The story of a small-town man who comes to make it big in the city, where he is almost instantly relieved of all his possessions. Homeless and penniless, he is taken in by a woman who looks after him.
Acting
Raj Kapoor's tramp — part clown, part conscience.
Cinematography
Mumbai monsoons never looked more poetic.
Score
"Mera Joota Hai Japani" — the earworm of 1955.
Director
Raj Kapoor
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Raj Kapoor's tramp was explicitly modeled on Chaplin, but the '420' in the title references Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code for fraud — making this social satire with legal bite.
The umbrella scene isn't just flirtation — it's Kapoor's visual thesis on class, as the rich woman shields herself while Vidya shares hers.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
IN
