The Vagabond

Kapoor’s most famous film is a grand Oedipal melodrama which explores the nature vs. nurture debate. Strict judge Raghunath (P Kapoor) believes that a bandit’s son would always end up as a criminal. His belief is tested when he encounters lovable Raj (R Kapoor), the wastrel boyfriend of his ward Rita (Nargis). Class division is explored in newly independent India; this society excludes the lowly hero at every point. Often regarded as a ‘perfect’ film, this is too long, overdramatic and R Kapoor’s angst ridden performance irritates. However, it remains a landmark film responsible for establishing Bollywood’s early global presence.