In Faizabad, little Ameeran (Umme Farwa) is being dressed up for her engagement. Set in Lucknow in the mid-19th century, the film details both the refinement and elegance of the city, known for attracting men of culture and intellect, and the decadence of its ruling elite. It is also a very well-made period film with its meticulous attention to detail. Apart from the fact that the original film is deservedly seen as a classic, it is a period film, a genre that I love.

Of course, director JP Dutta screamed himself hoarse that he was not 'remaking' Muzaffar Ali's film, but was adapting the novel on which it was based. Umrao Jaan Ada, the legendary courtesan of Lucknow.

In any case, the discussion that led to that review also led me to thinking about remakes in general, and reminded me of another classic that was remade (and butchered) - as different from Chashme Buddoor as chalk from cheese. I fell squarely into the anti-remake group one assumes that the people who see, and like the remake, most probably have not seen the original, and even more possibly, cannot relate to a much simpler time. My last post came about because the film had been remade and had initiated a virtual debate about its cinematic quality, and the advisability of remaking films that ought not to be touched.

Umrao jaan 1981 download