Sholay, Deewaar, ChupkeChupke, Aandhi, Jai Santoshi Maa - if these titles make your heart skip a beat, Pratik Majumdar’s debut book ‘1975: The Year That Transformed Bollywood’ is your backstage pass to the most electrifying year in Hindi cinema. Equal parts nostalgia and narrative deep-dive, this cinematic chronicle is a love letter to the year when Bollywood didn’t just entertain - it evolved.

Majumdar, a Kolkata-based cinephile with a flair for storytelling and a vinyl collection that could rival a radio station’s archive, brings both passion and precision to this 300-page tribute. With a background in advertising and a stint in London, he knows how to package a punch - and this book is all punch, no filler.

The format is simple but effective: 38 chapters, each spotlighting a film, filmmaker, or phenomenon from 1975. From the mythological marvel Jai Santoshi Maa to the masala madness of Pratiggya, Majumdar covers the full spectrum - parallel cinema, potboilers, romantic comedies, and political allegories. The book opens with an inviting Author’s Note that sets the tone: “Let’s rewind the reels,” he writes, and rewind we do—with joy, wit and a generous dose of filmi flair.

The introduction lays out the stakes: 1975 wasn’t just a year - it was a cultural pivot. The Emergency loomed large, and Bollywood responded with stories of rebellion (Deewaar), satire (Charandas Chor), and soul-searching (Mausam). Majumdar doesn’t just list films - he dissects them, drawing connections between the socio-political climate and the cinematic choices of the time.

And what a time it was! Sholay exploded onto screens with its spaghetti-western swagger, redefining scale and spectacle. Deewaar gave us the ‘angry young man’ archetype, with Amitabh Bachchan’s clenched-jaw intensity becoming the voice of a generation. But Majumdar is just as interested in the quieter triumphs: Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ChupkeChupke and Mili, Gulzar’s lyrical trifecta (Aandhi, Khushboo, Mausam), and Shyam Benegal’s haunting Nishant.

What makes the book sparkle is its tonal agility. Majumdar shifts gears effortlessly - from the breezy charm of Chhoti Si Baat to the gritty realism of Faraar. He’s equally at home discussing the cowboy kitsch of Kaala Sona and the cross-dressing comedy of RafooChakkar. His writing is peppered with pop culture references, behind-the-scenes trivia, and a fan’s unfiltered enthusiasm.

Music gets its due too. The melodies of 1975 - crafted by RD Burman, Laxmikant–Pyarelal, and Kalyanji–Anandji - are treated not just as chart-toppers but as cultural artefacts. Majumdar reminds us that songs like “Ek Din Bik Jayega” and “Tere Bina Zindagi Se” weren’t just hummed - they were lived.

The book also zooms out to offer thematic chapters on the year’s top stars, directors, and composers. From the Kapoor clan’s Dharam Karam to Feroz Khan’s Dharmatma, Majumdar maps out Bollywood’s shifting power dynamics with flair. His chapter on the Emergency’s impact on the industry is particularly insightful, showing how censorship and political tension shaped storytelling choices.

Structurally, the book is a breezy read - each chapter is self-contained, making it perfect for dipping in and out. But read it cover to cover, and you’ll see a larger narrative emerge: 1975 wasn’t just a golden year - it was Bollywood’s coming-of-age moment. Majumdar’s essays are stitched together with affection and analysis, making this more than just a filmography - it’s a cultural biography.

If there’s a quibble, it’s that the book occasionally leans too heavily on plot summaries. But even then, Majumdar’s voice - warm, witty, and wonderfully filmi - keeps the pages turning. His admiration for the craft is infectious, and his ability to balance fanboy fervour with critical insight is commendable.

‘1975: The Year That Transformed Bollywood’ is a must-read for anyone who’s ever mouthed “Mere paas maa hai” with conviction or danced to “Khel Khel Mein” in their living room. It’s a celebration, a reflection, and above all, a reminder that Bollywood’s magic lies not just in its stars, but in its stories.

So grab your popcorn, cue the retro playlist, and dive into this cinematic time capsule. Majumdar’s debut is not just a book - it’s a blockbuster.

Author can be reached at daanishinterview@gmail.com