Behan Bhai

Islamabad

Director: Hassan Tariq

Script: Tanveer Kazmi

Music: A. Hameed

Cast: Deeba, Nadeem, Kamal, Rani, Ejaz, Talat Siddiqui, Aslam Pervaiz and Husna.

Lok Virsa Mandwa Film Club screening ‘Behan Bhai’ today  (Saturday), at 3 p.m.

‘Behan Bhai’ came in 1968 from Hassan Tariq. It was one of those films from late-sixties with multiple-star cast: Deeba, Nadeem, Kamal, Ejaz and Husna. Supporting roles were played by Talat Siddiqui, Aslam Pervaiz, Ilyas Kashmiri and Tani. ‘Behan Bhai’ had to compete that year with ‘Sangdil’, ‘Chand Aur Chandni’, ‘Saiqa’ and ‘Taj Mahal’.

Hassan Tariq assisted major directors before making his directorial debut with ‘Neend’ in 1959. He soon made a place for himself with hits like ‘Banjaran’ (1962), ‘Taqdeer’ and ‘Sawal’ (1966). Within few years, Hassan Tariq became a name to be reckoned with. He went on to make box office history later with ‘Tehzeeb’, ‘Anjuman’, ‘Umraojaan Ada’, ‘Suriya Bhopali’ and ‘Deedar’. He was married to actress Rani, who appeared in leads in most of his later films.

‘Behen Bhai’ did well at the box office, largely due to its bumper cast. Three heroes and three heroines. The film takes us back to 1947. Talat Siddiqui leads the refugee caravan (obviously from India) to Pakistan. She is seen with her children, singing her heart out with hymn ‘Ai bekasoo key wali’ rendered by Mala. A deadly storm must follow so children are displaced and lost (remember golden "Lost and Found" filmy formula). Three brothers and their sister (Nadeem, Kamal, Ejaz, Deeba) go their ways to be reunited in the finale, again on the same hymn. Several successful and not-so-successful films have been made on the lost and found formula, both here and in India.

Nadeem as pickpocket, Kamal as comedian and Ejaz as gunda/pimp (working for Madame Tani for the oldest profession of the world) act reasonably well. Talat Siddiqui who has lost her balance after the children got astray, is theatrical and mostly overacts.

Same goes for Aslam pervaiz.

A. Hameed's musical score is run-of-the- mill; ‘Hello hello Mr. Abdul Ghani’ and theme song ‘Ai bekasoo' key wali’ sound good.

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