Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)

This two-part review concludes at Bitten by Bollywood. Hindustan Ka Hero was updated with links to Aamir Khan's CNN Talk Asia interview.

It begins and ends with the title (pun intended). The literal meaning of 'Qayamat' (the Urdu word is derived from the Arabic 'Qiyamah', which carries the same principal meaning) is the 'day of judgment'. Secondary meanings of the word include 'calamity' or a 'heartening implosion' (the word is used often in poetry, within the context of courtship!). No matter how one applies these meanings to the title of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), it makes sense. From one calamity to the next. Bringing hearts together. Through the day of judgment.

It's been 21 years since its release, through a generation. In hindsight, there could not have been a better coupling for the lead pair of Mansoor Khan's directorial debut. See, those who believe in the concept of an afterlife of any sort need not worry if they have been advocates for love and not hatred. This most certainly includes actors in their lead role debuts in this film, Aamir Khan (Raj) and Juhi Chawla (Rashmi), who will likely go to heaven for spreading all the Love, Love, Love! Which brings us to the premise of this film -- a family feud that gets in the way of love.

Honor killings around marriages are a terribly sad reality, and almost accepted by some. When it's not lovers being killed, it's family members. Like radicalism and terrorism, it is, in my view, somewhat independent of the class issue (here's an example of a North American family from India involved in one). So they're not restricted to the less educated or poor. Too often, parents are instigators. Which is why QSQT is an extremely well packaged film that carries a valid and relevant social message. It also includes implicit commentary on women's rights, and addresses the dynamic that often guides these unbelievably ignorant and hateful crimes. In so doing, it doesn't once deviate from being a good old family drama with a love story at its foundation.

Having said that, this is hardly (primarily) a message film. At its core, it's the tale of the young and the innocent. Here's a film that was different with its simplicity. The consensus is that QSQT was a landmark, a welcome drift from the violent films marking the 1970s and 80s, which led to a shift in filmmaking practices following. Innovation in cinema in some ways (innovation, by definition, isn't always 'new').

Before discussing the details of the film, here are some notes on the cast and one song (from the soundtrack by Anand-Milind, and with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri). It really was a family affair for Nasir Hussain's kin. Here's Reena Dutta wearing red (Aamir's first wife, they were married since before QSQT), in a special appearance. Reena was also the Executive Producer for Lagaan (2001).