Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan

Synopsis

Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan is a poignant 1978 Hindi drama directed by Mani Kaul that delicately explores the existential crisis of Arvind Desai, a privileged young man entangled in the contradictions of his affluent background and his search for personal identity. The film portrays Arvind's struggle as he navigates the socio-political milieu of urban India, confronting his disillusionment with wealth, familial expectations, and the wider capitalist society. With a nuanced narrative style and compelling performances, particularly by Dilip Dhawan in the titular role, the movie delves into themes of alienation, rebellion, and self-realization, capturing the complexities of a youth caught between tradition and modernity.

Cast

• Dilip Dhawan

  Arvind Desai

• Anjali Paigankar

  Alice

• 

  Shreeram Lagoo

  Dharmsi Desai

• 

  Sudha Shivpuri

  Leela Ben Desai

• Anjali Paigankar

  Alice D'Costa

• 

  Om Puri

  Rajan

Reviews

Critically acclaimed for its introspective storytelling and avant-garde cinematic approach, Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan holds a respectable IMDb rating of 7.2/10, reflecting appreciation from cinephiles and critics alike. The film is often lauded for its subtle yet profound depiction of internal conflict, with many reviewers praising Mani Kaul's minimalist direction which relies heavily on visual composition and mood rather than conventional narrative techniques. Critics from platforms such as Film Companion have highlighted the film's distinct place in Indian parallel cinema, noting its capacity to evoke empathy without overt dramatization. However, some viewers have found the film’s slow pacing and abstract style challenging, suggesting that it requires patience and a taste for art-house cinema to fully appreciate. Despite these critiques, the film is recognized for its intellectual depth and powerful character study, maintaining a respected status in Indian film history. Scholarly articles and retrospectives often cite the movie as a significant work that critiques socio-economic structures through deeply personal storytelling. Overall, it remains a cult classic known for its artistic courage and thematic relevance.