Ram Aur Shyam: The Classic Tale of Reunited Twins
“Ram Aur Shyam,” released in 1967 and directed by Tapi Chanakya, is a classic Indian film that brilliantly blends family drama, action, and comedy. The movie stars Dilip Kumar in the dual roles of Ram and Shyam, with the female leads Waheeda Rehman as Anjana and Mumtaz as Shanta. Pran plays the villainous brother-in-law Gajendra. The film also features Nirupa Roy as Sulakshana, Ram’s sister, and Baby Farida as Kuku, Ram’s niece. The story follows two brothers separated in childhood and raised in different households: Ram inherits his biological father’s wealth, while Shyam grows up with a farmer named Ganga, played by Leela Mishra.
Ram, the timid and oppressed heir, is controlled by his scheming brother-in-law Gajendra, who plans to kill Ram after obtaining his property. Shyam, the brave and spirited twin, stands up for what’s right. The story begins when Ram runs away upon discovering Gajendra’s murderous intentions. Meanwhile, Shyam rescues Anjana (initially Ram’s fiancée) from trouble, leading her to mistake him for Ram and take him home. Ram, mistaken for Shyam, is taken home by Shanta. The ensuing identity swap results in a series of dramatic events. In one of the most famous scenes, Shyam, who is assumed to be Ram, takes revenge on Gajendra by whipping him in retaliation for his cruelty towards Ram, Sulakshana, and Kuku.
Dilip Kumar excels in his portrayal of both Ram and Shyam. As Ram, he convincingly stammers, slouches, and speaks softly, embodying fear and timidity. As Shyam, he is outspoken, fierce, and confident, presenting a stark contrast to Ram. Waheeda Rehman and Mumtaz deliver strong performances as the feisty women. Pran is outstanding as the quintessential villain, adding depth to the story with his menacing presence.
Tapi Chanakya effectively handles the dual-role narrative, ensuring smooth transitions and a well-paced storyline. The screenplay keeps the audience engaged with its blend of drama, action, and humor. The music, composed by Naushad, plays a significant role in the film. A standout moment is the song “Aaj Ki Raat Mere Dil Ki Salami Le Le,” which precedes the pivotal revelation of Shyam’s identity.
The set design and costumes reflect the personalities of the characters. Ram is dressed in dhoti-kurtas, signifying his calm and submissive nature. Shyam’s firm and confident demeanor is showcased through his coats and pants. Anjana’s modern sarees and churidars, and Shanta’s playful ghagras, further emphasize their characters’ traits.
“Ram Aur Shyam” epitomizes the triumph of good over evil, delivering a feel-good family drama. The movie also subtly addresses the issue of mental health, which was not widely discussed in 1967. The film evokes a range of emotions, from sympathy for Ram to satisfaction when Shyam avenges him. It highlights the bond between siblings, family, and chosen family, making you both laugh and cry. I highly recommend watching it for Dilip Kumar’s stellar performance, the thrilling action scenes, and its overall entertainment value. It’s a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences.
Note: This analysis was a part of Karwaan’s Film Appreciation workshop.