Phool Aur Patthar

About the film

Phool Aur Patthar (transl.  The Flower and The Rock) is a 1966 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed and produced by O. P. Ralhan, and written by Akhtar ul Iman and Ahsan Rizvi. It stars Meena Kumari and Dharmendra in lead roles. Shashikala, Lalita Pawar, Madan Puri, and Iftekhar played the supporting roles.

The film was a blockbuster and one of the highest-grossing film of 1966. It was also a turning point for Dharmendra's career. After Raj Kapoor, Dharamendra became the second Indian actor to become hugely popular in Soviet Union countries and Warsaw Countries after the film's success. Dharmendra and Meena Kumari's on-screen chemistry garnered immense popularity. Later, they worked together in other films such as Chandan Ka Palna, Majhli Didi, and Baharon Ki Manzil.

Plot

Circumstances have made Shaka a career criminal. When plague empties a town of its inhabitants, he takes the opportunity to burgle a house. He finds nothing except Shanti, a widowed daughter-in-law who has been left to die by her cruel relatives. Shaka nurses her back to health. When her relatives return, they are not pleased to find her alive and even less pleased to discover that someone has tried to rob them. Shanti gets the blame and a beating. Shaka saves her from worse, at the hands of brother-in-law, and the pair flee. They set up home in Shaka's house, much to the displeasure of the respectable neighbours, who are all too ready to think the worst. Shanti's relatives are dismayed when a lawyer arrives to announce that Shanti has been left a legacy. They hatch a plot to get her back. Meanwhile, Shaka's rehabilitation is proceeding - much to the chagrin of his former criminal associates. Fire and redemption for some, death and handcuffs for others is what fate has in store.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was composed by Ravi and lyrics by Shakeel Badayuni.

Production

Sunil Dutt was initially offered Dharmendra's role but declined it due to concerns about the slightly scandalous nature of the story. He felt that the character did not align with his on-screen image and was uncertain about the film’s box-office prospects.

Box office

Phool Aur Patthar estimated worldwide box office – ₹171.7 million ($24.68 million) – 91.4 million ticket sales

India (1966) – ₹75 million ($11.79 million) – 45 million ticket sales

Soviet Union (1970) – 11.6 million Rbls ($12.89 million, ₹96.7 million)

Awards

Best Art Director - Color - Shanti Dass (Won)

Best Supporting Actress - Shashikala (Nominated)

Key details