BroadcastChic
Excellent, a Must See
PiraBit
if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.
Cody
One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.
Sourav Roy
Mera Naam Joker is certainly one of the most insightful, heart-warming commercial films made in India. This film shows Raj Kapoor's orientation towards world classics. The cinematography is Tarkovskyish, Raj Kapoor's performance draws heavily from Charlin Chaplin, while the ending reminds of Fellini's Otto e Mezzo. This is possibly the greatest semi auto-biographical film- portrays major part of a person's life. It is the Indian Citizen Kane! Where it stands different from Citizen Kane or Otto e mezzo is its inherent optimism, and its commercial value. Raj Kapoor is not hesitant to show small dances and partial melodrama, and the message is loud and clear- 'Life goes on'! The last story (meena) seems out of place initially in this long film, but starts making sense when it depicts Raju's loneliness correctly.The scene that steals the show is where Raju's mother dies and yet Raju enters the ring dressed as a clown yelling for his mother, squirts water from his eyes, and starts playing his violin- a wonderful depiction of his showman spirit. This film has everything in place, and I can't help but call it- my favourite Raj Kapoor classic!
Herag Halli
This is a great movie for people who appreciate films and great film makers-in the caliber of Raj Kapoor. RK banner, probably the single most banner, that stood for quality in Indian Films, so much so, the posters are selling at a high premium! Raj Kapoor, poured his heart and soul in making of this movie, almost bankrupting this flamboyant film Maker. The story is down to earth, one of the best non-fiction tale in the Indian films. This movie failed at the box-office mainly because of the inordinate length, even for the Indian audience of the 70s'. Acting wise Raj Kapoor, Simi Agarwal, Achala Sachdev stand out. Raj Kapoor had his actresses dress erotic and provocative but never vulgar or crude as in the current decadence seen in movies like "Boom" etc. Albeit, the actresses were invariably on the plump side or at least compared to the emaciated looks of current day actresses!Actress Padmini, who starts of with a non glamorous role for an actress, along with Vijayantimala ("Sangam"), were two of the best classical dancers-which an average Westerner would neither appreciate nor has taste for. There were several moments of directorial brilliance as in any RK banner. Young Raju, exposed to the nude teacher, the filming of song "Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan"(sadly, this was the song that was played in Raj Kapoor's final journey, after he collapsed while receiving "Dada Saheb Phalke" Award-the highest honor-bestowed on a film-maker and died of asthma.) These are the scenes only A, Raj Kapoor could do and that made him one of the most beloved director/actor in the World and till this day brings happiness to the millions with his unique talent. Yes, the movie drags with some redundant song and dance numbers but then again, Raj Kapoor had passion for music and the music of Shankar-Jaikishan ("Sangam", "Shree 420", Barsaat", "Jis Desh Mei Ganga Bahti Hai",) was one of the selling point in his films. The duo and 'his soul' the singer Mukesh, never let him down till the end. There is nothing like a bad movie from Raj Kapoor. 'Mera Naam Joker' is not in the league of "Barsaat " "Awaara" or "Sangam" but it had his unique stamp.
bullettoothtaz
Raj Kapoor has done better works before. Honestly, this movie is too long and too slow, with really bad cinematography and shaky cameras. The cinematography towards then end gets better however. Good concept, badly written and directed. I thought I was going to like it because my family and friends told me so, but honestly, it sucked big time. Too melodramatic- more mellow than dramatic. Two songs- "Jeena yahan, Marna Yahan," and "Jaane Kahan gaye Woh din" are really good. I guess that's the only attractive part of the film. There's an unattractive naked woman in the film too. God, I wish I could get the 3 hours of my life back.
avisolo
Raj Kapoor presents an hypothetical autobiography of scathing power that might be his most uncompromising movie and true legacy. Rishi Kapoor plays the young Raj very convincingly and I found the first part to be the most refreshing and touching. The Joker's philosophy is true but does not have may buyers but use this movie as a grand scale memento mori. Check out Raj Kapoor's 'Jagte Raho' for a more devastating social critique. The film is unique for a true Indo-Russian love story and dialogue in Russian. Love and let live.
