Obsession can be self destructive. And Raj Khosla's third film of the Vertigo inspiration series proves that. Anita follows the template used in Woh Kaun Thi (1964). By the time he transports the formula to Mera Saya (1966), it is already stale. He desperately tries to close the gap by a climax that makes little sense.
Woh Kaun Thi and Mera Saya were bearable. If not for anything else, for the brilliant music, especially in the former. One would never tire of listening to the Lata Mangeshkar - Madan Mohan combo, especially if the theme of the film is woven around tragedy and the supernatural. And Woh Kaun Thi has brilliant songs by Asha as well. As does Mera Saya.
Anita keeps hitting you against multiple stories cut short by multiple characters who are forced into the film without any rhyme or reason. It is difficult to keep awake for the parts that have Kishen Mehta, one of the most incompetant actors ever to grace the Indian screen. Manoj Kumar seems at sea, he is happy when is supposed to be sad and sad when he should be thinking. Johar and Dhumal are wasted. And terrible. I kept on thinking - what are they doing in the film. Especially Johar. What was his role all about? No, not even Khosla was sure.
Woh Kaun Thi and Mera Saya were bearable. If not for anything else, for the brilliant music, especially in the former. One would never tire of listening to the Lata Mangeshkar - Madan Mohan combo, especially if the theme of the film is woven around tragedy and the supernatural. And Woh Kaun Thi has brilliant songs by Asha as well. As does Mera Saya.
Anita keeps hitting you against multiple stories cut short by multiple characters who are forced into the film without any rhyme or reason. It is difficult to keep awake for the parts that have Kishen Mehta, one of the most incompetant actors ever to grace the Indian screen. Manoj Kumar seems at sea, he is happy when is supposed to be sad and sad when he should be thinking. Johar and Dhumal are wasted. And terrible. I kept on thinking - what are they doing in the film. Especially Johar. What was his role all about? No, not even Khosla was sure.