Khud-Daar

Review By Kamal K

In early 1980's all Amitabh Bachchan movies were successful, many if them were Super Successful even with a poor script. Khud-daar was one movie which did Superb business. Thanks to good songs, excellent music and memorable performances by all actors specially by Sanjeev Kumar. Amitabh-Parveen Babi pair was Best and Super Successful.

Hari is forced to marry Seema, who dislikes his stepbrothers, Govind and Rajesh. When he goes to Mumbai, she displaces them to become beggars. However, destiny reunites them with Hari in a courtroom.

A lesser known Bachchan entry when compared to Deewar, Sholay etc., but not any less entertaining than the ones released in his heyday. Between 1974 and 1983 Amitabh was a force to reckon, and was setting the box office on fire with his fabulous screen presence, superb dialogue and style, and he does the same here in this entertaining film that has a winning formula of an engaging story, good songs, fights, comedy and intrigue in the courtroom. The other cast members do fine as well, so does Basanti the taxi car!

This movie of Amitabh's is undoubtely one of his classics though it is not as famous as other Bachchan classics as Deewaar, Trishul, Kabhi Kabhie, Sholay, Shaan, Shakti, Satte pe Satta, Kasme Vaade or others. This is unfortunate cause the movie is very good. Produced by Mehmood's brother Anwar Ali and directed by Lekh Tandon with a classic score by Rajesh Roshan this movie has songs by Kishore Kumar, Lata, Amit Kumar. All the songs are classics like Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain Ke I Love You, Mach Gaya Shor, Disco 82, Oonche Neeche Raaste, Hatja Baju and Maa Ka Pyar (not in the movie). The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Tanuja, Parveen babi, Vinod Mehra, Bindiya Goswami, Prem Chopra, Ramesh Deo, Mehmood, AK Hangal and others. The story revolves around 3 brothers played by Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh and Vinod. Sanjeeb is the older brother who dotes on his 2 young stepbrothers. When he marries Tanuja she gets jealous of their bond and the 2 younger brothers run away from home. Amitabh sacrifies everything to get Vinod an education and it seems that everything will turn out right. Then Vinod gets to know rich girl Bindiya Goswami and Amitabh's world falls apart when his brother chooses money over him. Amitabh also meets his older brother by now who is a judge but Sanjeev doesn't recognise him though there is a friendship between the 2 older brothers. Watch when a murder is committed, Amitabh is arrested and tried in court where Sanjeev is the judge. All the performances are first rate. Vinod, Bindiya, AK Hangal. But the movie belongs to Sanjeev Kumar (though in a supportung role) and Amitabh, the main character. These movies don't get made anymore. Amitabh can make you laugh by just saying " yes" (in the Can You Tell Me What Time It Is -scene" and he can make you cry with his taxi. A great film you must watch!

Khud-Daar is an action drama film directed by Late Ravi Tandon. The film stars Late Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Late Parveen Babi, Late Vinod Mehra, Prem Chopra, Bindiya Goswami with Late Mehmood and Tanuja in extended cameos.

This film can be best describe as a cocktail of everything that was prevalent in late 70s and early 80s, with lost and found plot mixed with comedy, action, self redemption of the wrong ones and happy union. The film has nothing new or exciting to offer but the film was still successful mainly because of the super stardom of Amitabh Bachchan, the ensemble star-cast and melodious songs.

The plot of the film and it's execution is predictable and average, as mentioned above we have seen such plots in many 70s and 80s films. Screenplay of the film is purely predictable, plain and doesn't excites much.

Acting is good and all the actors were great in their part with special mention for Sanjeev Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. Climax of the film was also predictable and gives a happy ending.

A must watch for Amitabh Bachchan fans and for others can watch once for the melodious songs.

So, another lost-and-found story starring Bachchan but much better done. Amitabh Bachchan stars as the principled taxi driver who takes care of his younger brother's future. The two of them left their home when they were kids as their vicious sister in-law was mistreating them while their older brother was away. A typical story, indeed, but the development is really very good. Bachchan does a very good job in a role that camr shortly before he started looking too old for the parts he subsequently played. Here he is real and funny and very believable. His leading lady, Parveen Babi, is beautiful and very funny as the beautiful Mary who moves from scoundrel to warm and caring companion. Vinod Mehra is good as the brother but less convincing playing the negative shades of his part as he still gives this vibe of being too decent. Prem Chopra is well cast as the villain, and so is Mehmood who plays his regular comic part with great flair. Then you have Sanjeev Kumar who really was always in his element and this film is no exception. While Khu-Daar has its moments where it doesn't really seem to be going anywhere, it is totally redeemed in its last portions, where it turns into a captivating courtroom drama, which is tense and really well written (assuming it's original). Kudos to the writers for handling this part so well. And kudos to the music director for nicely composed songs. "Disco '82" is a classic and my favourite. Really a nice film, entertaining.