Amar Akbar Anthony is pure Hindi film entertainment, an interesting lost-and-found story, and a wonderful message of unity and religious pluralism through the story of three brothers who are separated in childhood and grow up in different families, each adopting a different religion: Amar (Hinduism), Akbar (Islam) and Anthony (Christianity). The film is a true Hindi mainstream masala film, it has comedy and drama, some melodrama, action and romance, good music, song and dance, and altogether three hours of wholesome entertainment for the entire family. All of it wouldn't be as effective though if not for its soul, which is evident in every frame. Manmohan Desai does a great job directing this film, giving it heart and making it much more than just another formula film. The plot is twisted and moves at an incredibly fast pace, and the viewers are kept on the edge of their seats as the proceedings unfold.
The film's three main players work well together and individually. Their stories are interesting and involving. It is Amitabh Bachchan who gives the film its comic tone with his brilliant performance in one of his most memorable roles as Anthony. His presence is impeccable. Vinod Khanna is excellent as Amar, successfully creating a tough screen persona. Rishi Kapoor, as Akbar, is very competent in a role that suits him to a T. Among the leading ladies, they're all pretty and convincing, and have great chemistry with their male pairings. Parveen Babi was always very good opposite Bachchan, the same is for the bubbly Neetu Singh with her real-life husband Rishi, while Shabana Azmi plays against type in a glamorous and slightly insignificant role and she is stunning. The film has a myriad of great character actors, with Pran's performance shining through as the trio's father. All of them make Amar Akbar Anothony, both the characters and the film, a treasure to behold.
