Laila Majnu (1976 film)

Laila Majnu
Film poster
Directed by	Harnam Singh Rawail
Written by	Abrar Alvi Anjana Rawail Harnam Singh Rawail
Produced by	Ram B.C. Seeroo Daryani
Starring	Rishi Kapoor Ranjeeta Kaur Danny Dengzongpa
Cinematography	G. Singh
Edited by	Shyam Rajput
Music by	Madan Mohan Jaidev
Distributed by	De Luxe Films
Release date	11 November 1976 (1976-11-11) (India)
Running time	141 min.
Countries	India West Germany Soviet Union
Language	Hindustani

Laila Majnu is a 1976 Indian Hindustani-language romantic drama film directed by Harnam Singh Rawail and starring Rishi Kapoor, Ranjeeta and Danny Denzongpa in lead roles. The film's music is by Madan Mohan and Jaidev. Based on the legend of Layla and Majnun, it tells the story of two star-crossed lovers: Laila, a princess and Qais a.k.a. Majnu, a common man.^[1]

Laila Majnu marked the debut of Ranjeeta. Upon its release in 1976, it garnered highly positive reviews from film critics, and became a box-office success. The humongous success of the film cemented Rishi Kapoor's status as a bankable star; for after his debut in Bobby (1973), he did not have any major success before Laila Majnu, with the exception of Kabhi Kabhie (1976). However, the success of that film was credited towards Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan. Since its release in 1976, Laila Majnu is hailed as a cult classic.

Laila and her lover Majnu, better known as Qais, were born to rival clans, the Amaris and the Sharwaris. The two loved each other as children. Their love was such that if one was hurt, the other started bleeding. The film recounts, how as kids at the madarsa, the maulvi asks them to write the name of Allah on their slates. Qais, who is lost in thoughts of Laila, inscribes her name instead. In return, an incensed maulvi canes him on the hand. But it is Laila's hand which starts bleeding. Incidents such as this, spread like wild fire and Laila's father, scared for his daughter's reputation, decides to stop her from going to school. The two clan heads decide to separate their children as it is impossible for them to conceive of the Sharwaris and the Amaris ever being joined by love instead of blood. Laila and her Majnu grow up in different places.

Many years later, Qais and his friends visit Laila's town to buy camels and the stage is set for the two lovers to meet again. One day at the marketplace, they encounter each other and it is love at first sight for both of them. They start meeting each other secretly, all over again. But the villain makes his entry in the form of Laila's hot-tempered brother Tabrez (Ranjeet). He has already had a spat with Qais, with neither knowing the other's true identity. In the turn of events that follow, Qais's father dies at the hands of Tabrez. Qais in turn, avenges his father's murder by killing Tabrez. He is exiled from the town and wanders about in the dunes, like a madman, thirsting for just a look of his beloved. Meanwhile, Laila is married off to a prince, Bakhsh (Danny). Learning of her love for Qais, he promises to keep his distance until such time that he is not able to replace Majnu in Laila's heart. Like all others before him, he is unable to understand the almost divinely ordained love of Laila and Majnu. When he does, it is too late.

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• Rishi Kapoor as Majnu / Qais Al Amri
• Ranjeeta Kaur as Laila
• Danny Dengzongpa as Prince Bahksh
• Feroz

Film's music is by Madan Mohan and Jaidev with lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi.

Madan Mohan died during the period when the songs for the film were being composed and recorded. It was he who insisted on Mohd. Rafi, temporarily eclipsed by Kishore Kumar, singing all the songs for the hero, Rishi Kapoor, which enabled the veteran singer stage a grand comeback with this film. Tragically, however, Madan Mohan did not get to see the success of the film or its music and it was left to Jaidev to complete the unfinished work. Thankfully, the two great composers created music that was harmoniously alloyed and carried a timeless appeal. It turned out to be an all-hit score.

The songs of the movie were hits. Especially "Is Reshmi Paazzeb Ki Jhankar", "Tere Dar Par Aaya Hoon", " Barbad-E-Mohabbat ki Dua" and "Husn Hazir Hai". "Husn Hazir Hai" also reached number one on the Binaca Geetmala annual list 1977, a rarity for a Madan Mohan composed song.

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The film was a major success in the box office and critically acclaimed. But it was ignored by National film award & Filmfare award as it is not even nominated in any categories.

• Yusuf and Zulaikha
• Shirin and Farhad
• Heer Ranjha

• Laila Majnu at IMDb