Starcast: Rajesh Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Poonam Dhillon, Ranjeeta, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Girish Karnad Direction: Ramesh Talwar Music: ...
Starcast: Rajesh Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Poonam Dhillon, Ranjeeta, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Girish Karnad
Direction: Ramesh Talwar
Music: Usha Khanna
‘Zamana’ is a 1985 Bollywood
family action drama that brings together two of Hindi cinema’s most beloved
romantic heroes, Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor, in a tale of brotherhood,
revenge, and redemption. Directed by Ramesh Talwar and written by the iconic
screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, the film marks one of their final collaborations
before they split in 1982. It carries the signature Salim-Javed flair for
emotionally charged narratives and larger-than-life conflicts, though it
arrived at a time when their revolutionary formula was beginning to feel
familiar to audiences. Featuring a strong supporting cast, including Poonam
Dhillon, Ranjeeta Kaur, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Om Puri, the film blends
action, drama, and romance in a quintessential 1980s Bollywood package. While
it didn’t achieve the blockbuster status of earlier Salim-Javed classics like ‘Sholay’
or ‘Deewaar’, ‘Zamana’ remains a noteworthy entry in their filmography,
showcasing their knack for crafting compelling family dynamics against a
backdrop of crime and justice.
Storyline
The story of ‘Zamana’,
penned by Salim-Javed, revolves around two estranged brothers, Inspector Vinod
Kumar (Rajesh Khanna) and Ravi Kumar (Rishi Kapoor), whose lives diverge
dramatically after a tragic event in their childhood. Their father, Satish, a
photographer, is brutally murdered by a powerful don named J.D. (Kulbhushan
Kharbanda) after capturing incriminating evidence of a crime on film. Left
orphaned, with their mother Sudha pregnant with Ravi at the time of the murder,
the brothers grow up on opposite sides of the law. Vinod becomes a dedicated
police inspector, driven by a thirst for justice, while Ravi, unaware of his
brother’s identity, falls into a life of crime under J.D.’s influence.
The plot thickens as the
brothers unknowingly cross paths, their lives complicated by love and
misunderstandings. Vinod is romantically involved with Sheetal (Poonam
Dhillon), while Ravi falls for Geeta (Ranjeeta Kaur). The narrative builds
toward a confrontation when the truth about their shared past and their
father’s killer comes to light. In classic Salim-Javed fashion, the story
weaves a tale of revenge, reconciliation, and moral awakening, culminating in
Vinod bringing his younger brother back from the brink of criminality while
settling the score with J.D. Though the premise echoes familiar themes of
lost-and-found siblings and vengeance—a staple of the duo’s earlier works—the
execution feels somewhat dated by 1985 standards, lacking the freshness that
defined their 1970s masterpieces.
Direction and Other
Technical Departments
Ramesh Talwar’s direction
is competent but lacks the visionary spark of directors like Ramesh Sippy or
Yash Chopra, who elevated Salim-Javed scripts to cinematic greatness. Talwar,
who had previously helmed the romantic drama 'Doosra Aadmi’ (1977), struggles
to balance the film’s action-heavy plot with its emotional core. The pacing
falters at times, particularly in the middle act, where the romantic subplots
feel stretched and the tension between the brothers doesn’t fully ignite until
the climax. The film’s prolonged production—spanning nearly six years—may have
contributed to its uneven tone, as it bears the marks of a project caught
between shifting industry trends.
Technically, ‘Zamana’ is a mixed bag. The cinematography by Nadeem Khan captures the gritty urban settings and dramatic confrontations adequately, though it lacks the polish of bigger-budget 1980s productions. Action sequences, choreographed with the era’s characteristic flair, are engaging, particularly a standout hotel confrontation between Rajesh Khanna and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. However, the editing feels choppy, with transitions that occasionally disrupt the narrative flow. Gopi Krishna’s choreography shines in a well-executed dance sequence, adding a touch of glamour to an otherwise sombre tale. Overall, the technical departments deliver a serviceable experience, but they don’t push the boundaries as some of Salim-Javed’s earlier collaborations did.
Music
The music composed by
Usha Khanna with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri, is a middling affair that fails
to leave a lasting impression. In an era dominated by chart-topping soundtracks
from composers like R.D. Burman, Bappi Lahiri and Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Usha
Khanna’s score feels underwhelming. The standout track, “Gali Gali Mein Baat
Chali,” sung by Kishore Kumar, brings some energy with its playful rhythm,
reflecting the charm of the lead actors. Kishore Kumar also lends his voice to
solo numbers for both Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor, showcasing his
versatility, though he insisted on singing only Rajesh Khanna’s lines in the
duets—a quirky detail that speaks to the star’s stature. Other songs, like the
romantic “Ek baat hai tumse,” are pleasant but forgettable, lacking the
emotional depth or catchy hooks to elevate the film. The soundtrack serves its
purpose within the narrative but doesn’t stand out as a highlight, marking a
rare instance where a Salim-Javed film doesn’t boast a memorable musical
legacy.
Performances
The performances are a
mixed bag, with Rajesh Khanna emerging as the film’s emotional anchor. Playing
Inspector Vinod Kumar, Khanna brings his trademark charisma and intensity to
the role, effortlessly commanding the screen in both action and romantic
scenes. His chemistry with Poonam Dhillon is a highlight, reaffirming his
status as Bollywood’s original romantic superstar, while his confrontational
scenes with Kulbhushan Kharbanda crackle with tension. A comedic exchange with
Om Puri also showcases his versatility, adding a light-hearted moment to the
otherwise heavy drama.
As the wayward Ravi,
Rishi Kapoor delivers a solid but less impactful performance. While he handles
the romantic and action beats competently, his portrayal lacks the depth needed
to fully convey the character’s inner turmoil, paling in comparison to Khanna’s
gravitas. Poonam Dhillon and Ranjeeta Kaur are effective as the love interests,
bringing warmth and grace to their roles, though their characters are
underdeveloped—a common critique of female roles in action-driven Bollywood
films of the time. Kulbhushan Kharbanda excels as the menacing J.D., exuding
quiet menace, while Om Puri and Girish Karnad lend strong support in smaller
roles. The ensemble works well together, but the spotlight undeniably belongs
to Khanna.
‘Zamana’ is a film that
bears the unmistakable imprint of Salim-Javed’s storytelling prowess—complex
family ties, moral dilemmas, and a quest for justice—yet it struggles to
recapture the magic of their earlier triumphs. Released in 1985, years after
their split, it feels like a relic of a bygone era, unable to compete with the
evolving tastes of audiences or the slicker productions of the mid-80s. Ramesh
Talwar’s direction and the technical execution are adequate but uninspired,
while the music fails to leave a mark. However, the film is salvaged by strong
performances, particularly from Rajesh Khanna, who carries the emotional weight
of the narrative with aplomb. For fans of Salim-Javed or classic Bollywood, ‘Zamana’
offers a nostalgic, if flawed, experience—an echo of the duo’s golden age
rather than a bold new chapter. It may not rank among their finest works, but
it remains a testament to their ability to craft enduring tales of family and
retribution.
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By Ayushmaan Mitra
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