Silsila (1981)

Silsila: Directed by Yash Chopra. With Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Jaya Bachchan, Rekha. SILSILA is a love story, thwarted by society’s demands, which reappears as adultery but can it survive in the face of society?

“Silsila is based on the true story of Amitabh, Jaya, and Rekha. As with many great movies that donu0026#39;t follow the typical Bollywood format this was a big flop when it was released, and yet there is no one today who hasnu0026#39;t seen it. Like most Yash Chopra films this one looks great and so are the songs, especially the first two: u0026quot;sar se sarekeu0026quot; and u0026quot;ladki hai yaa sholaau0026quot; (I probably didnu0026#39;t spell that right). Unlike most of Amitabhu0026#39;s films this is more of an ensemble piece and the whole cast delivers. Amitabh gives a powerhouse performance as the poet whose life is suddenly shattered and heu0026#39;s forced to give up his happiness for Jaya. Jaya is also perfect and matches him all the way. Sanjeev Kumar steals every scene heu0026#39;s in especially the one at the airport with Rekha and the one when heu0026#39;s talking to Jaya at the hospital. Rekha is good although her performance is the weakest of the four. Shashi Kapoor does what he can in his small role. The subject matter was handled nicely by the writers (they never get too preachy) and there are many scenes, especially the ones between Amit and Jaya, and Rekha and Jaya where you wonder how that scene took place in real life. They also succeed with making you sympathize with all 4 individuals – (that might be why they were all willing to make the movie). I give this movie a 9 out of 10. The only thing that stops me from giving it a 10 is the ending. We arenu0026#39;t given a reason as to why Amitabh makes the decision that he makes. Also the big revelation from Jaya at the end of the movie doesnu0026#39;t really make sense. Apart from that the movie is flawless and a must see.”