Ghulami

"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

Right from the opening scene of the movie till the end what you see is the most realistic protrayal of Ranjit Singh Chaudhary, the titular character of a village in Rajasthan,India. How he fights for equality and bondage free lives forms the story. Each character is perfectly chosen and enacted with even more finesse by the ensemble cast. The songs and the story keep haunting you for many days. Cinematography, dialogues, realistic locations, never boring plot make this one of the finest performances of Dharmendra's life.

Excellent movie by debutant director, JP Dutta, excellent direction, great music, superb dialogues, social relevant movie excellent performances by All Actors.

Postives -

Performances

Direction

Social Relevant

Negative -

Screenplay

Loopholes.

After many years Dharmendra acted in a top class movie without his usual tom foolery. I have watched this movie 6-7 times and I don't tire watching it. The dialogues and emotions are heart rendering. The acting by each and every of the legendary cast were spot on. The social commentary of prejudice, injustice and discrimination that exists in our society is very bold and succinct. The songs are melodious with the evergreen "Zilhal-e-miskin" coming to memory. "Koi shaque nahin" what Mithun could do with a good script and great direction. "Thank you" to Kulbushan for one of his finest roles in his career. Smita Patel was very elegant both in looks and acting. Reena Roy and Anita Raaj were superb in their respective roles. To top it off the final scene was both poignant and symbolically perfect. Amitabh's narration in the end summed up the movie nicely. It's nearly 40 years since this movie was released but it is still relevant. I wished there were more movies of this caliber today.

This movie is grand, an epic, that attempted the social inequalities Indian class and caste system. Set apart from 80's mindless movies, it connects, bring forth emotions, loaded with a couple of timeless songs and a super delivery.

One of the finest Dharmendra movies from 80s, coupled with a inspiring music, that will keep you enchanted.