By the ’70s, films of suspense genre started fading. B.R. Chopra’s “Dhund” aside, there was no other film with suspense as the backdrop. “Anhonee” was the only exception. Though not a film at par with “Woh Kaun Thi”, “Teesri Manzil” or “Humraaz”, “Anhonee” did have some noteworthy moments along with its super hit songs.
Psychiatrist Dr. Rekha (Leena Chandravarkar) along with her caring stepmother (Kamini Kaushal) board a train to Mumbai. They are warned by the people at the station that a dangerous insane inmate of a lunatic asylum has escaped. During the course of their journey Rekha and her stepmother confront the insane Sunil (Sanjeev Kumar) in their compartment.
Initially hostile, Sunil is pacified by Rekha. She brings him to her own hospital and starts treating him. Rekha is assisted by another senior specialist, Dr. Mathur (Manmohan Chetty). Once noticing Sunil’s fascination for beautiful women, Dr. Mathur along with another doctor accompanies Sunil to witness a dance show by Roopa (Padma Khanna). Sunil enjoys the song and dance.
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As the story progresses, Rekha heals Sunil. Slowly they develop a liking for each other. Rekha’s stepmother trusts Diwanji (Satyen Kappu) their manager. The suspense unfolds when on a rainy night Rekha confesses to Sunil, she murdered her drunkard father. At this interesting juncture Sunil reveals he is actually a CID inspector investigating the case.
Tiger, a criminal who blackmails Rekha is murdered. Conducting thorough investigation Sunil discovers Rekha is not the culprit. She is a victim accused of a planned murder by an unknown gang which is after her paternal wealth. Sunil is supported in his investigation by his superior, IG (Rehman).
A gripping climax discloses Rekha’s stepmother and Diwanji are the actual murderers. They frame Rekha and she escapes her stepmother’s attempt to murder her. Ultimately after the typical action scenes the criminals are arrested. Roopa is killed and her sister (Bindu) helps Sunil to track the murderers.
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Based on a story by Ravi Tandon, screenplay by K.K. Shukla and dialogues by Dr. Balkrishna, “Anhonee” turns out to be a mediocre film with patches of good work. Ravi Tandon’s direction is average and unable to hold a gripping film. He lacks the sensitive touches of B.R.Chopra, Raj Khosla and Vijay Anand in directing a suspense thriller. Editing by Waman Bhonsle and cinematography by Ramchandra deserve no special mention.
Sanjeev Kumar gives a mature and convincing performance. It is not without reason Uttam Kumar termed Sanjeev Kumar the best actor of his generation. Leena Chandravarkar looks pretty but her role gives her little scope to perform. Kamini Kaushal excels in her negative character. Manmohan Chetty, Padma Khanna and Bindu are adequate. Comic relief provided by Jankidas, Asrani and Paintal disturbs the pace of “Anhonee”.
Lyrics by Varma Malik are well tuned by Lakshmikant-Pyarelal. The songs “Balma Hamar”, “Main To Ek Pagal” and specially “Hungama Ho Gaya” by Asha Bhonsle and Kishore Kumar are still worth listening to.
Genre: Suspense thriller
Director: Ravi Tandon
Cast: Sanjeev Kumar, Leena Chandavarkar, Kamini Kaushal, Rehman, Satyen Kapoo, Asrani, Manmohan, Bindu, Padma Khanna, Paintal, Jankidas
Story: Ravi Tandon
Screenplay: K.K. Shukla
Dialogue: Bal Krishna
Lyrics: Verma Malik
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Box office status: Hit