Mohan Joshi Haazir Ho! (1984)
Director: Saeed Akhtar Mirza; Writer: Saeed Akhtar Mirza, Yusuf Mehta, Ranjit Kapoor, Sudhir Mishra; Producer: Saeed Akhtar Mirza; Cinematographer: Virendra Saini; Editor: Renu Saluja; Cast: Salim Ghouse, Mohan Gokhale, Rohini Hattangadi, Pankaj Kapoor, Amjad Khan, Deepti Naval, Dina Pathak, Bhisham Sahni, Naseeruddin Shah, Satish Shah, Ashutosh Thakur
Duration: 01:54:46; Aspect Ratio: 1.333:1; Hue: 348.837; Saturation: 0.082; Lightness: 0.444; Volume: 0.252; Cuts per Minute: 10.639; Words per Minute: 91.008
Summary: Mirza’s parody on housing legislation tells of
Mohan Joshi (Sahni, the well-known novelist
and brother of Balraj Sahni in his screen
debut), a retired clerk who lives with his wife
(Pathak) in an old Bombay tenement. Joshi
sues his landlord, the evil property developer
Kundan Kapadia (Khan), which starts a
complicated and expensive legal procedure
conducted by the slick lawyer Malkani
(N. Shah). Eventually Joshi realises that one
cannot win against entrenched economic
powers. In the end, when the judge comes to
see the condition of the building for himself,
Kapadia’s men quickly cover its rickety walls
with a coat of paint and Joshi, unable to control
his anger, goes berserk and demolishes the
place, making it collapse on to his own head.
Mirza’s allegorical approach, using a crudely
Brechtian idea of surface realism, allows him to
cast the noted screen villain Amjad Khan (cf.
Sholay, 1975) as the property developer with
lather dripping from his chin or eating a leg of
mutton.
The image shows a dark, almost black background with a series of faint vertical lines near the bottom. The lines appear to be evenly spaced and are slightly illuminated, creating a subtle contrast against the darkness.
censor certificate
The image shows a certificate issued by the Central Board of Film Certification, a government body in India. The certificate is for an un-restricted public exhibition of a film titled "Monon Joshi Haazir Ho" (English: "I Am Happy Now"). The certificate includes details such as the film's group, length, and other technical specifications. The certificate is dated 8-4-1994 and has a reference number of 7-6-1994.
PPF housing
h2
The image shows a plain background with a block of text in the center. The text is in English and appears to be a statement or disclaimer.
Bambai Mumbai! Welcome to Bombay, through the eyes of a tour guide, who extols the pride and identity of Bombay, its iconic buildings and teeming multitudes, a rhythm-analysis of the city, speed, accident, anonymity - bodies stuck together with love (for the city?!). Its Neon, its night. The song soon shifts registers, a montage of port, mills and chemical industries. Bombay makes half the wealth of the country. Finally, the Brechtian choral song changes tune, the montage turns satirical and shots of skyscrapers share frames with the homeless on the footpaths, or with dense shanties. This Bombay anthem ends with the narrator taking us into the life of the central protagonist. Lyrics by Madhosh Bilgrami, who also wrote the dialogue and lyrics for
Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai.
Lyrics: Madhosh Bilgrami
Song: Bambai... Mumbai!
Bombay song
bombay songs
The image shows a busy urban street flanked by tall residential buildings. The street is lined with trees and has several vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, moving along it. Pedestrians can be seen walking on the sidewalks. The buildings have multiple floors and balconies, with some having visible laundry hanging outside. The overall scene depicts a typical day in a densely populated city area.
The image shows a crowded fishing boat with several people on board. The boat is filled with various equipment and fishing gear. The people appear to be engaged in activities related to fishing or preparing for a trip. The background includes other boats and masts, indicating a busy harbor or fishing area.
In front of me, there is a row of tall, colorful fences with pointed tops. Beyond the fences, there is a body of water, and further back, a skyline of high-rise buildings under a slightly overcast sky.
cars
The image shows a busy highway with multiple lanes filled with cars. There is an elevated bridge crossing over the highway, and a train track runs parallel to the road. The vehicles appear to be moving slowly, indicating possible traffic congestion. The surrounding area includes buildings and trees in the distance.
The image shows a tall, rectangular building with a grid-like pattern of windows. The structure appears to be symmetrical, with a central section that is slightly wider than the sides. The building is surrounded by a frame that seems to be part of a larger architectural setting. The overall color tone of the image is pinkish, giving it a somewhat surreal appearance.
The image shows a large, ornate archway with a pathway leading through it. There are three people walking towards the archway, with one person in a white shirt and another in a blue outfit. The surrounding area has neatly trimmed bushes and a well-maintained pathway. The sky appears overcast, and the overall atmosphere is calm and serene.
truck, cars, auto. motorcycle
The image shows a close-up of a vehicle's front grill, which is prominently decorated with a circular emblem in the center. The emblem has a design resembling a cross within a circle. The vehicle's front bumper is painted in a light color, and there are some decorative elements, including a small red ornament and a sticker with text in a non-English script. The surrounding area includes parts of the vehicle's structure, such as a horn and a portion of the windshield.
The image shows a large vehicle, possibly a truck, with a damaged front end. The vehicle is parked on the side of a road, with other vehicles and people visible in the background. The front bumper is bent and there is visible damage to the front grill and the license plate. The license plate reads "MH 2229" and there is a sticker with non-English characters on the side. The scene appears to be in an urban area with trees and other vehicles in the background.
The image shows a wall with a rough texture, featuring a visible pipe running vertically. The wall has a faded, worn appearance with patches of discoloration. There is a text in the upper left corner that reads, "Saeed Akhtar Mirza Productions presents."
The image shows a wall with a pipe running vertically along it. The wall appears to be aged and has a rough texture. The pipe is metallic and has a slightly worn appearance.
The image shows a colorful mural of a deity with a large head and four arms, sitting on a pedestal amidst a backdrop of clouds and lightning. In front of the mural, there is a pile of leaves and debris, with several birds perched on top. A tree with green leaves is visible in the background, and a red structure is partially visible to the right.
The image shows a person holding a microphone, seemingly engaged in a performance or speaking. There is a brightly lit sign in the foreground with the word "GANDHI" prominently displayed. The background appears to be a plain wall, and the lighting suggests an indoor setting.
The image shows a rocky shoreline with a person sitting under a red umbrella near the water. Another person is standing nearby, and there is a mix of rocks and pebbles scattered across the ground. The water appears calm, and the sky has a soft pinkish hue.
hand cycle
The image shows a person standing near a vehicle, with one hand raised. The background includes a closed shutter and a partially visible structure.
The image shows a person sitting on a bicycle-like vehicle, holding the handlebars. The person is wearing a white shirt and a pink scarf. The background includes other people and a blurred scene, possibly indicating movement or a busy environment.
The image shows a person sitting on a rickshaw, holding the handlebars. The person is wearing a white shirt with a pink collar and appears to be focused on steering. The background includes a closed shutter and a blue wall.
The image shows a person in a wheelchair, wearing a white shirt with red accents, using a hand-powered device to propel themselves forward. The background includes a wooden structure and a blue wall.
The image shows a person sitting in a vehicle, holding the steering wheel with both hands. The person is wearing a light-colored shirt and appears to be focused on driving. The background is blurred, with some indistinct objects and colors visible.
The image shows a person wearing a white shirt and a red cap walking past a vehicle with a reddish-brown exterior. The person appears to be in motion, and the background includes a window with a slightly blurred view.
The image shows a person standing near a vehicle, possibly a bus, with a window behind them. The person is wearing a dark-colored sweater and has their back turned to the camera. There is another individual holding a clipboard or folder, standing nearby. The scene appears to be outdoors, and the background includes a window reflecting some light.
bullock cart
The image shows a yellow car with visible damage to its rear, parked on the side of a street. A wooden cart with red wheels is moving on the road, carrying a load of goods. There are buildings and trees in the background, and a person is walking nearby.
The image shows a young child with light-colored hair, wearing a light-colored shirt. The child appears to be standing in a somewhat foggy or misty environment. There is another person partially visible to the left, but their features are not clear.
The image shows a person holding a child. The child is wearing a light-colored shirt and appears to be barefoot. The person holding the child is wearing a green garment. There are other individuals in the background, and the setting seems to be indoors.
The image shows a group of people walking together. One person is carrying a child on their back, while another person is holding their hand. The individuals are dressed in traditional clothing, with one wearing a black headscarf and another wearing a white top and a purple skirt. There is a vehicle visible in the background, and the scene appears to be outdoors.
The image shows two individuals standing near a large object that appears to be a cannon or artillery piece. They are wearing dark clothing and hats, and the background is hazy, with a body of water and a ship visible in the distance.
trucks, car, bus
song
T: Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho, 1984 Saeed Mirza
h2
The image shows a bustling street filled with people and vehicles. There are tall buildings on both sides, with clothes hanging out to dry. A red double-decker bus is visible in the center, surrounded by other vehicles and pedestrians. The street is crowded, with many people walking and some riding bicycles or rickshaws.
The image shows a young boy standing outdoors in front of a building. The boy is shirtless, and the background includes a structure with pillars and a roof. The setting appears to be a rural or semi-urban area.
taxi, cycle
The image shows a crowded street scene with people holding umbrellas, likely due to rain. A young boy is standing on top of a building, looking down at the crowd below. The building has multiple floors with visible windows and balconies. A sign with the text "Café Pa" is visible on the building.
Mumbai traffic
The image shows a busy urban street filled with vehicles, including cars, buses, and a double-decker bus. The traffic appears congested, with vehicles closely packed together. There is an elevated structure on the left side of the image, possibly a bridge or overpass. The background includes trees and buildings, and the overall scene suggests a typical busy day in a city.
h2
The image shows a large crowd of people gathered in an open area. Many individuals are holding umbrellas, and there are structures visible in the background. The scene appears busy and crowded, with people standing close together.
The image shows a dimly lit room with a person standing near a table. The lighting is soft, and there is a faint glow from a light source. The person appears to be wearing a hat and is partially obscured by shadows. The table has some items on it, but they are not clearly visible.
taxis
The image shows a busy street scene on a rainy day. There are several people holding umbrellas, and a line of cars, including a prominent black car with a yellow roof, is visible. The background includes a white building with balconies and greenery. The overall atmosphere is wet and bustling.
The image shows a yellow sign with a large red arrow pointing upwards. The sign has the words "ONE WAY" written in English at the top, and below it, there is text in Hindi that reads "एक गार्ड राजा में" which translates to "One Grand Raja Way" in English. The sign is mounted on a building under construction, with visible scaffolding and unfinished walls in the background.
Two individuals are running on a field, one in the foreground and the other in the background. The field has a mix of grass and dirt, and there is a soccer ball visible near the foreground runner. The background shows blurred structures and a fence.
The image shows a man sitting on the ground, covered with a white cloth, while another man is cutting his hair. The scene appears to be outdoors, with a red vehicle visible in the background.
The image shows two individuals on a rooftop. One person is standing and appears to be holding a bag, while the other person is sitting on the edge of the rooftop. In the background, there are tall buildings visible.
The image shows a large ship in the background, anchored near the shore. In the foreground, there is a person holding an umbrella, sitting on the ground. Nearby, there are chains and some debris scattered around. The scene appears to be near a dock or port area.
cars, bike
The image shows a circular structure with a central fountain surrounded by parked cars. The cars are arranged in a circular pattern around the fountain, and the area appears to be part of a residential complex with multiple buildings in the background.
train, taxi
h2
The image shows a train moving along a railway track. The train appears to be in motion, as indicated by the blurring of the surroundings. The track is supported by a concrete structure, and there is a bridge visible in the background. The overall scene is dark, with limited visibility due to the motion blur and lighting conditions.
bus
The image shows a group of people gathered around a red vehicle. The scene appears to be outdoors, with a crowd of individuals wearing various clothing styles. The vehicle is partially visible, and the people seem to be engaged in some activity or interaction.
Mumbai local crowd
The image shows a large crowd of people gathered around a train. The train is stationary, and many individuals are standing close to the train, with some appearing to board or disembark. The scene is densely populated, with people wearing various types of clothing. The environment appears to be outdoors, and the lighting suggests it might be daytime.
track walking
The image shows a large crowd of people gathered around a railway track. The area appears to be a train station or a similar location, with multiple tracks visible. The people are standing close together, and some are walking along the tracks. The surrounding buildings are visible, and there is a sense of activity and movement in the scene.
taxis
The image shows a dark, blurry scene with a bright, illuminated sign in the background. The sign appears to have text, but it is difficult to read due to the low lighting and blurriness. There are some lights visible in the foreground, including a red light and a green light. The overall scene seems to be at night, with limited visibility.
The image shows a brightly lit sign with various neon lights spelling out words. The sign includes phrases like "INTERCOM," "VIDEO," "CAR STEREO," and "WALKMAN." The colors are vivid, with red, green, and yellow lights standing out against the dark background. There is also a noticeable star-shaped light effect in the foreground.
The image shows a brightly lit sign with various illuminated words. The words are arranged in a vertical column, and each word is displayed in a different color. The colors include red, green, yellow, and blue. The words are written in uppercase letters, and the sign appears to be in a dark environment, making the colors stand out prominently.
The image shows a brightly lit area with multiple glowing lights, creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. The lights appear to be arranged in a grid-like pattern, with some areas more illuminated than others. There are reflections and a slight blur, suggesting movement or a dynamic environment.
The image shows a dark environment with bright, glowing lights scattered across the scene. There is a prominent neon sign in the center, glowing red and blue, with the word "Coca-Cola" visible. The background appears to be a tall structure, possibly a building, with lights illuminating its edges.
The image shows a section of a wall with a pipe running vertically along it. The wall appears to be made of concrete and has a rough texture. The pipe is metallic and has a rusted appearance. There is a small white speck visible on the wall.
h2
The image shows a large industrial structure with a tall metal framework on the left side. The sky is a soft pink, with some clouds visible. There is a building in the foreground with a rectangular shape and a flat roof.
The image shows a metallic object hanging from a chain, suspended in a dimly lit environment. The object appears to be a cylindrical container with a hollow interior, and it is attached to a larger, round base. The surface of the object is rough and worn, suggesting it has been used or aged over time. The background consists of a textured wall with a reddish hue, and there is a faint, circular structure visible in the distance.
The image shows a large cylindrical object being lifted by a crane. The object appears to be metallic and is suspended in mid-air. There is a person in the background wearing a hat, and the scene is set on a ship or industrial platform.
The image shows a vertical black object positioned between two light-colored walls. The walls are pinkish, and the object appears to be a narrow column or panel.
The image shows a large industrial complex with multiple buildings and structures. The sky appears hazy, and the overall color tone is pinkish. There are several large buildings, including a tall cylindrical structure on the left and a series of rectangular buildings in the center. The area seems to be surrounded by a flat landscape, possibly a field or open space.
The image shows a tall cylindrical structure with a rounded top, featuring several vertical elements protruding from the top. The structure is surrounded by other buildings, and the sky appears hazy or foggy.
The image shows a dark, blurry scene with faint light spots. There appears to be a small, indistinct object or structure in the center, and a horizontal streak of light on the right side.
The image shows a close-up of a person's arm, with a visible scar on the upper arm. The skin appears to be dark in tone, and the arm is slightly flexed. The background is indistinct, but the focus is on the arm and the scar.
The image shows a close-up of a muscular arm, with visible veins and a well-defined bicep. The skin appears slightly shiny, possibly due to sweat or oil. The background is blurred, but it seems to include some structures or objects, possibly outdoors.
The image shows a tall, rectangular building with a grid-like pattern of windows. The sky has a hazy, orange-tinted appearance. A person in red clothing is standing in the foreground, facing away from the camera.
The image shows a person with dark hair, a visible nose ring, and a visible ear. The background appears to be bright, possibly outdoors.
The image shows a fish lying on a dark surface. The fish has a light-colored body with a slightly pinkish hue, and its mouth is open. There are no visible non-English characters in the image.
The image shows two individuals engaged in an activity near a makeshift structure. One person is standing and appears to be holding a rope or cord, while the other is seated and focused on a task involving a cloth or fabric. The background consists of a rustic, possibly rural setting with a thatched roof and a tree visible in the distance.
The image shows a person sitting in a small window opening. The window has horizontal bars, and there are some clothes hanging over the bars. The person appears to be sitting on the ledge of the window, and there is a red object, possibly a bag, near them.
The image shows a child sitting on a window ledge, surrounded by wooden slats. A green cloth with yellow patterns is hanging on the left side, and a pink object is placed on the ledge. The child appears to be looking outside.
h2
The image shows a group of people near a pile of large, circular objects stacked in a unique arrangement. The background features a body of water, and the scene appears to be outdoors.
The image shows a cluster of old, weathered buildings with sloped roofs and visible wear. In the background, there are taller, modern structures partially obscured by haze. A few poles are visible, and a cat is perched on one of the rooftops.
The image shows a small child standing in the foreground, with a makeshift tent in the background. The tent is covered with a tarp and appears to be set up on a concrete surface. There are two adults sitting near the tent, one holding a long stick. The surroundings include a worn-out building with visible signs of age and wear.
The image shows a woman in a red sari sitting on a stone ledge, engaged in conversation with a man who is kneeling nearby. The man is wearing a light-colored shirt and a darker pair of pants. They appear to be in a rural setting, with a stone wall and a partially visible structure in the background. The woman is gesturing with her hand, and the man is leaning slightly forward, listening attentively.
The image shows a baby lying inside a small, transparent, dome-shaped enclosure. The baby is wrapped in a white blanket and appears to be sleeping. The enclosure is placed on a rough, stone-like surface, and there is a wall in the background.
The image shows a building with an arched entrance and a sign above the door that reads "DIANT TAILORS." The structure appears to be made of stone or brick, with a wooden overhang above the entrance. The area looks aged, with visible wear on the walls and the sign.
The image shows two tall buildings with numerous windows. The building on the left has a uniform pattern of rectangular windows, while the building on the right has a series of balconies with visible structural details. The overall color tone of the image is pinkish.
The image shows two tall buildings with distinct architectural styles. The building on the right has a repetitive pattern of rectangular windows and a flat top with a unique design. The building on the left has a grid-like structure and appears to have a more modern design. The sky has a warm, orange hue, suggesting either sunrise or sunset.
The image shows a tall, unfinished building in the center, surrounded by other high-rise structures. The building appears to be under construction, with visible scaffolding and incomplete sections. There are balconies on the left side of the image, and a palm tree is visible on the right. The overall scene suggests an urban environment with ongoing development.
The image shows a densely built urban area with tall residential buildings. The buildings are closely packed, with some greenery visible in the foreground. The sky appears overcast, and the overall atmosphere suggests a typical city environment.
The image shows a person standing in the foreground, wearing a patterned garment. In the background, there is another person sitting on the ground, dressed in light-colored clothing. The setting appears to be outdoors, with other individuals visible in the background.
The image shows a group of people standing closely together. One person is wearing white pants and another is wearing a floral-patterned garment. A child is visible in the foreground, sitting on the ground.
The image shows a group of people gathered in a dimly lit area. A woman in a dark blue dress with white patterns is standing in the foreground, facing a man in a white shirt. The man appears to be engaged in conversation with the woman. The background is crowded, with other individuals partially visible.
taxi
hand cycle, cars
hand car, cycle
h2
taxis, bike, truck, cycle, handcar, bus
traffic
h2
The title song ends with an introduction to Mohan Joshi, the 60 year-old angry protagonist played by Bisham Sahni, novelist and playwright who was closely associated with IPTA and the Progressive Writers Association. Dina Pathak, also from IPTA plays his partner. The film is set in Taher Manzil, a chawl in Do Tanki, Mumbadevi, an locality where Saeed will return to film much of Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro.
chawl
scooter
bus, fire brigate
PPF housing
Visit to landlord.
h2
PPF housing
Landlord
overlay
Repairs Board
overlay
Repairs Board
Sent to Repairs Board.
h2
Early SRA scheme
Deluxe
The Deluxe Flat Conspiracy! Developers advice the chawl owner to let the building dilapidate to the extent that it will fall on its own. And then no need to rehabilitate the tenants in new low-cost flats, the plot can be redeveloped for only deluxe flats.
PPF housing
h2
h2
PPF Court rumblings
h2
Bribe them, intimidate them, frustrate them. They will give in or give up. On this site, will be a 25 storey building with deluxe flats!
h2_cancel
Speculation
taxi
fire brigade
Song: Hai re mukadama
cars
h2
h2
h2
The gutter water from leaking pipes mixes with the drinking water!
This lampooning, melodramatic comic scene, ends with the Judge accepting the invitation to visit the chawl. A historic event that will go down in the annals of juridical history in golden letters!
Housing2
PPF Court
Bombay arguments
Judge
The Judge visits the chawl. An event that seems to be taken from the the incident of Justice Lentin visiting the Kamraj Nagar basti in 1982 in the wake of CM Antulay's Operation Demolition. Harun Mirza announces his arrival.
A protracted court battle of 6 years. Justice delayed is justice denied. Mohan Joshi puts an end to his struggle for housing.
The End
Judge visits chawl
The judge as witness.
witness
PPF housing
catharsis
Mohan Joshi dislodges a bamboo column that is supporting the dilapidated chawl.
h2
Descent into Chaos
h2
PPF housing
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