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Upkar

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Upkar
Directed byManoj Kumar
Written byManoj Kumar
Produced byHarkishen R. Mirchandani
R. N. Goswami
StarringManoj Kumar
Asha Parekh
Prem Chopra
Pran
CinematographyV. N. Reddy
Edited byB. S. Glaad
Music byKalyanji Anandji
Production
company
Vishal Pictures
Distributed byVishal Pictures
Release date
  • 11 August 1967 (1967-08-11)
Running time
175 min.
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Upkar (transl. Favour) is a 1967 Indian Hindi film directed by Manoj Kumar. Set in the backdrop of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Upkar celebrates village life and the contributions of farmers and soldiers to India. The film was inspired by Indian prime minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, who suggested that Kumar make a film based on his motto for India, "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan" (transl. Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer).[1] It stars Kumar, Prem Chopra, Asha Parekh, Kamini Kaushal, Pran, and Madan Puri.

It was Kumar's directorial debut film. The film held the top spot at the box office in 1967 and was the highest-grossing Indian film of the year.[2] Upkar was highly acclaimed, winning seven Filmfare Awards including Best Film.[1] It also won the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film.

The film was remade in Telugu as Padipantalu in 1976.

Plot

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A village man from Atali village (Ballabgarh, Haryana), Bharat, sacrifices everything for his brother's education. The brother, Puran, goes to study in the city and becomes attracted to the high-society lifestyle. When Puran returns to the village, he is a selfish man and wants to sell his share of the family's property. Bharat is unwilling to divide the property and transfers the disputed land to Puran's son.

When the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 begins, Bharat joins the fight. With the help of his greedy uncle Charandas and some partners, Puran tries to profit by hoarding and selling grains on the black market. Puran eventually discovers Charandas' plan to separate the two brothers. Ridden with guilt and shame, Puran surrenders to the police.

Bharat fights bravely in the war but is captured by the enemy. He escapes but is badly injured and loses both hands. When Bharat returns home as a war hero, Puran apologizes to him. Reunited in the village, the two brothers farm the family fields together.

Cast

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Production

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According to an interview with Manoj Kumar, Rajesh Khanna was originally signed in a supporting role for the film. However, he won the All India Talent Contest and had to withdraw from the film. Prem Chopra replaced him.[3]

Some portions of Upkar were filmed at Rajkamal Kalamandir, Kamal Studio, Guru Dutt Films, and Mehboob Studio. However, the principal photography took place in the village of Nangal Thakran in Delhi & Atali Village (Ballabgarh, Haryana). The film unit borrowed bullock carts and plows from the Atali villagers for filming. Bharat's house and field were actual locations in Nangal Thakran & Atali Village, including the field where the "Mere Desh Ki Dharti" song was filmed.[4] The cast and production stayed in Delhi while filming in Nangal Thakran, traveling to the village each morning. However, they stayed in Nangal Thakran during the filming of night sequences.

Soundtrack

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The film was scored by Kalyanji Anandji. Qamar Jalalabadi, Indeevar, Gulshan Bawra, and Prem Dhawan wrote the lyrics for the songs. The music from the film was highly successful. The patriotic song "Mere Desh Ki Dharti" (transl. Land of my country) has become a staple of Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations in India.[1]

No. Title Lyrics Singer(s)
1 "Deewanon Se Ye Mat Poocho" Qamar Jalalabadi Mukesh
2 "Kasme Waade Pyar Wafa" Indeevar Manna Dey
3 "Mere Desh Ki Dharti" Gulshan Bawra Mahendra Kapoor
4 "Aayi Jhoomke Basant" Prem Dhawan Asha Bhosle, Shamshad Begum, Mahendra Kapoor & Manna Dey
5 "Gulabi Raat Gulabi" Indeevar Asha Bhosle
6 "Har Khushi Ho Wahan" Gulshan Bawra Lata Mangeshkar
7 "Yeh Kali Raat Kali" Indeevar Mohd. Rafi

Awards and nominations

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15th Filmfare Awards

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Won

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Nominated

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Other awards

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Upkar — film born of churn in newly-Independent India gave Bollywood a hit formula". 15 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Worth Their Weight in Gold! - Box Office India: India's premier film trade magazine". Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  3. ^ Manoj Kumar recounts the life and times of Rajesh Khanna on YouTube
  4. ^ "Story of a movie and a Delhi village". Hindustan Times. 12 January 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  5. ^ a b The Times of India, Entertainment. "National Awards Winners 1967: Complete list of winners of National Awards 1967". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  6. ^ "69th & 70th Annual Hero Honda BFJA Awards 2007". Archived from the original on 13 January 2009. Retrieved 8 January 2010.
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