1971 (2007) Poster

(2007)

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8/10
Such Kind of movies need audience!!
abhishekagrawal740815 January 2014
There are many good Indian movies which are left unnoticed. 1971 is one of them.In fact, its a great movie which deserves every bit of appreciation and applauds. Kudos to director (Amrit Sagar) for handling such a sensitive issue with such an ease. Its a story about 6 Indian POW's kept in a Pakistani Jail and their struggle to reach their motherland. The plot is so engaging that you never get bored even for a second. This kind of movies makes you believe in a world called "HOPE". Acting wise, each and every character has done justice to their roles. But for me, Manoj Bajpai steals the show. Every time I watch him, it amuses me the versatility of his acting skills. This has to be one of the 'finest' Indian movie based on war and their after effects. i will rate it as 8.5
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8/10
Unsung heroes
HeadleyLamarr1 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Amrit Sagar has crafted 1971 straight from the heart. It is the story of about 50 POWs captured by Pakistan and never released despite a prisoner exchange after the 1971 war. The tale is told from the perspective of the POWs and is a story of the escape attempt made by 6 of them so that the truth can be revealed to India and to the world. The events shown in the film may never have happened, but the question of these unaccounted for soldiers persists and is sufficient motivation for this rousing tale.

Manoj Bajpai plays Major Suraj Singh of the Rajputana rifles in a role that was tailor made for his excellent histrionic abilities. He has a loyal cohort of soldiers who will lay their life down for him. Upon discovering that they have been moved from prison to a new camp to escape detection by a Red Cross delegation, the gang plans a daring escape. The events that unfold will keep you on the edge of your seat. Bravery, self-sacrifice, extreme bravado and even foolhardiness come into play as the small band tries to escape through the countryside and high altitude snow-covered passes. This part of the tale stirs up the blood but the expected ending (the fate of these soldiers is still unknown in real life) is a bit of a downer. The Pakistani military is also realistically shown to be a mix of the usual rabid, pragmatic, patriotic and intelligent soldiers. Deepak Dobriyal shines as one of the soldiers but no one turns in a bad performance and the film is of very high quality.

In my opinion the best war film ever is still Chetan Anand's Haqeekat, but 1971 comes close in realism, quality, and the ability to tug at emotions. A must watch.
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9/10
One of the best Hindi movies I have watched....ever !
gauravkr_iitk16 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
The movie is about Indian soldiers held as war-prisoners in Pakistan since 1971. The plot is of 1978 when they plan a final escape. The protagonist is one of the soldiers. With Manoj Bajpai in the leading role, the movie is very meticulously made. No 'gadar' like stuff and thank-god no amitabh bacchan as army major (he is there is every freaking movie i watch). No songs in the wrong place (infact there r only 2 songs...wow !) The action and direction is awesome. I liked the story, the plot...the way they plan for an escape. The idea/message that the director might have wanted to put across, the story of POW in Pakistan, has been put across. The end of the movie is sad and quite unexpected. I would strongly suggest to watch this movie.
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10/10
Standing Ovation to one of the best crafts ever etched in Indian Cinematic History - 9.5/10
infinityToHeaven14 April 2007
Prologue -

54 'Prisoners of War' (POW) have been captured by Pakistan and never returned to India or told to the world. No one knows what happened to them. Till now, till date. The Intelligence Bureau reported that still some of them were alive in 1988. Indian Govt never really 'cared' to find out about their existence. It remains a mystery till date, whether some war prisoners are still hoping to live, waiting to die in the remains of a hapless country which betrayed Red Cross, all international norms of War. This story is a fictitious rendering about 6 such Lts and Commanders who tried to escape. This story is their journey of hope in telling the truth to the world.

Will they make it to the border? Will the world come to know about the rest of the POW?

Rarely do you see a quality cinema surpassed by it's own excellence in every technical department in a debut making. 1971: Prisoners of War will surprise you, touch you deep within and astonish you with it's film making brilliance. India is awakening and new talent is booming. Ironically the pathway is still led by stars who endorse everything from toothpaste to banks, Big banners which have anything but little to offer in path breaking celluloid. Here comes a movie straight from the heart. With utter honesty weaved with a brilliant execution of screenplay, acting, story telling, characterization, background score, in a thematic foreplay that could raise eyebrows to the world cinema critics.

There have been war movies before, many repetitive takes on Indo-Pak relationships, many patriotic themes. This movie does what all other movies never could touch. It touches Patriotism at an international level beyond the boundary of a country. You don't necessarily have to be an Indian to watch. It is like Love, without any barriers. Patriotism has no nationality. It touches a human spirit & emotions behind a facade of war-zone. There is no hatred, animosity. You do not see Slangs starting with M* or B*. There is no bloodshed, no violence, no hatred for each other. Instead, what you see is much more sophisticated Art of War. Strategies, Planning, Contrived Army Politics. All wrapped up in a perfect edge of the seat action and story telling like you've seen in good foreign cinema.

Manoj Bajpai is first class, perhaps his best performance till date. Watch out for his scenes towards the end. Every other character is beyond brilliance, you may not have heard their names before but it helps to relate to their characters which has been portrayed brilliantly, each one of them. The young Amrit Sagar, son of the legendary filmmaker "Ramananda Sagar" (maker of Ramayana TV series) makes a debut like no other, from his brief stint in the US; doubling with his 16 year old brother to compose the background score for this movie and his Uncles as producers. This is a family effort who passionately made this movie. For once, you will begin to think, a new sound is born. A new AR rahman has risen. There are 4 songs, all perfectly blended in the bg in this movie (one spellbinding theme music during the end titles sung by Shibani Kashyap). Couple of these songs have been sung without any music but just plates and table. That is a complete retake on filming songs!

The Editing is crisp, not a single scene are you taken away from the story. Cinematography is not top notch but commendable with scenic routes of Himachal Pradesh, Kulu with it's semi-sepia tone and slow action steady cams. The Writer Piyush Mishra brings his experience from his previous epic writing - Legend of the Bhagat Singh; does a fantastic job with realism in every character. As a comparison to a feeling of realism & passion you could think of "Hotel Rwanda" or Swades. Inspite of it's shades of inspirations from the theme of "Great Escape", this movie begs to grab your respect.

It's rather ironic that at a time when India needs a boost for young talent with an international outlook on film-making, the critics and the audience betray them yet again. It's been a month and I haven't seen a single critical review of a movie or discussion, which I personally think is one of the best Indian crafts I've ever watched. What a shame. This needs a lot better attention. This is the kind of movie you would want to proudly represent at the academy awards.

Watch this movie for it's passion. Watch this movie if you want to learn what film-making is all about. Watch this movie to take home some true feelings about the people who have never been thought of. Don't let the sand wash away, preserve your soil. Let the talent be ripe in this dying beautiful world. But for the almighty sake, don't watch this movie for the critics. Watch it for yourself, watch it alone and you will walk back with great honor in your heart. That's my word for you.

****** Songs ***** "Sehlenge Hum" - Sung beautifully, in an absolutely spellbound voice by Shibani Kashyap

"Prelude to the show - Instrumental" - You may be think it's John Williams or James Horner who composed this piece. Ironically its a 16 yeard old debutante ...

"Saajna" - a great sufi ghazal ...
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10/10
1971- India Pak War. One of the Best War films ever made.
flamesandthunders13 April 2007
1971 is the war story depicting the struggle of Indian prisoners of war in Pakistan. It shows how the Pakistani government treated Indian prisoners of war, past the Bangladesh Independence war. The bottom line is break and escape from the prison. The movie has resemblances with recently made film DEEWAR (starring Amitabh, Sajay Dutt etc). However this film is far more realistic than Deewar. Full points to the director Amrit Sagar. The portrayal of characters and the screenplay is exceedingly well. I recommend this film to every viewer. I barely know any actor in the movie other than Manoj Bajpai. Inspite of that, the maturity shown by other starlets is simply mind blowing. The storyline is so tight that there is not a single moment in film which makes you feel bored. Indians should encourage making of such films. I wish it "was" received well...It is high time that we start appreciating well made movies with a different story lineup.
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10/10
True patriotic film
krishna_rangava14 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
The best patriotic movie ever, that is moving, taken to heart and which enhances the feeling of courage, determination and patriotism. A must see film for every Indian, that has brought out the hidden truth behind the aftermath of 1971 war. One of the few films which deserves a standing ovation and salute to the heroes who have given their lives for their country and heroes who survived a disaster but could not make it back to their motherland.

All the actors have done an excellent job by bringing alive the stories of soldiers of the war. Manoj Bajpai's acting skills are to the fullest (as usual) and his character is very inspiring. Background score is amazing and the two songs, one by Shibani Kashyap-Sehlenge hum and the other, a Sufi ghazal have added to the melody of the music given by Akash Sagar.

The movie reveals a plan by 6 of the many Indian prisoners of war(pow), captured after the 1971 battle and kept in hiding for years without nobody being made aware of their presence in Pakistan to escape from Pakistan showing off their zeal and strong desire to be back home but out of the six, no one makes it back to the homeland. The one person Major Suraj Singh who gets on the verge of crossing the loc is shot dead. Film ends with a beautiful scene not to be told but must be seen.

No help was extended to the pows even by the Red Cross in spite of them knowing about the presence of Indian soldiers in Pakistan.

On the whole this film would stand as an all-time classics of Indian cinema.
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One of the finest Indian movies of the genre
Chrysanthepop21 July 2007
'1971', though deals with the Indian prisoners of wars in Pakistan, it isn't a film that would only appeal to Indians but to the world. One of the most finely crafted films of recent times, '1971' scores high on every department. Though the plot is fictitious, this movie does raise the question of what happened to the real prisoners of war who were last seen in Pakistan in 1988. Completely ignored, by the rest of the world, what has become of those brave soldiers? '1971'is finely balanced. Nothing is over the top or unrealistic. It refrains from the stereotypical hatred and bloodshed that has so often been shown in films of this genre. '1971' is breathtaking in its technical craft. Maybe a few scenes would have been more effective without the background score. Yet, the score itself is mesmerizing and helps us follow the characters' journey. Amrit Sagar deserves immense credit for taking up the challenge and giving us a fine piece of work through brilliant execution, strong characterization (credit also goes to Piysuh Mishra) and amazing storytelling that ends with a shattering conclusion.

Manoj Bajpai delivers the finest male performance of the year (and one of his best). It's great to see him after a long time with a film that does full justice to the actor. The rest of the cast including Deepak Dobriyal (another fine work after 'Ómkara'), Chittaranjan Giri, Ravi Kishan, Kumud Mishra, and Manav Kaul were equally excellent in their roles. The film doesn't have many songs but the few were used effectively (in the background mostly). Screenplay is one of the best and is simply beautiful. It has its few light moments and dark moments but as I have mentioned above, nothing over the top. Cinematography is well done. Editing is allows the film to be complete as every moment in the film sticks to the main plot.

Now I wonder how such a fine piece of work hasn't received any attention from critics or audiences? It seems to be already forgotten and it hasn't been more than a few months since its release. I wouldn't scare away from calling it one of the best films and more people should watch it. I'll quote another commenter because I exactly feel the same ¨Watch this movie for it's passion. Watch this movie if you want to learn what film-making is all about. Watch this movie to take home some true feelings about the people who have never been thought of. Don't let the sand wash away, preserve your soil. Let the talent be ripe in this dying beautiful world. But for the almighty sake, don't watch this movie for the critics. Watch it for yourself, watch it alone and you will walk back with great honor in your heart. That's my word for you.¨ This is one movie that's not to be missed as it's rare to find something as balanced, brave, brilliant and beautiful created by a filmmaker (let alone a débutant).
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10/10
What a class act - Don't miss this movie
tintinherge18 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this the 2nd time yesterday night and it impressed me even more than the 1st time. There's not a single fault I could find with this movie and so I had to give it a 10. Usually I never go beyond 8.

Its very hard hitting, engrossing with some very crisp screenplay, direction and super acting from everyone involved. Even the end is so different.

One of Manoj Bajpai's best work - Hats off to you, sir Very surprised the director hasn't done anything since then - Where has he disappeared? Take a bow, everyone who is involved with this movie - Its a masterpiece.

Do yourself a favour and get a DVD of this movie with some popcorn - You will NOT regret it for a minute
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9/10
a very fine movie, we have our soldiers who are still fighting alone on the other side of border
mohdirshad-bias20 August 2017
I must say, its one of the best movie of 2007 and one of the best movie made on similar theme. I am not sure why such movie do not get the deserved appreciation. It can bring tears to anyone's eyes such is the story and the acting of the cast. Manoj bajpai does not need an introduction if we talk about acting skills, but here rest of the cast too justified their roles.

Does not matter which country you belong to, give it a try and you wont regret.
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8/10
Finally, Bollywood cracks POW Escape formula upto the level of Hollywood.
SAMTHEBESTEST20 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
1971 (2007) : Brief Review -

Finally, Bollywood cracks POW Escape formula upto the level of Hollywood. I am a huge fan of Hollywood POW Escape movies "Stalag 17" (1953) and "The Great Escape" (1963) for the enrichment, complete filmmaking and Tactical understanding of the content. Amrit Sagar directorial 1971 cracks the same formula for Bollywood industry and it is as good as those Hollywood Classics. The film shows the journey of Six Indian soldier escape from Pakistani camp, where almost everyone sacrifices his life for the rest to succeed but at last no one succeeds and the last witness is holding the memories. It keeps you engaged throughout with brilliant execution, powerful screenplay, fancy dialogue, patriotic emotions and top class filmmaking. There is one big loop hole thought which i would like to mention, 1971 has a negative climax, well i am not complaining about negativeness but the problem is, if no one escaped then who the hell told the story? Stalag 17 and The Great Escape had i witnesses and persons alive who told the stories to the nation but in 1971 that string is cut and vanished. How can i believe the story then? If i have to assume it as a Work Of Fiction then it's fine by me but again the same question remains unanswered that who was the one who explained the story even in the film? 1971 could have been a Masterpiece if had not done this big mistake because other than this i don't really see anything bad in the film. It is so Fantastic and Fabulous film. Actors and technical team do their jobs on high level. Couple of scenes lack detailing but minor errors does not bother much. Amrit Sagar makes a solid film whcih is a Must Watch despite that one big loophole if you can bear one mistake under the name of fiction for the film based on true story. This would have been that rare 9/10* film for me but sadly i have to deduct 1* for that mistake. Nevertheless, 1971 is still a Classic Film.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest
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1/10
Bad direction Warning: Spoilers
Over acting and some absolutely hopeless direction. I watched this movie after looking at the review but I wish it was true. Don't waste your time.
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An outstanding effort, rarely matched in cinematic history.....
captnaveenchandra27 May 2021
The film is probably the finest example of top-notch story telling. Prisoners of war with no hope of release, freedom or of ever returning to their homeland or families, locked away in a hostile and brutal enemy state, left to their own devices.

The losers become the true heros - for their story is narrated in the most forceful way but with no heroics, no foolhardy or exaggerated success in attempts at escape but with total and complete realism unmatched in movie making.

Probably the movie of the century.... a must watch!
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9/10
So underrated!
gudakesh-98-4894102 May 2020
I am wondering how such a movie never came into the limelight and got commercial success. Every bit of the portrayal was so realistic. Must watch
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10/10
Heart touching Movie
parasj-066653 May 2021
Salute to the directors and producers of this film who made a truly heart touching movie. This is very important to know that what pakistani's have done with our brave soldiers and what our indian govt done (nothing) for our new generation.
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8/10
Hope is a good thing and maybe the best on some circumstances, but how much is too much?
ridi-arahan1 August 2020
What worked: -based on the true story; it's fascinating watching this movie almost 50 years after the time line of the movie. The screenplay is fair and flows well throughout the movie. The concept is powerful, with strong performances by some of the finest actors in the industry. What makes the first half a gripping and thrilling watch is the narrative and focusing more on the plot than glorifying their situations. The movie makes its point with its storytelling and strong conclusion, keeping us in awe and engaged, and also keeping us disturbed and perplexed. It's a great story told with a beautiful team. The background score is worth praising. Overall, a satisfying watch. What did not work:
  • runtime; the movie overstretches on the second half, adding the spices, melodrama and glorifying to increase the dramatic value in the movie. These scenes are fine but overlong and unbearable at times because of its dramatic value. I would have taken out the songs if I was in charge of the movie. I would also take away many scenes from the second half, cutting down to crisp and balance the narrative. That being said, the movie winning National Award is not a surprise for its subject and narrative. It's a good movie but not without flaws.
Final verdict: recommended
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10/10
Outstanding movie
ankitssingh11 April 2020
Its a must watch movie for all Indians...this movie has fine actors and amazing music. I strongly recommend this movie
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10/10
No words to describe - The Bested Movie - I Respect to My Indian Soldiers
raajbsss21 March 2019
No words to describe - The Bested Movie - I Respect to My Indian Soldiers who scarifies for us.

This Movie touch to my heart, i got too much emotional after watching this movie. Seen this movie some time ago, Watched today again and wanted to rate this movie so did.

Bharat Mata Ki Jai..
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10/10
One can not stop their heart beat when watching this hard hittinng a real based movie
rajeshjh7 April 2020
FOA, I was feeling that I am the part of the movie, and was praying my soul that our heroes could cross border and meet their family. Oh! God ,just can't belive my eyes that what happened at the climax.I was completely stunned. This movie is still blowing in my mind. PS. Filmfare can only give award those movies which relates to bollywood. This movie ( 1971 ) is beyond the fancy bollywood's imagination.
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10/10
Every Indian should watch this.
One of the best movie I have ever watched in my life.... It won National award for best Hindi feature film. This is about the true struggling story of our heroes to come to India. I promise you will also give 10 star after watching this.
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10/10
This movie is at par with Saving Private Ryan. Enemy at the gates
panditvinay-3297911 September 2021
This movie is at par with Saving Private Ryan. Enemy at the gates.
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10/10
Worth Watching
pravashpujari-5539410 July 2021
This is based on true facts. And, this facts are unseen by Indian National Congress. The bloody nonsense rulers of India.
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8/10
Surprisingly good
firstrain27 April 2020
Discovered this just by chance. Brilliantly done - tight and real script, excellent locations, brilliant acting. On of the finest war / escape movies to come out of India.
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10/10
A must watch both for movie lovers and country lovers
prisha-2926930 April 2020
Awesome price of creativity...acting, emotions, story..... everything was just so real....
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10/10
1971 deserves more award more audience
AnoopVarma29 March 2023
1971 A movie which need to be seen by all...A must must watch, finely crafted Film 1971 available on YouTube released in 2007 and miserably flopped.

1971 Movie is based on true spine chilling story of 54 Prisoners of War of 1971 India Pakistan war who detained illegally even cunningly manipulated & denied their existence by Pakistani Government.

The Film is depicting the struggle of those 54 Indian Prisoners in Pakistan.

Amazing acting by Manoj Bajpai, Kumud Mishra, Ravi Kishan, Bikramjit Kanwarpal, Deepak Dobriyal, Manav Kaul, Piyush Mishra.. all cast have justified their role.. watching them is simply thrilling.

Whole movie will feel you with gratitude towards our soldiers who gave their today for our tomorrow. Dying on war field and struggling for life as a POW in a enemy country is different. This is just equal to daily dying years after years.

Script & Dialogue by Piyush Mishra, Direction by Amrit Sagar, Action Director, Cinematography by Chirantan Das, Music by Akash Sagar literally everything was outstanding with brilliant execution.

Just 2 National Award, its deserved more.

Forgotten by everyone that the 54 POW's have spent over three decades in Pakistani jails against the rule.

This films leaves its footprints on your mind forever.

1971 deserves more audience than it has.
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10/10
A Must watch Movie
rahultalreja1110 April 2020
Didn't know all superb actors were casted in this single film
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