Mujrim is an unauthorised remake of Scarface, but as a film, it is really quite good. Actually it's much better than one would imagine. It's not a scene-by-scene copy but rather takes major plot elements, which is not that bad. The film tells the story of Shankar, who spent years in prison since childhood for having killed his uncle, who tried to sell Shankar's mother for alcohol. Once released, he attempts to get his life the right path, but never gets the right opportunity, and given his poverty and his mother's state, gives up and becomes the right hand of an underworld don.
Mujrim is a mainstream Hindi film in many ways, but it is very well adapted into its Indian setting. The film explores issues of poverty, crime, religion and faith, and it does so rather effectively through the character of Shankar, his headstrong and devoted mother, and his transition from the slums to becoming the head of the organisation where he started merely as an assistant. Some of the scenes are quite tough viewing, and as the film proceeds, we see our hero trapped in his own web of crime and misdemeanors.
The is stereotypical in many ways, but it also emphasises values of friendship, respect for elders, loyalty, provides commentary on social stigma and shows the destructive repercussions of the world of crime. Its romantic portions are quite good. The characters are quite well written, particularly that of Yashoda, who never wavers from her faith and the strength of her convictions. Anu Malik's music is very good. The title track is quite sad and very situationally relevant within the film as it comes after the film's most harrowing pictures of poverty. "Naiyo Jeena Tere Bina" is beautiful both melodically and visually.
Mithun Chakraborty, one of India's most talented and prolific actors, does a fantastic job as Shankar. His performance is both moving and believable. Madhuri Dixit, as his young leading lady, is gorgeous and absolutely charming. Her transformation throughout the film is done really well. Shakti Kapoor gets a serious role for once and does it well, the same is true of Sharat Saxena who is excellent as Sonia's father and Shankar's kind boss. Amrish Puri is brilliant as the main villain. Pallavi Joshi as Shankar's sister is very good, and Suresh Oberoi is okay as the police officer.
The most brilliant performance in the film is undoubtedly and unsurprisingly that of Nutan. As Yashoda, she is unaffected by the film's faults and comes across as a very real woman with her realistic acting and natural presence. Her character's perseverance and steadfast determination to keep her faith and never lose her moral integrity is never hard to believe. Due credit goes to her - Nutan shines in this film, creating the perfect epitome of Indian simplicity and honesty. Her expressions are as always highly impressive. This is one of the last performances of one of the greatest actresses to have graced the Indian screen.
Mujrim is a good film, much better than expected, and great entertainment all in all. The ending is excellent, and it's quite sad that some good films never gained notice mainly because they were released at a time when most other products were not up to the mark. This one is worth a watch, not for everyone, but fans of Mithun Chakraborty and his many films during the time should definitely give it a try.
