"Ghulami" presents the clash between the peasants and the tyrannical landlords, a story-line that has been reprised much of the time and feels dated. It has gained a cult status as J.P. Dutta's directorial debut that brought a moribund genre to a spectacular level. Undoubtedly, it's a director's film. The use of camera and its lavish canvass just satiates the screen. The dialogues are fabulous with the famous "Koi shaque" and "Thank you" or the power pact narration of Amitabh Bachchan along the hit song "Zihale-E-Miskin."
Technically, the film sets a benchmark in the 80s; but there are certain flaws, which can't be overlooked. The performances from Dharmendra, Mithun, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda are notable; but the same doesn't hold for the heroines or the supporting cast. Besides, the editing is muddled; and the film goes for an inordinate length. Overall, it's a lavish and spectacular blockbuster which achieves a notable achievement in direction but lacks the nuances in the script.
Rating: 1 star out of 4
