Tawaif

B.R. Chopra, one of the most acclaimed Indian film-makers of all time, has given some of the most memorable films on female themes like "Insaaf Ka Tarazu," and "Nikaah." "Tawaif" remains relatively an underrated and unnoticed film by him. Tawaif stands for a courtesan or a prostitute and the film depicts prostitution is due to some unwanted circumstances of life and even under a prostitute dwells a lady who wants to live and love. The theme just beautifully unravels in the film with some touching sequences. The best thing of the film is the Urdu language it uses which feels just mesmerizing and the formal presentation of the setting and character just makes it a film to treasure. Rishi Kapoor, Rati Agnihotri, and Sushma Seth were the ones to give the best ones in the film. However it couldn't also avoid the regular characters of formulaic movies played by Kader Khan, or Asrani. Few songs are also good. Overall, it's the simplicity and the sensitivity with which the story is dealt, makes this film even a treat to watch. I had watched this film over 15 years and still today I'm touched with certain sequences of the film.

Rating: 2 stars out of 4