The Common Man (1975)

The Common Man Poster
Original Title: Dupont Lajoie

As every summer, Georges Lajoie, his wife Ginette and grown-up son Léon go on holiday to Loulou's campsite. They join old friends, the Schumachers and the Colins. Brigitte Colin, the daughter, is quite a pretty young girl now. One day, Georges rapes and murders her. He hides the body near the barracks of the immigrant Arab workers. The racism of the campers will do the rest... A virulent lampoon against the average Frenchman's racism.

Intro
"The Commoner" is a 1975 Indian drama movie directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and boasts an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, and Vinod Mehra. The movie is known for its representation of sociopolitical conditions in India and for its strong story centered around the trials and adversities of a commoner.

Plot Summary
The story begins with the intro of Babu Ram (Amitabh Bachchan), an idealistic and sincere teacher, residing in a little town, who believes that honesty and high morals are the greatest virtues of a man. However, fate has different plans for him. He loses his task due to his laidback attitude and sincerity, which requires him to move to the city in search of work.

Simultaneously we are presented to Dhananjay Mandal (Rajesh Khanna), a shrewd and shrewd entrepreneur, who believes in doing whatever it takes to be effective. He manages a significant rip-off in the city that wreaks havoc, causing the enactment of rigid laws against corruption.

With Babu Ram's arrival in the city, he and Dhananjay Mandal cross courses and become friends owing to their entirely contrasting characters. While both journey through their daily battles, the storyline concentrates on their different approaches of life.

Message and Main Characters
"Babu Ram" represents the commoner who suffers the effects of his honesty in a society filled with corruption, while "Dhananjay Mandal" exemplifies the corrupt however successful business person, enjoying all high-ends of life at the expense of his sincerity and integrity. The film includes aspects of drama, romance, and funny, which make it a complete entertainer however it likewise provides a profound social message discreetly yet effectively.

Conclusion of the Film
In the end, the movie reveals the accomplishment of fact and stability over greed and corruption. To support an exterior of honesty and stability, Dhananjay Mandal tries to mess up Babu Ram's image in society, but his strategies fail miserably. The highlight of the movie is when Dhananjay is eventually jailed for his corrupt practices and Babu Rum, due to his sincerity and integrity, becomes a popular and respected figure in society.

With this ending, the movie magnificently emphasizes that the excellent and truthful shall ultimately dominate and succeed. The climax advises us that even in a world filled with corruption, a commoner can still make his mark by maintaining high ethical values and undeviating stability.

Impact and Relevance
Regardless of being launched in 1975, the film's essence remains pertinent even today. Through its portrayal of corruption, social inequality, and the battles dealt with by the common man, it mirrors the extreme realities of society. The movie is not simply an amusing one-time watch but also a thought-provoking journey that leaves one pondering over these deep-rooted social issues. With strong performances from the cast and an impactful narrative, "The Common Man" is a must-watch for each movie theater lover.

The movie is regarded as a traditional and a work of art in Indian cinema and has collected numerous nationwide and global awards for its instructions, movie script, and effective performances. 'The Common Man' still resonates with the audience due to its classic significance, being a reflection of different social concerns that are prevalent even in today's times.

Top Cast

  • Jean Carmet (small)
    Jean Carmet
    Georges Lajoie
  • Pascale Roberts (small)
    Pascale Roberts
    Madame Colin
  • Ginette Garcin (small)
    Ginette Garcin
    Ginette Lajoie
  • Michel Peyrelon (small)
    Michel Peyrelon
    Albert Schumacher
  • Jacques Chailleux (small)
    Jacques Chailleux
    Léon Lajoie
  • Robert Castel (small)
    Robert Castel
    Loulou
  • Jean Bouise (small)
    Jean Bouise
    Inspecteur Boulard
  • Victor Lanoux (small)
    Victor Lanoux
    le costaud
  • Henri Garcin (small)
    Henri Garcin
    le haut fonctionnaire
  • Isabelle Huppert (small)
    Isabelle Huppert
    Brigitte Colin
  • Jacques Villeret (small)
    Jacques Villeret
    Gérald