well said Sir. Thank You.
Excellent sagar garu Your Analysation is outstanding.🙏
Thank You Very Much Sir.
Once again the combination
Of Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh
Gave us social and comedy
Later onAmithab being a
Doctor illness of Rajesh and knowing not curable illness
Dr waching closely rajesh
Rajesh used to call Babu
Mosai
This became more popular
Good movie melody songs
Superb acting became Box office hit
Thank You.
Anand is a beautiful action packed story. Performece wise Rajesh khanna and Amitab acted extremely well. They lived in the charectors.
TWO / THREE songs are mesmarising.
Ultimately , its a boxoffice super hit film .
Thank you Ravi.
Anand is a super hit movie.
Rajesh khanna n Amitabh lived on their roles.
Songs are beautiful .
Stong sentimental story.
Action of Ralrsh khanna n Amitab is ultimate.
The woeful story ‘Anand’ leaves the audience silent and grief sricken. Rajesh Khanna did many such roles for his credit earning the name kaka!. You can definitely enjoy his action in such roles gluing to the screens with empathy. The singing calibre of Mannade as if the back bone of the film. Hats off to entire team making it such a hit. Very good review.
This is a very moving film. One of the best films coming out of bollywood. The director skillfully touched upon an eventuality like death, which everyone dreads about, and delivered a philisophical message mixed in humor and pathos.
Thank You Sir.
Rajesh Khanna ‘s Anand movie was iconic. Dialogues, story, songs and his performance was excellent.
Thank you Aruna.
Good movie.. Nice review
Excellent and such a heart touching movie.Especially the climax scene unforgettable.good review sagar garu .Maine tere liye hi saath rang ki sapne is another melody