Raj Kapoor's Ram Teri Ganga Maili Re-released: A timeless classic revisited

Re-released to celebrate the centenary of Bollywood’s greatest showman, I caught Raj Kapoor's blockbuster hit Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985) at PVR Palladium Phoenix mall on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The show was housefull with audience cheering and clapping Mandakini's entry and the 'Sun Saiba Sun' song.

Conceived during the making of Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960), the late great showman Raj Kapoor waited for two decades to realise his dream of Ram Teri Ganga Maili - the concept of clean Ganga beautifully woven in to a sordid saga of woman called Ganga who takes the route of the holy river from Gangotri to Calcutta in order to reunite with her lover. The way people dirty and pollute Ganga the river is exactly how the human Ganga also gets treated along the way. Raj Saahab's vision as well as execution was exemplary. Ram Teri Ganga Maili remained his last directorial but it is also his best.

The film became controversial on its release for the semi nude scenes filmed on lead Mandakini - one had her bathing under a waterfall in a transparent white saree with breasts clearly visible, the other two had her breastfeeding her baby. The audience was taken aback at these unexpected bold scenes as the film had a U certificate and in no time, news spread about it. Some critics slammed the movie as exploitative while certain theatre owners refused to let kids enter their cinemas though it was meant for universal viewing. Raj Kapoor defended himself stating the film was aimed at highlighting the purity and sanctity of the girl who doesn't lose her innocence and goodness even after the 'paapi' world tries to exploit her.

Of the main cast, Rajiv Kapoor teamed up with Divya Rana again after their lukewarm Ek Jaan Hain Hum (1983). Mandakini, of course was Ganga and she bagged the highly coveted role after things didn't materialize with Dimple Kapadia and Padmini Kolhapure. Ram Teri Ganga Maili was the career best of Mandakini, who has never looked more  pretty and pristine...she looks alluringly pure in most scenes.

Ravindra Jain's soundtrack suited the mood of the movie and the title track as well as 'Sun Sahiba Sun' became instant chartbusters.

Ram Teri Ganga Maili defied the action trend of the '80s and emerged the biggest blockbuster of that time. It ran for more than a year at the Minerva as well as Plaza Cinema in Mumbai. As a child, the film was not accessible to me for obvious reasons and I caught it much later on VHS. The voyeuristic angle apart, I found it effectively conveying the still pertinent message of "Clean Ganga, Clean minds" in a highly entertaining manner. That was the greatness of Raj Kapoor Saahab!!

Watching the RK classic again at PVR Lower Parel was truly a fantastic experience and I wish they brings to us all the yesteryear blockbusters once more. I have a whole list ready already...

#SNRating for #RamTeriGangaMaili : 5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding).

- Sumeet Nadkarni.

About Sumeet Nadkarni:

Sumeet Nadkarni is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a self-styled film critic by passion. He reviews Bollywood movies and OTT releases on his popular personal blog #SNRatings. His film-related articles have appeared in leading publications in India. With a keen eye for cinematic detail and a knack for insightful critiques, Sumeet brings a unique perspective to the world of Indian cinema. Follow him for the latest Bollywood insights and unbiased film reviews. #FilmCritique #BollywoodReviewer