Just perfect...

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

I was expecting more from a movie that was such a blockbuster and winner of several filmfare awards. Notwithstanding the amazing suspension of disbelief requirement, contrived song sequences and coincidences that were considered staple of Indian films of that time, the plot themes are so mixed up on purpose to get full 'masala' that you have a potpourri of a love triangle, family drama of a joint family, patriotism, secularism, and a social and political commentary - all of which are half baked and poorly done. This film was made in 1974 when youth unemployment and poverty were big issues. Indira Gandhi had won the previous general elections in 1971 on a 'Garibi Hatao' or 'Banish Poverty' manifesto, and then failed to deliver on these fronts because of her continued socialist/crypto-communist agenda. Yet, and most disappointingly and dishonestly, the film blames all evils on dhoti clad lalas and banias, while absolving the political leadership by explicitly relaying Indira Gandhi's 15th Aug broadcast, showing Vote Congress graffiti and singing paeans to socialism. Actually I have lost a lot of respect for the cinema going public of India of those times and for Manoj Kumar as well after watching this silly film. Even my favorite singer Mukesh sounded off-key in all songs.

Along with Kranti definitely one of Manoj Kumars best movies. And also on e of the best movies ever made in India. Also this is the first movie that co starred the later hit jodi of Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi kapoor (not counting the movie Bombay Talkies in which Shashi was the leading man and Amitabh an extra whos scene had been cut from the movie). A great cast compromsing of Manoj Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Moushumi Chatterjee, Dheeraj Kumar, Madan Puri, Kamini Kaushal, Raza Murad, Aruna Irani, Manmohan and many many others. The story has a few subplots which are done very well. Though Amitabh Bachchan has a supporting role of maybe 50 to 60 minutes max, he is the scenestealer! As usual! The role portryed by premNath was written for and offered to Pran who turned it down because he had just played a similar role in Amitabh's Zanjeer. Manoj Kumar could not handle this and never offered Pran another role again.The songs are all good but the best of the lot is actually Main Na Bhoolunga (part 2).

If compared with other Indian commercial films, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan does not have much flow.I'm not sure about the status and the financial conditions of the Indian singers at the present time. But this film indicates that, during the 70's, even the best singers would get nowhere with their talents. In this film, Manuj Kumar is a singer with a legendry voice (Mukesh), yet he has neither fame nor money.If talented singers did make a good living out their arts in India during the 70's, then this is perhaps the film's big flaw.But overall, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan is probably one of Bollywood's few films that actually makes sense.The direction, acting and story line are superb. The songs are related to the story, and are always inspiring to listen to.Most Bollywood's films are hardly watch able, but it will be a pleasure to watch this one more than twice.

This is an indian movie. Indian movies are a 3 hr mix of action, drama, humor, and musical. This may seem long. But if a movie is as good as Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, you will not notice it. This movie has some of the greatest actors of the indian cinema. A lot of social and political issues are being portrayed, which even after 26 years haven't changed that much. But if you do not like the moral tone in the movie there is enough action to keep a lot of you satisfied. One special relationship (in the movie) has to be mentioned. The oldest brother of one very poor family (the main character, Manoj Kumar) is the one with a degree, but is not able to get a good job. On the other side is his younger brother (my favorite, Amitabh Bachchan) who earns his money a little bit illegally and as a consequence gets judged and punished by his brother. So Amitabh decides to go join the army to make amends.This is really fun to watch. Although Amitabh hasn't got a very big part, he really steals the show. Oh yeah there is a lot of romance going on, but it never gets boring. Watch it!