Upkar

Upkar () is a 1967 Indian Hindi film directed by Manoj Kumar. The film held the top spot at the box office in 1967 and was the highest-grossing movie of the year. It was Manoj Kumar's directorial debut film. Upkar was highly acclaimed, winning Filmfare Awards awards for best film, best director, best story, best dialog, and best lyrics.  

The film was inspired by India's prime minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, who suggested that Kumar make a film based on his motto for India, "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan"  (English: "Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer"). Set in the backdrop of a Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Upkar celebrates village life and the contributions of farmers and soldiers to India. It stars Prem Chopra, Asha Parekh, Kamini Kaushal, Pran, and Madan Puri.

Plot 
A village man, Bharat (Manoj Kumar), sacrifices everything for his brother's education. The brother, Puran, goes to study in the city and becomes attracted to the high-society lifestyle. When Puran returns to the village, he is a selfish man and wants to sell his share of the family's property. Bharat is unwilling to divide the property and transfers the disputed land to Puran's son.

When the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 begins, Bharat joins the fight. With the help of his greedy uncle Charandas and some partners, Puran tries to profit by hoarding and selling grains on the black market. Puran eventually discovers Charandas' plan to separate the two brothers. Ridden with guilt and shame, Puran surrenders to the police.

Bharat fights bravely in the war but is captured by the enemy. He escapes but is badly injured and loses both hands. When Bharat returns home as a war hero, Puran apologizes to him. Reunited in the village, the two brothers farm the family fields together.

Cast
 Manoj Kumar – Bharat
 Mahesh Kothare – Younger Bharat

 Asha Parekh – Dr. Kavita
 Prem Chopra – Puran ‘Kumar’
 Kanhaiyalal – Lala Dhaniram
 Pran – Malang Chacha
 David – Major saab
 Kamini Kaushal – Radha
 Asit Sen – Lakhpati
 Tun Tun – Lakhpati's Wife
 Madan Puri – Charan Das
 Manmohan – Kavita's Brother
 Aruna Irani – Kamli
 Manmohan Krishan – Bisna
 Sunder – Sunder
 Gulshan Bawra – Som
Mohan Choti – Mangal
Laxmi Chhaya – Guest dancer in  "Gulabi Raat Gulabi"

Production 
According to an interview with Manoj Kumar, Rajesh Khanna was originally signed for the film. However, he won the All India Talent Contest and had to withdraw from the film. Prem Chopra replaced him.

Some portions of Upkar were filmed at Rajkamal Kala-mandir Studio, Kamal Studio, Gurudatt Studio, and Mehaboob Studio. However, the principal photography took place in the village of Nangal Thakran in Delhi state. The film unit borrowed bullock carts and plows from the villagers for filming. Bharat's house and field were actual locations in Nangal Thakran, including the field where the"Mere Desh Ki Dharti " song was filmed. The cast and production stayed in Delhi while filming in Nangal Thakran, traveling to the village each morning. However, they stayed in Nangal Thakran during the filming of night sequences.

Soundtrack
The film was scored by Kalyanji Anandji. Qamar Jalalabadi, Indeevar, Gulshan Bawra, and Sitaram Dhawan wrote the lyrics for the songs. The music from the film was highly successful. The song "Mere Desh Ki Dharti" () is played during Republic Day and Independence Day of India.

Awards and nominations

15th Filmfare Awards

Won 

 Best Film – V. I. P. Films

 Best Director – Manoj Kumar
 Best Supporting Actor – Pran
 Best Lyricist – Gulshan Bawra for "Mere Desh Ki Dharti"
 Best Story – Manoj Kumar
 Best Dialogue – Manoj Kumar
 Best Editing – B. S. Glaad

Nominated 
 Best Actor – Manoj Kumar
 Best Music Director – Kalyanji–Anandji
 Best Male Playback Singer – Mahendra Kapoor for "Mere Desh Ki Dharti"

Other awards 
National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film -- Manoj Kumar
National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Mahendra Kapoor for the song "Mere Desh Ki Dharti"
BFJA Award for Best Dialogue (Hindi) – Manoj Kumar

References

External links 
 

1967 films
1960s Hindi-language films
1967 drama films
Films scored by Kalyanji Anandji
Second Best Feature Film National Film Award winners
1967 directorial debut films
Films directed by Manoj Kumar
Memorials to Lal Bahadur Shastri
Films based on Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts