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Sarfarosh

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This article is about the 1999 film. For the 1985 film of the same name, see Sarfarosh (1985 film).

Sarfarosh
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJohn Matthew Matthan
Screenplay byJohn Matthew Matthan
Hriday Lani
Pathik Vats
Story byJohn Matthew Matthan
Produced byJohn Matthew Matthan
StarringNaseeruddin Shah
Aamir Khan
Sonali Bendre
CinematographyVikas Sivaraman
Edited byJethu Mundul
Music bySongs:
Jatin–Lalit
Background Score:
Sanjoy Chowdhury
Production
company
Cinematt Pictures
Distributed byEros Entertainment
Release date
  • 30 April 1999 (1999-04-30)
Running time
163 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹8 crore[1]
Box office₹33.46 crore[1]

Sarfarosh (transl. Fervent) is a 1999 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film written, produced and directed by John Matthew Matthan. The film, based on true events regarding state-sponsored terrorism taken place in India during 1990s, stars Naseeruddin Shah, Aamir Khan and Sonali Bendre, alongside Mukesh Rishi, Pradeep Rawat, Akhilendra Mishra, Makrand Deshpande, Shri Vallabh Vyas, Govind Namdev and Surekha Sikri. The soundtrack and musical score were composed by Jatin–Lalit and Sanjoy Chowdhury, while cinematography and editing were handled by Vikas Sivaraman and Jethu Mundul. The film revolves around an IPS officer's quest to eradicate cross-border terrorism.[2]

John started working on the film in 1992. Seven years were spent on the research, pre-production and production. It was finally released in 30 April 1999.

Sarfarosh was released just before the Kargil conflict when tensions between India and Pakistan were high. The film became commercially successful at the box office. The movie received praise for its cast performances, technical aspects, action sequences, music and script.[3][1] The film won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film, and was screened at the International Film Festival of India.[4] The film was remade in Kannada as Sathyameva Jayathe and in Telugu as Astram.

Plot

Arms trafficking is taking place in India. Bala Thakur, a gun handler, provides the arms to Veeran, a brigand. Veeran and his gang attack a wedding bus, gunning down every person in it. The government appoints a Special Action Team in Mumbai to trace the attack.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ajay Singh Rathod, a resident of Mumbai, attends a concert by famed ghazal singer, the elderly Gulfam Hassan, a Muhajir. Gulfam is Indian by birth but had to move to Pakistan as a child during the partition; deeply scarred by the experience, he is happy that the government allows him to live in his palatial residence whenever he comes to India. Gulfam finds a huge fan in Ajay, who used to attend his programs as a child, and the two bond. Ajay also reunites with Seema, whom he had a crush on when they were studying in Delhi. The duo falls in love.

Inspector Saleem, an honest policeman, is taken off the team when notorious gangster Sultan escapes his clutches. He is reprimanded for this failure and for causing the death of three officers in the attempt. Despite Saleem doing his duty sincerely, his senior officers look down upon him because he is a Muslim. When Ajay, who is younger, inexperienced and was mentored by Saleem himself before assuming charge, is told to head the team, Saleem is upset and refuses to take part in the investigation. Ajay's past is revealed: his father was going to testify against a terrorist, and in an attempt to stop them, Ajay's elder brother was killed. His father was kidnapped, and by the time the terrorists spared him, the man had lost his voice. This motivated Ajay to join the police force.

Gulfam is revealed to be working for the Pakistani intelligence, which is attempting to indulge in a proxy war with India. Since Gulfam likes Ajay, he sees to it that nothing happens to him. Saleem finds the location of Bala Thakur and Sultan and gives the information to Ajay, who convinces him to join the team again. An encounter with the criminals results in the death of Bala Thakur while Ajay is injured. Though Sultan escapes, the operation is a success as the team is able to intercept a consignment of lethal arms meant for terrorist Veeran. Sultan is assassinated on Gulfam's orders because of his failure, with false information relayed to Salim's informer network that Sultan has escaped to Pakistan.

While recovering from his injuries in the hospital, Ajay narrates the events to Seema, when has an epiphany. He goes back to the site with Seema's help where he finds a horoscope of Bala Thakur, which leads the team to Bahid in Rajasthan. Following his recovery, Ajay meets Gulfam in Bahid, who is temporarily staying in his ancestral manor. Gulfam's attempts to derail the investigation, even ordering an assault on Ajay, are of no avail. The repeated failures displease the Pakistani Intelligence, which dispatch Major Aslam Baig to take care of the business.

The team prepares for a final assault on the gun-running operation and ultimately land at Gulfam's mansion. Ajay feels betrayed when he learns of Gulfam's betrayal, but is aware of the lack of evidence to indict him for his crimes. He tricks Gulfam into killing Baig and arrests him for it. Gulfam reveals that he did what he did because of how his experiences during the partition hurt him. Ajay makes him realize that his actions are not benefiting any people of any religion, and Gulfam, unable to stand the humiliation and guilt, commits suicide. His suicide is hushed up, and the team returns to Mumbai to much accolades for busting the terrorist racket. Saleem is tipped on the whereabouts of Veeran, and Ajay embarks on another investigation with his team.

Cast

Music

Sarfarosh
Studio album by
Jatin–Lalit
Released1999
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length30:47
LabelTips
ProducerJatin–Lalit
Jatin–Lalit chronology
Sangharsh
(1999) 		Sarfarosh
(1999) 		Silsila Hai Pyar Ka
(1999)

The film's music was composed by Jatin–Lalit. Lyrics are penned by Israr Ansari, Nida Fazli, Sameer Anjaan, and Indeevar.

Vocals for Shah, Khan and Bendre were supplied by Jagjit Singh, Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik, respectively. The album also features the vocals of Kavita Krishnamurthy, Roop Kumar Rathod and Sonu Nigam.

Hosh Walon Ko Khabar Kya was penned by Nida Fazli, inspired by the Indian poet Kabirdas' verse Haman Hai Ishq Mastana.[5] Jatin Pandit has specified that Jatin-Lalit recorded the ghazal with Bhupinder Singh, for whom it was originally composed, but on the insistence of the film's administrators and their request for a more popular ghazal singer, leading them to approach Jagjit Singh. Jatin noted that he made it a point to create a new tune for the Jagjit Singh version as to honor the work put in by Bhupinder Singh earlier.

All lyrics are written by Indeevar, Israr Ansari, Nida Fazli, Sameer; all music is composed by Jatin–Lalit

Track list
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Zindagi Maut Na Ban Jaye"Israr AnsariRoop Kumar Rathod, Sonu Nigam06:18
2."Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya (Ghazal)"Nida FazliJagjit Singh05:02
3."Is Deewane Ladke Ko"SameerAlka Yagnik, Aamir Khan04:40
4."Yeh Jawani Hadh Kar De"SameerKavita Krishnamurthy04:44
5."Jo Haal Dil Ka"SameerKumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik05:26
6."Meri Raaton Ki Neendein Uda De"IndeevarAlka Yagnik04:37

Reception

Critical response

Upon theatrical release, Sarfarosh received critical acclaim from film critics. Naseeruddin Shah was especially praised for his role of a Muhajir.[6] The reviewer for Filmfare rated the film four stars out of five and wrote, "What makes this film so exceptional is its carefully thought out characterization and brilliant performances. Although this is his first film, director John Mathew Matthan draws perfectly crafted outputs from his entire cast. Aamir brings the role of A.C.P. Rathod to a never-before-seen dimension of reality." He further added, "Sarfarosh succeeds in connecting with the audiences, as it manages to transcend its medium and do a great deal more than just entertain."[7]

Suparn Verma of Rediff.com felt that the film "manages to marry serious cinema with the commercial variety" and wrote that the "script has this no-nonsense look to it, clearly and succinctly establishing the protagonist's past ..." In addition to commending the acting performances of Naseeruddin Shah, Aamir Khan and Sonali Bendre, he lauded the departments of direction, music, choreography, and called the camerawork "good in parts but lack[ing] technical finesse".[8]

Accolades

List of accolades received by Sarfarosh
Total number of awards and nominations[a]
Totals 12 42
References
Award[b] Date of ceremony[c] Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Filmfare Awards 13 February 2000 Best Film Sarfarosh Nominated [9]
[10]
[11]
Best Film (Critics) John Matthew Matthan Won
Best Director Nominated
Best Screenplay Won
Best Actor Aamir Khan Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Mukesh Rishi Nominated
Best Performance in a Negative Role Naseeruddin Shah Nominated
Best Music Director Jatin–Lalit Nominated
Best Lyricist Israr Ansari – (for song "Zindagi Maut Na Ban Jaye") Nominated
Best Dialogue Hriday Lani, Pathik Vats Won
Best Editing Jethu Mundul Won
International Indian Film Academy Awards 24 June 2000 Best Film Sarfarosh Nominated [12]
[13]
[14]
Best Director John Matthew Matthan Nominated
Best Story Nominated
Best Actor Aamir Khan Nominated
Best Actress Sonali Bendre Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Mukesh Rishi Nominated
Best Performance in a Negative Role Naseeruddin Shah Won
Best Lyricist Israr Ansari – (for song "Zindagi Maut Na Ban Jaye") Nominated
Best Art Direction Keshto Mandal Won
National Film Awards 18 September 2000 Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment Producer: John Matthew Matthan
Director: John Matthew Matthan 		Won [15]
Screen Awards 23 January 2000 Best Film Sarfarosh Nominated [16]
[17]
Best Director John Matthew Matthan Nominated
Most Promising Debut Director Won
Best Story Won
Best Screenplay Nominated
Best Actor Aamir Khan Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Mukesh Rishi Nominated
Best Lyricist Israr Ansari – (for song "Zindagi Maut Na Ban Jaye") Nominated
Best Dialogue Hriday Lani, Pathik Vats Nominated
Best Editing Jethu Mundul Won
Zee Cine Awards 11 March 2000 Best Director John Matthew Matthan Nominated [18]
[19]
[20]
[21]
[22]
Best Screenplay Nominated
Best Actor – Male Aamir Khan Won
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Male Mukesh Rishi Nominated
Best Performance in a Negative Role Naseeruddin Shah Nominated
Best Lyricist Israr Ansari – (for song "Zindagi Maut Na Ban Jaye") Nominated
Best Dialogue Hriday Lani, Pathik Vats Nominated
Best Action Abbas–Hanif Nominated
Best Make Up Artist Deepak Bhatee Won
Best Art Direction Keshto Mandal Nominated
Best Sound Recording Namita Nayak Nominated

Notes

  1. ^ Awards in certain categories do not have prior nominations and only winners are announced by the jury. For simplification and to avoid errors, each award in this list has been presumed to have had a prior nomination.
  2. ^ Awards, festivals and organizations are in alphabetical order.
  3. ^ Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Sarfarosh – Movie – Box Office India". boxofficeindia.com.
  2. ^ "Rediff On The NeT: Sarfarosh Roars Across America".
  3. ^ "Rediff On The NeT, Movies: A look at the year gone by".
  4. ^ "1990′s : Decade of change in Hindi Cinema (1999 Part I) » Box Office 18". 21 April 2014.
  5. ^ Bureau, Entertainment (26 April 2024). "Timeless Ghazal Hosh Walon Ko Khabar Kya Celebrates 25 Years; Know Its Connection With Kabir's Couplets". News 18. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ "The enemy within". Rediff.com.
  7. ^ "Sarfarosh – A reason to live (FILMFARE ONLINE)". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 17 February 2001. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  8. ^ Verma, Suparn (30 April 1999). "The enemy within". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2003. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  9. ^ IndiaFM News Bureau. "The 45th Filmfare Awards 2000 Nominations". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 19 November 2000. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  10. ^ IndiaFM News Bureau. "The 45th Filmfare Awards 2000 Winners". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 17 October 2000. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  11. ^ "The 45th Filmfare Awards 2000 Winners". Indian Times. The Times Group. Archived from the original on 25 March 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  12. ^ "The 1st IIFA Awards 2000 Nominations Polling". CatchUsLive.com. International Indian Film Academy Awards. Archived from the original on 20 June 2000. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  13. ^ "The 1st IIFA Awards 2000 Winners". International Indian Film Academy Awards. Archived from the original on 12 December 2005. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  14. ^ "The 1st IIFA Awards ceremony". International Indian Film Academy Awards. Archived from the original on 14 July 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  15. ^ "47th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  16. ^ Express News Service (8 January 2000). "Sixth Annual Screen-Videocon Awards nominations". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  17. ^ "6th Annual Screen Awards – Nominees & Winners for the year 1999". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 18 January 2004. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  18. ^ "The 3rd Zee Cine Awards 2000 Viewers Choice Awards Nominees & Winners". Zee Cine Awards. Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Archived from the original on 17 May 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  19. ^ "The 3rd Zee Cine Awards 2000 Popular Awards Nominees". Zee Next. Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Archived from the original on 14 January 2001. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  20. ^ "The 3rd Zee Cine Awards 2000 Popular Awards Winners". Zee Next. Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Archived from the original on 19 June 2000. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  21. ^ "The 3rd Zee Cine Awards 2000 Technical Awards Nominees". Zee Next. Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Archived from the original on 14 January 2001. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  22. ^ "The 3rd Zee Cine Awards 2000 Technical Awards Winners". Zee Next. Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Archived from the original on 14 January 2001. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
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