BlazeLime
Strong and Moving!
Chirphymium
It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional
mraculeated
The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.
Roy Hart
If you're interested in the topic at hand, you should just watch it and judge yourself because the reviews have gone very biased by people that didn't even watch it and just hate (or love) the creator. I liked it, it was well written, narrated, and directed and it was about a topic that interests me.
Bhuvan Chaturvedi
I was expecting more from a movie that was such a blockbuster and winner of several filmfare awards. Notwithstanding the amazing suspension of disbelief requirement, contrived song sequences and coincidences that were considered staple of Indian films of that time, the plot themes are so mixed up on purpose to get full 'masala' that you have a potpourri of a love triangle, family drama of a joint family, patriotism, secularism, and a social and political commentary - all of which are half baked and poorly done. This film was made in 1974 when youth unemployment and poverty were big issues. Indira Gandhi had won the previous general elections in 1971 on a 'Garibi Hatao' or 'Banish Poverty' manifesto, and then failed to deliver on these fronts because of her continued socialist/crypto-communist agenda. Yet, and most disappointingly and dishonestly, the film blames all evils on dhoti clad lalas and banias, while absolving the political leadership by explicitly relaying Indira Gandhi's 15th Aug broadcast, showing Vote Congress graffiti and singing paeans to socialism. Actually I have lost a lot of respect for the cinema going public of India of those times and for Manoj Kumar as well after watching this silly film. Even my favorite singer Mukesh sounded off-key in all songs.
sharankandhai
Along with Kranti definitely one of Manoj Kumars best movies. And also on e of the best movies ever made in India. Also this is the first movie that co starred the later hit jodi of Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi kapoor (not counting the movie Bombay Talkies in which Shashi was the leading man and Amitabh an extra whos scene had been cut from the movie). A great cast compromsing of Manoj Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Moushumi Chatterjee, Dheeraj Kumar, Madan Puri, Kamini Kaushal, Raza Murad, Aruna Irani, Manmohan and many many others. The story has a few subplots which are done very well. Though Amitabh Bachchan has a supporting role of maybe 50 to 60 minutes max, he is the scenestealer! As usual! The role portryed by premNath was written for and offered to Pran who turned it down because he had just played a similar role in Amitabh's Zanjeer. Manoj Kumar could not handle this and never offered Pran another role again.The songs are all good but the best of the lot is actually Main Na Bhoolunga (part 2).
anoopshahi
This film has the lot: romance, action and hit songs. Manoj Kumar undoubtedly holds the lead role, but as far as show-stealing goes, Premnath's 'Sardar Harnam Singh' has to down as one of the greatest character portrayals, ever.Not only did he recite some of Sikhism's holiest 'prayers' fluently but was also allowed to swear (rather frequently) in Punjabi. Which, both added that extra class to his performance.His role was so widely acclaimed amongst Punjabis, that whenever Premnath was to visit Punjab, any services or goods he may require were given free of charge!
Brucev-3
This is an indian movie. Indian movies are a 3 hr mix of action, drama, humor, and musical. This may seem long. But if a movie is as good as Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, you will not notice it. This movie has some of the greatest actors of the indian cinema. A lot of social and political issues are being portrayed, which even after 26 years haven't changed that much. But if you do not like the moral tone in the movie there is enough action to keep a lot of you satisfied. One special relationship (in the movie) has to be mentioned. The oldest brother of one very poor family (the main character, Manoj Kumar) is the one with a degree, but is not able to get a good job. On the other side is his younger brother (my favorite, Amitabh Bachchan) who earns his money a little bit illegally and as a consequence gets judged and punished by his brother. So Amitabh decides to go join the army to make amends.This is really fun to watch. Although Amitabh hasn't got a very big part, he really steals the show. Oh yeah there is a lot of romance going on, but it never gets boring. Watch it!