We commemorate the centenary of Guru Dutt’s birth on 9 July 2025, which forces us to re-examine the brilliance of a man whose influence on film endures across the ages. Guru Dutt was born in 1925 and produced most of his work in a single, fruitful decade. But in that brief time, he transformed Indian cinema with his distinctive aesthetic, a poetic fusion of stylised imagery, sombre themes, and profoundly reflective narrative.
In addition to telling stories on screen, Dutt’s films were reflections on ambition, love, alienation, and life’s terrible ironies. While some achieved commercial success, others only became well-known after their deaths. Nevertheless, they are all still relevant today. Here are five of his most well-known films in honour of his 100th birthday, along with the reasons why everyone who enjoys films should see them.
1. Pyaasa (1957)
A haunting story of a struggling poet navigating a society that prioritises materialism over meaning, Pyaasa is widely regarded as Guru Dutt’s masterpiece. The movie is a potent critique of society’s disregard for art and sensibility in addition to being a romantic tragedy. Pyaasa challenges viewers to consider what really matters in life with its lyrical depth and catchy music. See it for its brutal frankness and to witness a tale that is as relevant now as it was decades ago.
2. Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)
Guru Dutt had the audacity to look inward years before autobiographical storytelling was popular. Kaagaz Ke Phool reflects Dutt’s own difficulties in the business while chronicling the ascent and decline of a renowned filmmaker. Despite its box office failure at the time, the film is now regarded as a masterpiece of cinema, technically ahead of its time, and the first to use CinemaScope in India. This is a must-watch if you have ever experienced the loneliness of creative endeavour or the weight of diminishing glory.
3. Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam provides a window into the emotional world of a neglected wife ensnared by tradition and patriarchy, while also depicting a deteriorating feudal society in a profoundly moving way. The film’s critique of social stagnation is still potent today, and Meena Kumari gives one of the most moving performances in Hindi cinema. This is a timeless analysis of societal decay, yearning, and repression rather than merely a period drama.
4. Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960)
Chaudhvin Ka Chand is a romantic drama encased in the splendour of Lucknow’s Muslim culture, in contrast to his more depressing films. The film, which is emotionally and musically rich, revolves around a love triangle between friends. It demonstrated Dutt’s ability to combine conventional themes with universal emotions and was a commercial success. Watch it to understand the intricacies of love, loyalty, and sacrifice as well as the beauty of classic romance.
5. Aar Paar (1954)
Guru Dutt demonstrated his versatility with Aar Paar, a chic noir-comedy about a cab driver caught between two women and a web of crime, before branching out into more sombre storytelling. Despite having a lighter tone, the film exhibits Dutt’s innate mastery of the medium through its memorable music, witty dialogue, and astute direction. In addition to being enjoyable to watch, it serves as a reminder of how he skilfully combined technical mastery with popular appeal.
