Gumnaam - Hindi Film 1965

Gumnaam[meaning - Anonymous] is an Indian Hindi-language ( Murder Mystery Movie and Mystery Thriller Movie ) film released in cinemas on 24 December 1965.

Gumnaam (1965)

Gumnaam  is a Suspense Mystery Thriller Bollywood Movie released on 24 December 1965. N.N. Sippy produced and Raja Nawathe directed the movie. Famous writer Dhruva Chatterjee wrote the screenplay for the movie. 

Dhruva Chatterjee is famous for his work in Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan (1959), Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962),  Bees Saal Baad (1962), Kohraa (1964) and Who Kaun Thi (1964) and more before and after Gumnam.

Gumnam Star Cast

Manoj Kumar, Nanda, Helen, Pran, Mehmood, Madan Puri, Tarun Bose, Manmohan, Laxmi Chhaya and Dhumal played key roles in the movie.

Gumnaam Box Office Collection

Gumnaam was a commercial Box Office Hit by earning 2.6 Crores approximately (Worldwide) and also became one of the Top Ten Highest Grossing Bollywood Movies of 1965 followed by Mere Sanam, Kaajal and Teen Devia.

Gumnaam Movie Plot

The story of anonymity is very simple but complicated. Eight people namely Anand (Manoj Kumar), Asha (Nanda), Rakesh (Pran), Dr. Acharya (Madanpuri), Madhusudan Sharma (Tarun Bose), Kishan (Manmohan), Dharamdas (DHumal) and Kitty Kelly (Helen) get a holiday package in a lucky draw. 

They started their journey by an airplane that has to land on a deserted island-cum-forest because of emergency due to technical fault in the plane. The Pilot tells all passengers to come down, and before that someone knows the tricks of Pilot he takes off the plane along with the luggage of the passengers. And in this way, these eight travelers get stuck on that small deserted island.

They all reach a mansion in search of shelter outside the forest and eventually find one deserted bungalow. They meet a strangely moving butler in the bungalow who already knows that they are all going to come there because someone had written a letter telling them that everyone is a criminal and their death is certain. 

They all start doubting one another but they have no choice and have to live together until they find a way to exit from the deserted place. In the meantime someone starts killing them one by one. Everyone now knows that the killer is one of them. But who is the killer and why he/she is doing so is rest of the story.

Gumnaam Screenplay

Dhurva Chatterjee has written the screenplay very tactfully and leaves no clue for the murder till the end. Climax is unexpected with strong logic. The script is a tight one and focuses on the mystery throughout the movie.

The script of the film is written keeping in mind the mood of the Indian audience. However, the film's revelation could have been better shown. But even then, the film is excellent.

Gumnam Direction

Raja Nawathe earlier directed Aah (1953), Basant Bahar (1956) and Sohni Mahiwal (1958). He hit the screen after 7 years and did a recommendable job by making a firm grip over the movie.  He has been successful in keeping the mystery of the murderer till the last minutes of the film. 

Acting

Gumnaam has limited cast since the entire movie revolves round 8 people and murder’s attempt to kill them all one by one. Nanda, Manoj Kumar, Pran, Helen, Madan Puri, Manmohan, Tarun Bose and Dhumal, all have done well. 

Mehmood has remarkably managed to leave his mark on the screen. The performances of all the other artists are also appreciated. Helen has revived her role and the performance of Manoj Kumar and Nanda are commendable especially Manoj Kumar has presented one of his best performances.

Gumnaam Music, Songs and Lyrics

Shakar Jaikishan composed the music and songs for Gumnaam. Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri have penned the lyrics of Gumnam. 'Gumnaam Hai Koi' has been made unforgettable by the lyricist and composer. 'Hum Kaale Hai To Kya Hua Dilwale Hai' is one of the few best songs that have been shot on a comedian. Mehmood has done a fantastic job in this song. Helen has given many big hit songs to Bollywood and 'Gum Chod Ke Manao Rangreli' is one of them. The rest of the song are ok but Manoj Kumar seems uncomfortable while doing romantic song.

Gumnam Song List (Music Director:  Shankar-Jaikishan)

Gumnaam Hai Koi – Singer: Lata Mangeshkar – Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Hum Kaale Hai Toa Kya hua – Singer: Mohammed Rafi – Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Jaan Pechaan Ho – Singer: Mohammed Rafi – Lyrics: Shailendra

Gham Chhod Ke Manao – Singer: Lata Mangeshkar- Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Jaane Chaman Shola Badan – Singer: Mohammed Rafi and Sharda

Ayega Kaun Yahan – Singer: Sharda – Lyrics: Shailendra

Pee Ke Hum Tum Jo Chale – Singer: Asha Bhosle and Usha Mangeshkar - Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Ek Ladki Hai Jis Ne – Singer: Mohammed Rafi - Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Gumnaam Movie Review

Gumnaam is a Suspense Murder Mystery movie. Movies in this Genre can be said to be successful only when the mystery of the murderer remains intact till the end of the film. The film gets 10 out of 10 in this regard.

Murder mysteries have always remained fantasy for Bollywood movie lovers.  However, Gumnaam stands alone in this category and is known for its anonymity that is missing in most of the murder mysteries. That is why no other movie that follows the same pattern stands in front of Gumnaam. Its unique treatment makes it a class movie for Murder Mystery lovers.

Gumnaam makes audience on the verge of their seat throughout the movie. Whenever you suspect someone to be a murderer, he/she is either found innocent or murdered. You will not be able to guess the murderer right till the end of the film; this is the biggest USP of this movie.

Awards and Nominations

Helen received Filmfare Nomination for Best supporting Actress in the 13th Filmfare Awards 1966.

Mehmood received Filmfare Nomination for Best supporting Actor in the 13th Filmfare Awards 1966.

S.S. Samel won Filmfare for Best Director Award in the 13th Filmfare Awards 1966.