Awara, directed by Raj Kapoor, stands as a landmark in Indian cinema, blending melodrama with incisive social commentary. Set against the backdrop of post-independence India, the film critiques entrenched class divisions and systemic exploitation. The story follows Raju, a man born into poverty and driven to crime by his harsh circumstances, while his love interest, Rita, enjoys a life of privilege and power. Kapoor uses their divergent paths to expose the corrupting influence of deprivation, emphasizing that crime is a product of societal neglect rather than inherent moral failing. The film thus speaks to the urgent need for social reform in a rapidly changing India. Kapoor's Raju is deeply influenced by Charlie Chaplin's iconic Tramp. This character, clad in ragged clothes but rich in humanity, became a symbol of the underdog's fight for dignity. Kapoor uses this persona to navigate the film's deeper themes of class conflict and the failure of legal institutions that criminalize poverty. Awara became a cultural sensation beyond the Indian borders, particularly in the Soviet Union, China, and Eastern Europe. In these socialist countries, its themes of class struggle and systemic inequality resonated deeply. Its portrayal of the poor's struggle against an unjust system aligned with socialist ideologies, while Raj Kapoor's portrayal of the everyman hero struck a chord with Indian and foreign audiences alike, making the film a beloved international classic.