Mr & Mrs 55 ask, Feminism and familyism, which is better?

Mr & Mrs 55

''So are all men like this?'', Anita (Madhubala) asked her aunt (Lalita Pawar as Seeta Devi) when she said to her, "Men are opportunist". Guru Dutt, Madhubala Starrer Mr & Mrs 55 was a Super Hit Movie. The film narrates the Women circumstances of 1995. Seeta Devi is a feminist and actively seeking to pass a bill which gives permission women to ask for separation (Divorce) from her husband. Seeta Devi is an activist who works for women empowerment. She wants women free. She born and brought up in England. Her ideology is associated with European's women. She belongs to radical feminism who wants to end male supremacy. She thought, men are opportunist, they are a cheater. A woman is exploited in a marriage in a family. She has to suffer in every relationship with the men. She considers lifetime unmarried as a solution. 

Mr & Mrs 55 depicts an internal struggle between the ideology of Feminism and Familyism. The film was written by Abrar Alvi. He raises the issue, which is evergreen. Anita's father leaves the property for her. On her 20th birthday, her father's will shows that she will get the property, only when she marries within a month. Anita and her aunt surprised a lot. Her father deliberately put this condition so that her aunt could not succeed in keeping her unmarried. 

Preetam Kumar (Guru Dutt) is struggling cartoonist. He comes to Mumbai from village to get a cartoonist job. He tried for getting a job in a Newspaper but could not succeed. He was required to pay his landlord several months of rent. He does not have a single pant for wearing. He roams wearing torn clothes. Seeta Devi is finding a man to marry Anita with some condition. The conditions are following, first is; not meet with Anita after marriage, second is; when we want you to have to give divorce. In return, he will get 250 rupees every month. 

On the other side, Preetam Kumar loves her first side. He denied to get married, but when he saw the women he has to get married is Anita, he accepted the offer of Seeta Devi. Anita and Preetam knew each other already. When Anita came to know about the men whom she is getting married, she starts to hate Preetam.  Now, what will Pritam do to get her love?

As I said, the story is good and evergreen, but some dialogues disappoint and do injustice with women community. 

Guru Dutt did the direction. He did not have any lack of quality in his direction. Guru Dutt performed the male protagonist in the film. Even if Guru Dutt had made this film even in this era, women would still be mad at his performance. Guru Dutt has played the role of such a person, whom we can see in today's time.  

Guru Dutt and Madhubala

There was slight miserliness in choosing the set and location. The song "Jaane Kaha Mera Jigar Gaya ji" was filmed in one room but beautifully. Cinematography is excellently done by VK Murthy. 

Now come to the Acting, Madhubala looked very beautiful and gave an excellent performance. Anita is such a character which leads to modern women. Vyjayanthimala was first to offer this role but rejected due to busy schedule. She considers this the worst decision. Madhubala was lucky to perform this role. Lalita Panwar also performed well of zealot feminist role. Johny walker and Yasmin performed well. Yasmin looked beautiful, but she acted in only this film in her entire career. 

The title suite to the film. The Hindu code bill passed in 1955, which gives women to rights of separation and divorce. The movie opposes Divorce in another way. Yes, divorce is not always the right solution but if a woman is tired to save her relation, then only remains the option of divorce and separation. Guru Dutt has submitted that women want to get divorced to be free, but this is not true.  Freedom is invaluable. Everyone wants liberation from the oppressive ruling over them. What's wrong with this?
 Divorce is not freedom. A woman has to undergo the punishment of her husband's deed in the form of divorce. What is freedom like in it? Neither can she be happy with her husband, nor can she get a divorce, then what should she do, suicide? 

Guru Dutt

Madhubala taunted her aunt to the polygamy of European women. This dialogue should not exist in the film. European women struggled even to vote in elections. European women got rights after much hard work, so they should not be criticised. This does not mean divorce is an option to be free. A man should understand and behave well with her partner. 

Overall the film is enjoyable and worth to watch. Guru Dutt played the role of lover, who will leave no stone unturned to entertain you.

Pyaasa; A journey of a Poet's thought