Named after Ravan’s mythical chariot (that had the power to grant all wishes), this is undoubtedly Kamal Hassan’s very best. Though Kamal Hassan is a versatile actor with many fine films to his credit, this is the film one would want to remember him by. It also has a fine performance by Amla (as his love interest) opposite him.
The movie starts off innocuously enough (as it ends) – with Kamal Hassan as an unemployed graduate looking for some gainful employment. On the way, he comes across a drunkard on the footpath. Going through his pockets, he comes across a key to a five star hotel. This key opens the door (literally, as well as metaphorically) to another world – the world of the bourgeoisie, the world of the rich.
Overnight, Kamal Hassan develops a taste for the good life. But first, he has to dispose of the drunkard if he wishes to step into his shoes. He achieves this by dragging him to his shed, binding and gagging him – and stuffing him full of drink whenever he threatens to regain consciousness. The situation is outrageous – but it is tastefully done. Kamal Hassan’s mock seriousness is a perfect foil to the hilarity of the scene.
Unknown to Kamal Hassan, a contract killer is stalking the businessman whose identity he has usurped. The killer makes numerous attempts to get rid of Kamal Hassan, but our intrepid hero is too busy to take notice – because he has fallen head over heels in love with Amla, who is staying (along with her parents) at the same hotel. Their romance proceeds through the movie, and at the unlikeliest of places.
But alas! All good things must come to an end; Kamal Hassan discovers the truth about the hired assassin – and who has sent him. Disenchanted with the good life that seemed to be within his grasp, the movie ends as it began; with Kamal Hassan (once again) joining the queue of the unemployed.
Those who are familiar with Mel Brook’s “Silent Movie” may draw comparisons with Pushpak – and Pushpak is none the worse for it! The film is a satire and a social commentary on our times, but its greatest strength is the superlative – and sympathetic - performance given by Kamal Hassan in the lead role. This is a film for all ages (kids will love it, parents will enjoy it), and this is one of those rare films that does not lose its charm no matter how many times one views it.
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Dear Mr. Kak,
I have been enjoying ,over the last few days,your poetry & your write ups on various subjects.Your poetry series on birds was very apt & invigorating.
What prompted me to write this mail was our common liking for this immensely humorous & well meaning film called Pushpak. I have seen the movie umpteeth time & everytime found it to be more enjoyable than before.
Its very rare that such movies come to Indian screeneven though they may be copies of some western movies they are good adaptations. The scenes that I cannot erase from my memory are the ones when he is carrying the drunkards shit in a gift wrap- not the first time but the second. And the removal of the dead begger from the pavement andthe whole money flying away.The idea of the frozen ice knife as murder weapon was I hope original and not a copy.
hope to read more of your wonderful writings on sulekha.
Ashok Lal, Gurgaon
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