Kal Aaj Aur Kal

About the film

Kal Aaj Aur Kal is a 1971 Indian Hindi-language drama film produced by Raj Kapoor and directed by his son Randhir Kapoor. The film's USP is the appearance of three generations of the famous Kapoor family. The film stars Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor and his wife Babita.

It was also the last Shankar-Jaikishan score in a Raj Kapoor film. This film came after the heavy debacle of Mera Naam Joker, which was the dream project of Raj Kapoor. It more than made up for his loss although it was not a success at the box office. The film marked the final film of Prithviraj Kapoor as he died the following year of the film's release.

Plot

The title of the film is an allegory for the ideological conflict between three generations: Kal (meaning yesterday in Hindi, representing the past and symbolized by the grandfather), Aaj (today, the present, represented by the father), and Kal (tomorrow, the future, represented by the grandson).

Diwan Bahadur Kapoor (Prithviraj Kapoor) is the father of Ram Bahadur Kapoor (Raj Kapoor). Ram's son Rajesh (Randhir Kapoor), returns to India after completing his higher studies in London. Diwan has long planned for Rajesh to marry Rukmani, the granddaughter of his childhood friend.

However, Rajesh is in love with his girlfriend Monica "Mona" (Babita), and objects to the marriage alliance by his grandfather. Both the grandfather and the grandson stick to their guns, little realizing that Ram is the real sufferer in the clash. Ram finds himself in trouble when Diwan threatens to leave if Rajesh marries Mona and Rajesh threatens to leave if Diwan makes him marry Rukmani. Unable to decide whether he wants his father or son, Ram leaves his home, causing the grandfather and grandson blaming each other.

Soundtrack

All music was composed by Shankar–Jaikishan, in their last collaboration with R. K. Films. Three months prior to the film's release, Jaikishan died due to cirrhosis of the liver. Nonetheless, three Kishore Kumar numbers from the soundtrack became subsequent hits. These were the solo, Bhanware Ki Gunjan, and a couple duets with Asha Bhosle, Aap Yahan Aaye Kisliye and Tik Tik Tik Tik Chalti Jaye Ghadi, the latter of which is a trio with Mukesh.

Although it was recorded, the song Kisi Ke Dil Ko Sanam does not appear in the film. However, Sharda is still credited as a playback singer in the film.

Key details