Kumar Gaurav is one of Bollywood's most underrated actors. Rajendra Kumar's lad made it big as a romantic star with the incredibly successful Love Story(1981). However, after a few major hits like Teri Kasam and Naam, Gaurav found it difficult to craft a slot for himself in the 1980s. By the end of this abysmal decade filled with whimsical films, Gaurav had faded away as the audience lost interest in his films. Despite this, Rajendra Kumar made another attempt to relaunch him with a romantic film, Phool, which had started during 1989. However, as is the case with many movies back then, Phool was stuck in the can for a few years and could only see a release during 1993. It was a big release during its time with several hit melodious songs. Unfortunately, the film failed to sustain at the box office; it was a below average grosser.
Phool tells the story of Raju who leads an upper class lifestyle with his father, Dharamraaj, and his Dadi. After returning from abroad, Dharamraaj announces Raju's engagement with which Raju is fine but Dadi is upset. From his grandmother, Raju finds out that from a very young age, his father and Dharamraaj's close friend, Balraj Chaudhary, had decided that Raju would marry Balraj's daughter, Guddi, once they come of age. Raju and Guddi are very affectionate and loving towards each other during their childhood. Their love is pure and a Phool is a symbol of their unity. However, a major argument between Dharamraaj and Balraj lead to them severing their ties and Balraj's wife dying due to her being mentally affected. Over the years, Guddi develops a hatred towards Raju and his family. In present day, Raju has to now win Guddi's heart and pursue this pure and sacred love rather than marrying a random girl he feels nothing for even if it is his father's choice. Is Raju able to woo Guddi and turn her hate into love? Are Dharamraaj and Balraj able to mend their differences and reunite? Is Dadi going to see a happy ending? Phool answers these questions without dragging too much.
When Rajendra Kumar was planning this Kumar Gaurav comeback vehicle, he though it would be a good idea to get a top South Indian director with loads of experience to helm this romantic drama. Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's direction is good as he is able to handle the film smoothly for the most part. The initial scenes between Raju and his family are heartwarming and a delight to watch. Raju's individual moments with his grandmother and his father are well handled. The romantic scenes between Gaurav and Madhuri are more subtle and less over the top which makes for a good viewing experience. Gaurav's scenes with Sunil Dutt are also nicely directed. My main issues with the film are the last 30-35 minutes. It seems that Rao lost control of the film and succumbed to masala and added terribly cliched and badly directed action moments which are a bit painful to watch. However, the ending is still alright.
Kumar Gaurav puts in a good performance for the most part. He is good in the romantic and dramatic sequences and he keeps it more subtle rather than overdoing his bit. He looks confident, has a very likable screen presence, and performs well. Madhuri Dixit is very natural with her performance. She is most effective in the emotional scenes which she manages to underplay without going over the top. Her dances are also a treat to watch. Rajendra Kumar is good and his chemistry with Kumar Gaurav is one of the highlights of this film. Sunil Dutt is better and performs the emotional outbursts very well. When he has to scold his daughter and Gaurav for their love affair, he does so without going too loud or theatrical. In the same role, other renowned actors have hammed it up so badly in the 80s and 90s. Shakti Kapoor plays the standard baddie who is after the heroine where he just repeats himself. Rajoo Shreshta is decent as the mentally ill character who likes Guddi but unintentionally harasses her. Dina Pathak is great as Dadi and her moments with Gaurav also make the film a treat to watch. The rest provide decent support to the film.
Anand Milind's music is very good and it powers the film splendidly. The title song is very nicely sung by Udit Narayan and Kavita Krishnamurthy. The Ok Ok song is nicely pictured and very beautifully sung by Udit Narayan. Kya Kahoon Tujhse Main Kitna Pyaar Karta Hoon is the best of the lot with Kumar Sanu and Sadhna Sargam doing a very good job crooning this delightful song. The other songs are good as well.
The action scenes are a bit laughable as they are poorly executed. Kumar Gaurav doesn't look comfortable doing the stunts but he still manages to pull through. The background music is overused a bit too much throughout the film yet it is pleasant for the most part.
On the whole, Phool is a watchable romantic drama from the 1990s. It will be a great time for Kumar Gaurav fans but even otherwise, it is a nice feel-good romance from the Indian Film Industry.
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