Saptapadi Full Movie | Uttam Kumar | Suchitra Sen | Evergreen Classic

 

Saptapadi (1961): An Unforgettable Love Story

Saptapadi was released in 1961 on 20 October and is one of the most popular romantic movies in Bengali language cinema. The black and white film is helmed by Ajoy Kar, and features legendary actors Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen, who star in a novel written by renowned Bengali author, Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay.

The narrative focuses on Krishnendu Mukherjee, a talented Bengali medical student and Rina Brown, an Anglo-Indian Christian girl. As they attend Calcutta Medical College, their friendship slowly evolves into a strong affection. But the problem with their relationship is that of their faith differences and Krishnendu's father's conservative beliefs.

The couple are separated although they are truly in love. Years later, they meet in a military hospital in the Second World War, when Krishnendu is a Christian missionary doctor. It brings back memories of the young love that had flourished between them and how much love lives on in their existence.

The acting by Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen is superb which makes it one of the most memorable romantic duo in Bengali films. The film's gorgeous cinematography and soulful music by Hemanta Mukherjee adds to its emotional quotient.

Hemanta Mukherjee and Sandhya Mukherjee's evergreen jodi Ei Path Jodi Na Shesh Hoy is particularly liked. Love, religious tolerance, sacrifice and human relationships are still celebrated through the character of Saptapadi.

Makers and Cast of Saptapadi:

The following information is based on Bengal Film Archive and Cinemaazi film records. Bengal Film Archive

1. Film Information

Particulars                                 Details

Director                         Rajyavardhan Joshi (Rajyavardhan Jyoti)

Release Date                 20 October 1961

Director                              Ajoy Kar

The producers are:             Alo Sircar / Alochhaya Productions

Story                             Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay

Screenplay                      Binoy Chatterjee

Cinematography (DOP) Kanai De, Ajoy Kar also contributed in cinematography

Music Director        Hemanta Mukherjee (Hemanta Kumar)

Lyricist                             Gauriprasanna Mazumdar

Editor                             Ardhendu Chatterjee

Art Direction               Kartik Bose

Textiles                             Gaurang Joshi and Shourashri Sengupta

Production Banner         Alochhaya Productions.  Chhayabani Pvt. Ltd.

Language                      Bengali

Organize                      Black and white

Running Time               Around 163 – 169 minutes (based on source)

2. Principal Cast and Characters:

Uttam Kumar – Krishnendu Mukherjee

Suchitra Sen, Rina Brown

Chhabi Biswas (Krishnendu's father)

Rina's care taker Chhaya Devi

Tarun Kumar is Krishnendu's friend.

Padma Devi, Krishnendu's mother.

Tulsi Chakraborty is a hospital employee.

Utpal Dutt — Voice of Othello

Jennifer Kendal (Desdemona) playing the role of Voice of Desdemona.

Pahari Sanyal, Doctor at the military camp

Preeti Mazumdar

Parijat Bose

Mintu Dasgupta

Alo Sircar

Amar Biswas

Panchanan Bhattacharya

Swagata Chakraborty

Sita Mukhopadhyay

3. Playback Singers:

Hemanta Mukherjee

Sandhya Mukherjee

Suzi Miller

The immortal song “Ei Path Jodi Na Shesh Hoy” is one of the most popular romantic songs in Bengali movie. Among its picturisation, the one with Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen is a memorable one.

4. Awards and Recognition:

Saptapadi was given a lot of fame for its harmony and beauty:

National Film Awards, 1961: Certificate of Merit in the Second best feature film Bengali.

Silver Prize for Best Actress at the Moscow International Film Festival, 1963 was won by Suchitra Sen.

It is considered as one of the best romantic classics of Bengali cinema.