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{{Infobox film | {{Infobox film | ||
| name = Kaagaz Ke Phool | | name = Kaagaz Ke Phool | ||
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| producer = | | producer = | ||
| screenplay = [[Abrar Alvi]] | | screenplay = [[Abrar Alvi]] | ||
| starring = [[Guru Dutt]]<br />[[Waheeda Rehman]]<br />[[Kumari Naaz]]<br />[[Mehmood (actor)|Mehmood]]<br />[[Johnny Walker (actor)|Johnny Walker]] | | starring =[[Guru Dutt]]<br />[[Waheeda Rehman]]<br />[[Kumari Naaz]]<br />[[Mehmood (actor)|Mehmood]]<br />[[Johnny Walker (actor)|Johnny Walker]] | ||
| music = [[S. D. Burman]] | | music = [[S. D. Burman]] | ||
| cinematography = [[V. K. Murthy]] | | cinematography = [[V. K. Murthy]] | ||
| editing = Y. G. Chawhan | | editing = Y. G. Chawhan | ||
| studio = | | studio = [[Guru Dutt Films]] | ||
| distributor = | | distributor = | ||
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|1959|01|02}} | | released = {{Film date|df=yes|1959|01|02}} | ||
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| budget = | | budget = | ||
| gross = | | gross = | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Kaagaz Ke Phool''''' ( | '''''Kaagaz Ke Phool''''' ({{Translation|''Paper Flowers''}}){{efn|The implied meaning is that all happiness in this life [Flowers] is fake [Paper], although it might appear real. The protagonist of this film [a character played by [[Guru Dutt]]] had at one point in time, all the happiness this world had to offer him. However, it was only due to his success. Once he failed to deliver success, people gradually moved away from him [a situation, very poignantly described by [[Kaifi Azmi]] in another of his songs from the same film ''[[Bichde Sabhi Bari Bari]]'' (Every one moved away from me gradually) and also by extremely sobering thought ''Matlab ki duniya hai saari'' (the whole world only needs favors from you; once you are unable to deliver that, they will silently move away). The philosophical message that this film appeared to deliver was this - Don't be arrogant, when you are successful; a time will inevitably come, when this success will disappear. Thus all your success and happiness is fake or paper flowers}} is a 1959 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[romantic drama film]] produced and directed by [[Guru Dutt]], who also played the lead role in the film along with [[Waheeda Rehman]]. It is the first Indian film in [[CinemaScope]] and the last film officially directed by Dutt.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Sood|first=Samira|date=2020-05-16|title=Kaagaz Ke Phool is Guru Dutt's masterclass in filmmaking and heartbreak|url=https://theprint.in/features/kaagaz-ke-phool-is-guru-dutts-masterclass-in-filmmaking-and-heartbreak/421852/|access-date=2021-04-16|website=ThePrint|language=en-US|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419050247/https://theprint.in/features/kaagaz-ke-phool-is-guru-dutts-masterclass-in-filmmaking-and-heartbreak/421852/|url-status=live}}</ref> It marked a technical revolution in Indian [[cinematography]] and is widely considered to be ahead of its time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Kaagaz-ke-Phool-1959/article15391096.ece|title=Kaagaz ke Phool 1959|newspaper=The Hindu|date=11 October 2008|via=www.thehindu.com|archive-date=16 December 2024|access-date=28 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216091710/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Kaagaz-ke-Phool-1959/article15391096.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> | ||
The film was a [[box office bomb]] in its time owing to its | The film was a [[box office bomb]] in its time owing to its theme which the masses could not identify with, but was later resurrected as a [[Cult following|cult classic]] in the 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-18|title=Kaagaz ke Phool: 59 years later|url=https://indianculturalforum.in/2018/07/18/kaagaz-ke-phool-59-years-later-guru-dutt/|access-date=2021-04-17|website=Indian Cultural Forum|language=en-US|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417153004/https://indianculturalforum.in/2018/07/18/kaagaz-ke-phool-59-years-later-guru-dutt/|url-status=live}}</ref> Its failure, both critically and commercially, severely impacted Guru Dutt and brought his [[Guru Dutt Films|studio]] on the verge of ruins. Dutt never officially directed a film after this.<ref name="Usman">{{Cite book|last=Usman|first=Yasser|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W_sKEAAAQBAJ&q=Kaagaz+Ke+Phool+SD+Burman+this+is+just+your+story&pg=PT143|title=Guru Dutt: An Unfinished Story: An Unfinished Story|date=2021-01-07|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-93-86797-89-6|language=en}}</ref> The film's music was composed by [[S. D. Burman]] and the lyrics were written by [[Kaifi Azmi]] and [[Shailendra (lyricist)|Shailendra]] (for one song ''"''Hum Tum Jise Kehta Hai''"''). Today ''Kaagaz ke Phool'' is a part of syllabi in many [[film school]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=100 Filmfare Days: Day 25 - Kaagaz Ke Phool|url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/100-filmfare-days-day-25-kaagaz-ke-phool-6152.html|access-date=2021-04-17|website=filmfare.com|language=en|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417172333/https://www.filmfare.com/features/100-filmfare-days-day-25-kaagaz-ke-phool-6152.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It is considered to be the finest [[self-reflexive]] film to have ever been made in India.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chatterji|first=Shoma A.|title=60 years of Kaagaz Ke Phool: The most outstanding self-reflexive film of Indian cinema|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2019/jan/2/17790/60-years-of-kaagaz-ke-phool-the-most-outstanding-self-reflexive-film-of-indian-cinema|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417174525/https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2019/jan/2/17790/60-years-of-kaagaz-ke-phool-the-most-outstanding-self-reflexive-film-of-indian-cinema|url-status=live|archive-date=17 April 2021|access-date=2021-04-17|website=www.cinestaan.com}}</ref> | ||
==Synopsis== | ==Synopsis== | ||
The film tells, in flashback, the story of Suresh Sinha, a famous film director. His marriage to Veena is on the rocks | The film tells, in flashback, the story of Suresh Sinha, a famous film director. His marriage to Veena is on the rocks, due to her wealthy family seeing filmmaking, as a job, lacking in social status. He is also denied access to his daughter, Pammi, who is sent to a private boarding school, in [[Dehradun]]. | ||
On a rainy night Sinha meets a woman, Shanti, and gives her his coat. She comes to the film studio to return the coat, unintentionally disrupting the shooting by walking in front of the camera. While reviewing the rushes, Sinha recognises her potential as a star and casts her as Paro in ''Devdas''. Shanti goes on to become an acclaimed star. Shanti and Suresh, two lonely people, come together. Their liaison is hotly debated in gossip columns and results in Pammi's friends tormenting her in school. Pammi pleads with Shanti to leave Sinha's life and allow her parents' marriage another chance. Moved by Pammi's plea, Shanti throws away her career and becomes a school teacher in a small village | On a rainy night, Sinha meets a woman, Shanti, and gives her his coat. She comes to the film studio to return the coat, unintentionally disrupting the shooting, by walking in front of the camera. While reviewing the [[Dailies|rushes]], Sinha recognises her potential as a star and casts her as Paro, in ''[[Devdas]]''. Shanti goes on to become a rage and an acclaimed star. Shanti and Suresh, two lonely people, come together. Their liaison is hotly debated in gossip columns and results in Pammi's friends tormenting her, in school. Pammi pleads with Shanti to leave Sinha's life and allow her parents' marriage another chance. Moved by Pammi's plea, Shanti throws away her career and becomes a school teacher in a small village. | ||
Pammi decides to live with her father, who fights his in-laws in court, but loses custody of Pammi to Veena, who is now his ex-wife. Losing custody of Pammi, along with Shanti's departure from films, drives Suresh to alcohol. This marks the beginning of his downfall, both personally and professionally, in his career and consequent decline in his fortunes. Meanwhile, Shanti is forced to return to films since she has a contract with the studio. Her producer agrees to hire Suresh because of Shanti, but Suresh's self-respect will not let him return and owe his job to Shanti's star status; so she is unable to help him, as he is too far gone for redemption. In the final scene, remembering his glorious past, he dies in the director's chair in an empty film studio, a lonely and forgotten man. | |||
==Cast== | ==Cast== | ||
* [[Guru Dutt]] as Suresh Sinha | * [[Guru Dutt]] as Suresh Sinha | ||
* [[Waheeda Rehman]] as Shanti | * [[Waheeda Rehman]] as Shanti | ||
* [[Johnny Walker (actor)|Johnny Walker]] as Rakesh "Rocky" (Veena's brother) | * [[Johnny Walker (actor)|Johnny Walker]] as Rakesh "Rocky" Verma (Veena's brother) | ||
* [[Veena (actress)|Veena]] as Veena (Suresh Sinha's Wife) | * [[Veena (actress)|Veena]] as Veena Verma Sinha (Suresh Sinha's Wife) | ||
* [[Baby Naaz]] as Pramila Sinha "Pammi" (Suresh Sinha's Daughter) | * [[Baby Naaz]] as Pramila Sinha "Pammi" (Suresh Sinha's Daughter) | ||
* [[Mahesh Kaul]] as Rai Bahadur B. P. Verma (Rocky & Veena's Father) | * [[Mahesh Kaul]] as Rai Bahadur B. P. Verma (Rocky & Veena's Father) | ||
* [[ | * [[Prathima Devi (Kannada actress)|Pratima Devi]] as Mrs. Verma (Rocky & Veena's Mother) | ||
* [[Minoo Mumtaz]] as Juliet Singh | * [[Minoo Mumtaz]] as Dr. Juliet Singh | ||
* [[Ruby Myers]] as Sulochna Devi | * [[Ruby Myers]] as Sulochna Devi | ||
* [[Mehmood (actor)|Mehmood]] | * [[Mehmood (actor)|Mehmood]] | ||
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* [[Tun Tun]] as Telephone operator | * [[Tun Tun]] as Telephone operator | ||
==Production | ==Production== | ||
The film is widely considered to be an [[autobiographical]] reflection of Guru Dutt's personality, his deepening disillusionment with the film industry and the nature of fame it brings, and on the widely written-about alleged relationship between Dutt and his protégé, Waheeda Rehman. Dutt was married to singer [[Geeta Dutt|Geeta Roy Chowdhuri]] (later Geeta Dutt) at the time, and his heavy drinking and the rumours of his passionate romance with Rehman didn't help. Others believe it to be a homage to [[Gyan Mukherjee]] (known for directing [[Kismet (1943 film)|''Kismet'']]), whom Guru Dutt had joined in 1950. Waheeda Rehman has denied that the story was based on Dutt's own life augmenting that Dutt had never tasted failure as all his films were successful at the time of film's production unlike the protagonist who suffered failure.<ref name="Miguel2012">{{cite book|author=Helio San Miguel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q0_v3jr6TCAC&pg=PA22|title=World Film Locations: Mumbai|date=2012|publisher=Intellect Books|isbn=978-1-84150-632-6|pages=22}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> | |||
[[V. K. Murthy]], a frequent collaborator of Dutt, served as the [[cinematographer]] and won the [[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematography|Filmfare Best Cinematographer Award]] for his work in the film. [[M. R. Acharekar]] was the [[art director]] and went on to receive the [[Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction]]. [[Bhanu Athaiya]], who would later receive an [[Academy Award for Best Costume Design|Academy Award]] for [[Gandhi (film)|''Gandhi'']] (1982), handled the [[costume design]]. Ramnord Research Labs, headed by S. V. Rau, did the final [[film processing]]. | |||
== | ==Soundtrack== | ||
{{Infobox album | |||
| name = Kaagaz Ke Phool | |||
| type = soundtrack | |||
| artist = [[S. D. Burman]] | |||
| released = {{start date|1959|01|02}} | |||
| genre = [[Filmi]], [[Music of Bollywood|Bollywood]] | |||
| length = {{duration||33|18}} | |||
| label = [[Saregama]] | |||
}} | |||
The music of the movie was composed by [[S. D. Burman]]. He had warned him not to make ''Kaagaz Ke Phool'', which resembled his own life. When Guru Dutt insisted on making the film, Burman said that that it would be his last film with Guru Dutt.<ref name="Usman"/> | |||
The song ''Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam'' became an evergreen hit and one of the most loved [[Music of Bollywood|Hindi-film songs]] of all time.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-08-31|title=Top 32: Most loved Bollywood songs of all time|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/top-32-most-loved-bollywood-songs-of-all-time/story-Oy5PxR4xslOx82xB6cmVkI.html|access-date=2021-04-17|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413125932/https://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/top-32-most-loved-bollywood-songs-of-all-time/story-Oy5PxR4xslOx82xB6cmVkI.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, it was ranked ''#3'' in the "20 Best Hindi Film Songs Ever" poll of 30 leading music composers, singers, and lyricists.<ref>{{Cite web|title=20 Best Hindi Film Songs Ever {{!}} Outlook India Magazine|url=https://magazine.outlookindia.com/story/20-best-hindi-film-songs-ever/231648|access-date=2021-04-17|website=Outlook India}}{{Dead link|date=February 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Apart from the song's composition and lyrics, it is also considered one of the best photographed songs of all time. The light-beam effect was produced using two large mirrors and natural sunlight.<ref name="Usman" /> | |||
== | {{Track listing | ||
| extra_column = Singer(s) | |||
| title1 = Title Music | |||
| extra1 = - | |||
| lyrics1 = - | |||
| length1 = 2:02 | |||
| title2 = Dekhi Zamane Ki Yaari (Raga Des) | |||
| extra2 = [[Mohammed Rafi]] | |||
| lyrics2 = [[Kaifi Azmi]] | |||
| length2 = 9:00 | |||
| title3 = San San San Woh Chali Hawa | |||
| extra3 = [[Mohammed Rafi]], [[Asha Bhosle]] | |||
| lyrics3 = [[Kaifi Azmi]] | |||
| length3 = 4:13 | |||
| title4 = Ud Ja Ud Ja Pyaase Bhaware | |||
| extra4 = [[Mohammed Rafi]] | |||
| lyrics4 = [[Kaifi Azmi]] | |||
| length4 = 3:21 | |||
| title5 = Hum Tum Jise Kahta Hai | |||
| extra5 = [[Mohammed Rafi]] | |||
| lyrics5 = [[Shailendra (lyricist)|Shailendra]] | |||
| length5 = 4:13 | |||
| title6 = Ek Do Teen Char Aur Paanch | |||
| extra6 = [[Geeta Dutt]] | |||
| lyrics6 = [[Kaifi Azmi]] | |||
| length6 = 3:24 | |||
| title7 = Ulte Seedhe Dao Lagaye | |||
| extra7 = [[Mohammed Rafi]], [[Asha Bhosle]] | |||
| lyrics7 = [[Kaifi Azmi]] | |||
| length7 = 3:31 | |||
| title8 = Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam | |||
| extra8 = [[Geeta Dutt]] | |||
| lyrics8 = [[Kaifi Azmi]] | |||
| length8 = 3:31 | |||
| all_music = [[S. D. Burman]] | |||
| total_length = 33:18 | |||
| all_writing = | |||
}} | |||
The | == Release and reception == | ||
The commercial and critical failure of ''Kaagaz Ke Phool'' was an intense disappointment for Guru Dutt. He had invested a great deal of love, money, and energy in this film. All subsequent films from his studio were, thereafter, officially helmed by other directors since Guru Dutt felt that his name is anathema to box office.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-07-09|title=Guru Dutt: Remembering a genius|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/guru-dutt-remembering-a-genius/story-qAv6dxRGSSoEaFtwoQKMxI.html|access-date=2021-04-17|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> | |||
In the writing of Sathya Saran's book ''[[Ten Years with Guru Dutt|Ten Years with Guru Dutt: Abrar Alvi’s Journey]]'', [[Abrar Alvi]], who wrote the screenplay and dialogues of ''Kaagaz Ke Phool'', told ''Saran'' that he believed the masses just couldn't identify with Suresh's trauma over his personal heartbreak and his lack of professional creative freedom, given that he was reasonably well off and he still had a job, while they struggled to put two meals on their table. He believed viewers couldn't feel for what they saw as the self-indulgent angst of a privileged man.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
| | |||
== | === Home video === | ||
{{ | {{Main|In Search of Guru Dutt}} | ||
Yash Raj Films released a commemorative DVD of the movie. Included in the special features is a three-part documentary produced by [[Channel 4]] in the [[United Kingdom]] on the life and works of Guru Dutt. His close associates and some of his family members remember him, his life and work. There is also a tribute to Geeta Dutt by Lata, in which she sings "Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam". | [[Yash Raj Films]] released a commemorative DVD of the movie. Included in the special features is a three-part documentary produced by [[Channel 4]] in the [[United Kingdom]] on the life and works of Guru Dutt, ''[[In Search of Guru Dutt]]''. His close associates and some of his family members remember him, his life and work. There is also a tribute to Geeta Dutt by [[Lata Mangeshkar]], in which she sings "Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam".<ref>{{cite web|date=12 July 2011|title=Documentary on Guru Dutt released on DVD|url=http://dearcinema.com/news/documentary-on-guru-dutt-released-on-dvd/3720|publisher=DearCinema|access-date=25 August 2021|archive-date=13 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713221439/http://dearcinema.com/news/documentary-on-guru-dutt-released-on-dvd/3720|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
== Legacy == | == Legacy == | ||
In 2002 | In the 2002 ''[[Sight & Sound]]'' critics and directors' poll, ''Kaagaz Ke Phool'' was ranked #160 in the list of [[List of films considered the best|greatest films of all time]].<ref>{{cite web|year=2002|title=2002 Sight & Sound Top Films Survey of 253 International Critics & Film Directors|url=http://www.cinemacom.com/2002-sight-sound.html|access-date=2009-04-19|publisher=Cinemacom|archive-date=4 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604162906/http://www.cinemacom.com/2002-sight-sound.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was listed in [[British Film Institute]]'s Top 20 Indian Films in 2002 at #11;<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-05-15|title=BFI {{!}} Features {{!}} Top 20 Indian Films|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/imagineasia/guide/poll/india/|url-status=dead|access-date=2021-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515101729/http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/imagineasia/guide/poll/india/|archive-date=15 May 2011}}</ref> [[NDTV]]'s listed it in "India's 20 greatest films", citing, "''Kaagaz Ke Phool'', Guru Dutt's most melancholic film ever, takes his deepening disillusionment with the world and its guardians to a new level of despair. The iconic actor-director plays a filmmaker on the skids. He is unable to get his point of view across to the people who matter and life is a constant struggle, both personally and professionally. The masses failed to connect with the film, but Kaagaz Ke Phool has lived longer than many money-spinners of the golden era of Hindi cinema''."''<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-02-21|title=India's 20 greatest films » NDTV Movies|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=14&ID=1124#talk|access-date=2021-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221192614/http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=14&ID=1124#talk|archive-date=21 February 2012}}</ref> It was listed in [[CNN- IBN|CNN-IBN]]'s 100 Greatest Indian Films of all time in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title=100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time|url=https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/100-years-of-indian-cinema-the-100-greatest-indian-films-of-all-time-903065.html|access-date=2021-08-25|website=[[News18]]|language=en|archive-date=13 August 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190813155555/https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/100-years-of-indian-cinema-the-100-greatest-indian-films-of-all-time-903065-1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was ranked #6 in [[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook Magazine]]'s poll of the 25 leading Indian directors for Hindi cinema's best films in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|title=6. Kaagaz Ke Phool -1959 {{!}} Outlook India Magazine|url=https://magazine.outlookindia.com/story/6-kaagaz-ke-phool-1959/220096|access-date=2021-04-17|website=Outlook (India)|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417153006/https://magazine.outlookindia.com/story/6-kaagaz-ke-phool-1959/220096|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also listed in [[Time Out (magazine)|Time-Out]]'s "The 100 Best Bollywood Movies" in 2015 at #14.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Best Bollywood movies|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-100-best-bollywood-movies-the-list|access-date=2021-04-17|website=Time Out London|language=en|archive-date=17 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817075703/https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-100-best-bollywood-movies-the-list|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
''Kaagaz Ke Phool''{{'s}} screenplay was published in 2014 as a book as ''[[Kaagaz Ke Phool: The Original Screenplay]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thebookreviewindia.org/reversing-cinematic-translation/ |title=Reversing cinematic translation |date=February 2015 |work=The Book Review |volume=39 |issue=2 |last=Dayal |first=Radha |access-date=10 September 2021 |journal= |archive-date=10 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910033702/https://www.thebookreviewindia.org/reversing-cinematic-translation/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019, [[British Film Institute]] named ''Kaagaz Ke Phool'' as the Best Musical of 1959, citing, “if proof were needed that Guru Dutt was no one-hit-wonder, it's right here.”<ref>{{Cite web|title=The best musical of every year – from the dawn of sound to the rise of the jukebox musical|url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/lists/best-musical-every-year|access-date=2021-04-17|website=BFI|date=17 October 2019|language=en|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417154505/https://www.bfi.org.uk/lists/best-musical-every-year|url-status=live}}</ref> It was ranked first in The Cinemaholic's list of "Best Hindi Cult Films that were Flops", citing, “The last film officially directed by the legendary Guru Dutt. Often regarded as one of the greatest film ever made, the failure of Kaagaz Ke Phool severely impacted Guru Dutt''.”''<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shah|first=Aarya|date=2017-10-18|title=15 Best Bollywood Cult Movies That Were Actually Flops|url=https://thecinemaholic.com/bollywood-hindi-cult-movies-flops/|access-date=2021-04-17|website=The Cinemaholic|language=en-US|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417153009/https://thecinemaholic.com/bollywood-hindi-cult-movies-flops/|url-status=live}}</ref> In an article regarding the film, the [[University of Iowa|University of IOWA]], summed up, ''“''Flaws and all, ''Kagaz Ke Phool'' deserves to rank—with [[Federico Fellini|Fellini's]] [[8½]]—among the all-time great films about filmmaking and life''.”''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kaagaz ke phool {{!}} Indian Cinema - The University of Iowa|url=https://indiancinema.sites.uiowa.edu/kaagaz-ke-phool|access-date=2021-04-17|website=indiancinema.sites.uiowa.edu|language=en|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417172333/https://indiancinema.sites.uiowa.edu/kaagaz-ke-phool|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
''Kaagaz Ke Phool'' significantly serves the plot of 2022 film [[Chup: Revenge of the Artist]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sunny Deol, Dulquer Salmaan ask you to review psychopath thriller 'Chup' trailer; it's an ode to Guru Dutt, his 'Kaagaz Ke Phool'|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/entertainment/sunny-deol-dulquer-salmaan-ask-you-to-review-psychopath-thriller-chup-trailer-its-an-ode-to-guru-dutt-his-kaagaz-ke-phool-428822|access-date=2022-09-06|archive-date=6 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906212645/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/entertainment/sunny-deol-dulquer-salmaan-ask-you-to-review-psychopath-thriller-chup-trailer-its-an-ode-to-guru-dutt-his-kaagaz-ke-phool-428822|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
== Awards == | |||
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematography|Filmfare Best Cinematographer Award]] – [[V. K. Murthy]] | |||
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction|Filmfare Best Art Direction Award]] – [[M. R. Acharekar]]{{cn|date=January 2025}} | |||
==Footnotes== | |||
{{notelist|1}} | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 113: | Line 134: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* {{IMDb title|0052954|Kaagaz Ke Phool}} | * {{IMDb title|0052954|Kaagaz Ke Phool}} | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UiXeDqpz1s ''Waqt Ne Kiya'' – Geeta Dutt] | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UiXeDqpz1s ''Waqt Ne Kiya'' – Geeta Dutt] | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV6NciXmG64 Opening sequence of Guru Dutt's film Kaagaz Ke Phool, Paper Flowers, 1959] | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV6NciXmG64 Opening sequence of Guru Dutt's film Kaagaz Ke Phool, Paper Flowers, 1959] | ||
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[[Category:1959 films]] | [[Category:1959 films]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:1959 drama films]] | ||
[[Category:Hindi-language films]] | [[Category:1959 Hindi-language films]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Indian black-and-white films]] | ||
[[Category:Films directed by Guru Dutt]] | [[Category:Films directed by Guru Dutt]] | ||
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Abrar Alvi]] | [[Category:Films with screenplays by Abrar Alvi]] | ||
[[Category:Films scored by S. D. Burman]] | [[Category:Films scored by S. D. Burman]] | ||
[[Category:Films about film directors and producers]] | [[Category:Films about film directors and producers]] | ||
[[Category:Films about actors]] | |||
[[Category:Films about Hindi cinema]] | |||
[[Category:Films about filmmaking]] | |||
[[Category:Films about films]] | |||
[[Category:Films about cinematography]] | |||
[[Category:Films about screenwriters]] | |||
[[Category:Films set in the British Raj]] | |||
[[Category:Films set in studio lots]] | |||
[[Category:Films set in Mumbai]] | |||
[[Category:Films set in Uttarakhand]] | |||
[[Category:Films set in Delhi]] | |||
[[Category:Films set in Dehradun]] | |||
[[Category:Films shot in Mumbai]] | |||
[[Category:Self-reflexive films]] | |||
[[Category:Films à clef]] | |||
Latest revision as of 09:34, 4 March 2026
| Kaagaz Ke Phool | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Guru Dutt |
| Screenplay by | Abrar Alvi |
| Starring | Guru Dutt Waheeda Rehman Kumari Naaz Mehmood Johnny Walker |
| Music by | S. D. Burman |
| Cinematography | V. K. Murthy |
| Edited by | Y. G. Chawhan |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
Running time | 148 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Kaagaz Ke Phool (transl. Paper Flowers)[lower-alpha 1] is a 1959 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film produced and directed by Guru Dutt, who also played the lead role in the film along with Waheeda Rehman. It is the first Indian film in CinemaScope and the last film officially directed by Dutt.[1] It marked a technical revolution in Indian cinematography and is widely considered to be ahead of its time.[2][1]
The film was a box office bomb in its time owing to its theme which the masses could not identify with, but was later resurrected as a cult classic in the 1980s.[3] Its failure, both critically and commercially, severely impacted Guru Dutt and brought his studio on the verge of ruins. Dutt never officially directed a film after this.[4] The film's music was composed by S. D. Burman and the lyrics were written by Kaifi Azmi and Shailendra (for one song "Hum Tum Jise Kehta Hai"). Today Kaagaz ke Phool is a part of syllabi in many film schools.[5] It is considered to be the finest self-reflexive film to have ever been made in India.[6]
Synopsis[edit | edit source]
The film tells, in flashback, the story of Suresh Sinha, a famous film director. His marriage to Veena is on the rocks, due to her wealthy family seeing filmmaking, as a job, lacking in social status. He is also denied access to his daughter, Pammi, who is sent to a private boarding school, in Dehradun.
On a rainy night, Sinha meets a woman, Shanti, and gives her his coat. She comes to the film studio to return the coat, unintentionally disrupting the shooting, by walking in front of the camera. While reviewing the rushes, Sinha recognises her potential as a star and casts her as Paro, in Devdas. Shanti goes on to become a rage and an acclaimed star. Shanti and Suresh, two lonely people, come together. Their liaison is hotly debated in gossip columns and results in Pammi's friends tormenting her, in school. Pammi pleads with Shanti to leave Sinha's life and allow her parents' marriage another chance. Moved by Pammi's plea, Shanti throws away her career and becomes a school teacher in a small village.
Pammi decides to live with her father, who fights his in-laws in court, but loses custody of Pammi to Veena, who is now his ex-wife. Losing custody of Pammi, along with Shanti's departure from films, drives Suresh to alcohol. This marks the beginning of his downfall, both personally and professionally, in his career and consequent decline in his fortunes. Meanwhile, Shanti is forced to return to films since she has a contract with the studio. Her producer agrees to hire Suresh because of Shanti, but Suresh's self-respect will not let him return and owe his job to Shanti's star status; so she is unable to help him, as he is too far gone for redemption. In the final scene, remembering his glorious past, he dies in the director's chair in an empty film studio, a lonely and forgotten man.
Cast[edit | edit source]
- Guru Dutt as Suresh Sinha
- Waheeda Rehman as Shanti
- Johnny Walker as Rakesh "Rocky" Verma (Veena's brother)
- Veena as Veena Verma Sinha (Suresh Sinha's Wife)
- Baby Naaz as Pramila Sinha "Pammi" (Suresh Sinha's Daughter)
- Mahesh Kaul as Rai Bahadur B. P. Verma (Rocky & Veena's Father)
- Pratima Devi as Mrs. Verma (Rocky & Veena's Mother)
- Minoo Mumtaz as Dr. Juliet Singh
- Ruby Myers as Sulochna Devi
- Mehmood
- Mohan Choti
- Tun Tun as Telephone operator
Production[edit | edit source]
The film is widely considered to be an autobiographical reflection of Guru Dutt's personality, his deepening disillusionment with the film industry and the nature of fame it brings, and on the widely written-about alleged relationship between Dutt and his protégé, Waheeda Rehman. Dutt was married to singer Geeta Roy Chowdhuri (later Geeta Dutt) at the time, and his heavy drinking and the rumours of his passionate romance with Rehman didn't help. Others believe it to be a homage to Gyan Mukherjee (known for directing Kismet), whom Guru Dutt had joined in 1950. Waheeda Rehman has denied that the story was based on Dutt's own life augmenting that Dutt had never tasted failure as all his films were successful at the time of film's production unlike the protagonist who suffered failure.[7][1]
V. K. Murthy, a frequent collaborator of Dutt, served as the cinematographer and won the Filmfare Best Cinematographer Award for his work in the film. M. R. Acharekar was the art director and went on to receive the Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction. Bhanu Athaiya, who would later receive an Academy Award for Gandhi (1982), handled the costume design. Ramnord Research Labs, headed by S. V. Rau, did the final film processing.
Soundtrack[edit | edit source]
| Kaagaz Ke Phool | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |
| Released | January 2, 1959 |
| Genre | Filmi, Bollywood |
| Length | 33:18 |
| Label | Saregama |
The music of the movie was composed by S. D. Burman. He had warned him not to make Kaagaz Ke Phool, which resembled his own life. When Guru Dutt insisted on making the film, Burman said that that it would be his last film with Guru Dutt.[4]
The song Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam became an evergreen hit and one of the most loved Hindi-film songs of all time.[8] In 2006, it was ranked #3 in the "20 Best Hindi Film Songs Ever" poll of 30 leading music composers, singers, and lyricists.[9] Apart from the song's composition and lyrics, it is also considered one of the best photographed songs of all time. The light-beam effect was produced using two large mirrors and natural sunlight.[4]
All music is composed by S. D. Burman.
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Title Music" | - | - | 2:02 |
| 2. | "Dekhi Zamane Ki Yaari (Raga Des)" | Kaifi Azmi | Mohammed Rafi | 9:00 |
| 3. | "San San San Woh Chali Hawa" | Kaifi Azmi | Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle | 4:13 |
| 4. | "Ud Ja Ud Ja Pyaase Bhaware" | Kaifi Azmi | Mohammed Rafi | 3:21 |
| 5. | "Hum Tum Jise Kahta Hai" | Shailendra | Mohammed Rafi | 4:13 |
| 6. | "Ek Do Teen Char Aur Paanch" | Kaifi Azmi | Geeta Dutt | 3:24 |
| 7. | "Ulte Seedhe Dao Lagaye" | Kaifi Azmi | Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle | 3:31 |
| 8. | "Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam" | Kaifi Azmi | Geeta Dutt | 3:31 |
| Total length: | 33:18 | |||
Release and reception[edit | edit source]
The commercial and critical failure of Kaagaz Ke Phool was an intense disappointment for Guru Dutt. He had invested a great deal of love, money, and energy in this film. All subsequent films from his studio were, thereafter, officially helmed by other directors since Guru Dutt felt that his name is anathema to box office.[10][1]
In the writing of Sathya Saran's book Ten Years with Guru Dutt: Abrar Alvi’s Journey, Abrar Alvi, who wrote the screenplay and dialogues of Kaagaz Ke Phool, told Saran that he believed the masses just couldn't identify with Suresh's trauma over his personal heartbreak and his lack of professional creative freedom, given that he was reasonably well off and he still had a job, while they struggled to put two meals on their table. He believed viewers couldn't feel for what they saw as the self-indulgent angst of a privileged man.[1]
Home video[edit | edit source]
Yash Raj Films released a commemorative DVD of the movie. Included in the special features is a three-part documentary produced by Channel 4 in the United Kingdom on the life and works of Guru Dutt, In Search of Guru Dutt. His close associates and some of his family members remember him, his life and work. There is also a tribute to Geeta Dutt by Lata Mangeshkar, in which she sings "Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam".[11]
Legacy[edit | edit source]
In the 2002 Sight & Sound critics and directors' poll, Kaagaz Ke Phool was ranked #160 in the list of greatest films of all time.[12] It was listed in British Film Institute's Top 20 Indian Films in 2002 at #11;[13] NDTV's listed it in "India's 20 greatest films", citing, "Kaagaz Ke Phool, Guru Dutt's most melancholic film ever, takes his deepening disillusionment with the world and its guardians to a new level of despair. The iconic actor-director plays a filmmaker on the skids. He is unable to get his point of view across to the people who matter and life is a constant struggle, both personally and professionally. The masses failed to connect with the film, but Kaagaz Ke Phool has lived longer than many money-spinners of the golden era of Hindi cinema."[14] It was listed in CNN-IBN's 100 Greatest Indian Films of all time in 2013.[15] It was ranked #6 in Outlook Magazine's poll of the 25 leading Indian directors for Hindi cinema's best films in 2003.[16] It was also listed in Time-Out's "The 100 Best Bollywood Movies" in 2015 at #14.[17]
Kaagaz Ke Phool's screenplay was published in 2014 as a book as Kaagaz Ke Phool: The Original Screenplay.[18] In 2019, British Film Institute named Kaagaz Ke Phool as the Best Musical of 1959, citing, “if proof were needed that Guru Dutt was no one-hit-wonder, it's right here.”[19] It was ranked first in The Cinemaholic's list of "Best Hindi Cult Films that were Flops", citing, “The last film officially directed by the legendary Guru Dutt. Often regarded as one of the greatest film ever made, the failure of Kaagaz Ke Phool severely impacted Guru Dutt.”[20] In an article regarding the film, the University of IOWA, summed up, “Flaws and all, Kagaz Ke Phool deserves to rank—with Fellini's 8½—among the all-time great films about filmmaking and life.”[21]
Kaagaz Ke Phool significantly serves the plot of 2022 film Chup: Revenge of the Artist.[22]
Awards[edit | edit source]
- Filmfare Best Cinematographer Award – V. K. Murthy
- Filmfare Best Art Direction Award – M. R. Acharekar[citation needed]
Footnotes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ The implied meaning is that all happiness in this life [Flowers] is fake [Paper], although it might appear real. The protagonist of this film [a character played by Guru Dutt] had at one point in time, all the happiness this world had to offer him. However, it was only due to his success. Once he failed to deliver success, people gradually moved away from him [a situation, very poignantly described by Kaifi Azmi in another of his songs from the same film Bichde Sabhi Bari Bari (Every one moved away from me gradually) and also by extremely sobering thought Matlab ki duniya hai saari (the whole world only needs favors from you; once you are unable to deliver that, they will silently move away). The philosophical message that this film appeared to deliver was this - Don't be arrogant, when you are successful; a time will inevitably come, when this success will disappear. Thus all your success and happiness is fake or paper flowers
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Sood, Samira (16 May 2020). "Kaagaz Ke Phool is Guru Dutt's masterclass in filmmaking and heartbreak". ThePrint. Archived from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ↑ "Kaagaz ke Phool 1959". The Hindu. 11 October 2008. Archived from the original on 16 December 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2021 – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ "Kaagaz ke Phool: 59 years later". Indian Cultural Forum. 18 July 2018. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Usman, Yasser (7 January 2021). Guru Dutt: An Unfinished Story: An Unfinished Story. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-93-86797-89-6.
- ↑ "100 Filmfare Days: Day 25 - Kaagaz Ke Phool". filmfare.com. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ Chatterji, Shoma A. "60 years of Kaagaz Ke Phool: The most outstanding self-reflexive film of Indian cinema". www.cinestaan.com. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ Helio San Miguel (2012). World Film Locations: Mumbai. Intellect Books. p. 22. ISBN 978-1-84150-632-6.
- ↑ "Top 32: Most loved Bollywood songs of all time". Hindustan Times. 31 August 2013. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ "20 Best Hindi Film Songs Ever | Outlook India Magazine". Outlook India. Retrieved 17 April 2021.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ "Guru Dutt: Remembering a genius". Hindustan Times. 9 July 2008. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ "Documentary on Guru Dutt released on DVD". DearCinema. 12 July 2011. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
- ↑ "2002 Sight & Sound Top Films Survey of 253 International Critics & Film Directors". Cinemacom. 2002. Archived from the original on 4 June 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2009.
- ↑ "BFI | Features | Top 20 Indian Films". 15 May 2011. Archived from the original on 15 May 2011. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ "India's 20 greatest films » NDTV Movies". 21 February 2012. Archived from the original on 21 February 2012. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ "100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time". News18. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "6. Kaagaz Ke Phool -1959 | Outlook India Magazine". Outlook (India). Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ "The Best Bollywood movies". Time Out London. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ Dayal, Radha (February 2015). "Reversing cinematic translation". The Book Review. Vol. 39, no. 2. Archived from the original on 10 September 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
- ↑ "The best musical of every year – from the dawn of sound to the rise of the jukebox musical". BFI. 17 October 2019. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ Shah, Aarya (18 October 2017). "15 Best Bollywood Cult Movies That Were Actually Flops". The Cinemaholic. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ "Kaagaz ke phool | Indian Cinema - The University of Iowa". indiancinema.sites.uiowa.edu. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ "Sunny Deol, Dulquer Salmaan ask you to review psychopath thriller 'Chup' trailer; it's an ode to Guru Dutt, his 'Kaagaz Ke Phool'". Archived from the original on 6 September 2022. Retrieved 6 September 2022.