I was expecting more from a movie that was such a blockbuster and winner of several filmfare awards. Notwithstanding the amazing suspension of disbelief requirement, contrived song sequences and coincidences that were considered staple of Indian films of that time, the plot themes are so mixed up on purpose to get full 'masala' that you have a potpourri of a love triangle, family drama of a joint family, patriotism, secularism, and a social and political commentary - all of which are half baked and poorly done. This film was made in 1974 when youth unemployment and poverty were big issues. Indira Gandhi had won the previous general elections in 1971 on a 'Garibi Hatao' or 'Banish Poverty' manifesto, and then failed to deliver on these fronts because of her continued socialist/crypto-communist agenda. Yet, and most disappointingly and dishonestly, the film blames all evils on dhoti clad lalas and banias, while absolving the political leadership by explicitly relaying Indira Gandhi's 15th Aug broadcast, showing Vote Congress graffiti and singing paeans to socialism. Actually I have lost a lot of respect for the cinema going public of India of those times and for Manoj Kumar as well after watching this silly film. Even my favorite singer Mukesh sounded off-key in all songs.

Manoj Kumar an actor who is mostly known for his patriotic films be it UPKAR(1967) or the later released KRANTI(1981)Here he showcases the problems of basic Indians gauged by the title Roti Kapda aur makaan. The film showcases almost everything in the almost 3 hrs run timeThe film has a nice story and it's brilliantly handled by Manoj Kumar who has also written the script, screenplay and edited the film.There are several brilliant scenes like the spat between Amitabh and Manoj initially, Manoj Kumar-Zeenat Aman track, Manoj-Mousumi track and then the twist in the tale(interval) The second half focuses more on the consequences of Manoj's decision The twists in the tale are well handled, the film does tend to drag with too many songs but the storytelling is perfectThough on the flipside, there is an overdose of Manoj Kumar which is anyway predicted afterall he is in every other department but even actingwise he is in every frame, every song.etc other characters do get a bit lesser developmentThe film does tend to get surreal at times like in the climax Amitabh performing stunts with a bike with just one hand( as his one hand gets chopped off) Direction by Manoj Kumar is brilliant, several scenes are well handled This ranks amongst his best works Music by LP is fantastic, all songs are best but my fav is Main Na Bhulunga 2 by Mukesh and Lata, Aur Nahin is perfectly placed and rendered by Mahendra and so is Mehngai Maar Gayi All songs are brilliantly picturisedAmongst actors Manoj Kumar hams his way through the role, He used to have one style approach that of a self pity shrug and he carries it throughout Amitabh perhaps signed this film before Zanjeer as this is rare to see him play second fiddle, but he does a great job as usual Zeenat Aman does a good job in her role Mousumi excels in her part, Shashi Kapoor does a good job too This is the first film starring Amitabh and Shashi amongst rest,Prem Nath is likable while Madan Puri is excellent and so is Aruna Irani and the rest

Of course, In Tamil nadu in 1974 very few schools taught Hindi. Fortunately I studied in the ISC stream, and so could understand the movie to a large extent. This movie, though released in 1974, we could see it only in 1975 summer,as we were in rural tamil nadu.1974 was very troublesome for youngsters of the country.There was no clear direction for us. TV was unknown then.at least in Tamil Nadu.We had very few role models. Traditional heroes of tamil films for not talking of honesty and trustworthiness. There was this Railways strike In the news we were constantly bombarded with cases streaking " running without dress"; including Indian cities. This movie helped us to have role models. There were several of them. Of course sardarji was one. The jawan who dies suppressing his cough. zeenath having the gun wound yet expressing love. Moushmi chatterji fighting injustice in the end. people views on the same scene differ. Amitabh driving with a single hand was sorry...is thrilling even to think of it. Amitabh as a college student getting slap for trying to join with wrong forces in the beginning of the movie, all very vivid in the memory,for I had to see the movie in theaters. I enjoyed every bit. I saw two times. I don't mind if the movie was too cinematic. We need such stories to stimulate our younger generation. Now I am a community based paediatrician with 25 years experience. I will certainly recommend to my children

This is an indian movie. Indian movies are a 3 hr mix of action, drama, humor, and musical. This may seem long. But if a movie is as good as Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, you will not notice it. This movie has some of the greatest actors of the indian cinema. A lot of social and political issues are being portrayed, which even after 26 years haven't changed that much. But if you do not like the moral tone in the movie there is enough action to keep a lot of you satisfied. One special relationship (in the movie) has to be mentioned. The oldest brother of one very poor family (the main character, Manoj Kumar) is the one with a degree, but is not able to get a good job. On the other side is his younger brother (my favorite, Amitabh Bachchan) who earns his money a little bit illegally and as a consequence gets judged and punished by his brother. So Amitabh decides to go join the army to make amends.This is really fun to watch. Although Amitabh hasn't got a very big part, he really steals the show. Oh yeah there is a lot of romance going on, but it never gets boring. Watch it!