Starcast: Raaj Kumar, Naseeruddin Shah, Kabir Bedi, Poonam Dhillon, Raj Kiran, A K Hangal, Shikha Swaroop, Ajit Vachhani, Prem Chopra, Reema...
Starcast: Raaj Kumar, Naseeruddin Shah, Kabir Bedi, Poonam Dhillon, Raj Kiran, A K Hangal, Shikha Swaroop, Ajit Vachhani, Prem Chopra, Reema Lagoo, Ila Arun, Vijay Aidasani, Harish Patel, Rakesh Bedi, and Arbaaz Ali Khan
Direction: Esmayeel
Shroff
Music: Raamlaxman
“Police Public” directed
by Esmayeel Shroff, is a gripping crime thriller that delves into the murky
waters of corruption, power, politics, and justice. A remake of the 1988
Malayalam film Oru CBI Diary Kurippu, it stands out for its intense narrative
and stellar ensemble cast, including Raaj Kumar, Naseeruddin Shah, Kabir Bedi,
Poonam Dhillon, and Prem Chopra. The film which was released on May 11, 1990, also
marks the Bollywood debut of Shikha Swaroop, a former Miss India International (1988). Shot entirely on location, this suspenseful
four-track stereophonic thriller is based on a true story, blending real-world
grit with cinematic drama. While it adheres to the masala movie conventions of
its era, Police Public distinguishes itself with a taut murder mystery and
strong performances, making it a noteworthy entry in the suspense genre of
early '90s Bollywood.
Storyline
The story revolves around
the mysterious death of Karuna, a young woman from a modest family led by
retired schoolteacher Ram Swarup (A.K. Hangal). When Karuna’s marriage to Arun,
the son of wealthy businessman Sharma (Prem Chopra), turns sour due to his
extravagant and lecherous lifestyle, her untimely death raises suspicions.
Honest police officer Shah Nawaz Khan (Kabir Bedi) takes up the investigation,
only to face obstruction from Karuna’s politically connected in-laws. Under
pressure, Shah Nawaz is transferred, and the case is handed to the corrupt
Inspector Maha Singh Garhwaal (Naseeruddin Shah), who declares Karuna’s death a
suicide and closes the file. Desperate for justice, Ram Swarup appeals for a
CBI investigation, bringing CBI Officer Jagmohan (Raaj Kumar) into the fray. As
Jagmohan digs deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit, dowry-related motives, and a
different angle to the mystery. The narrative follows a classic whodunit
structure, with Usha (Shikha Swaroop), Karuna’s younger sister, and her beau
Shyam (Arbaaz Ali Khan) making a final push for justice via appeals and
protests. The plot keeps viewers guessing with its twists, though it
occasionally slows down due to comedic interludes and songs typical of the era.
Direction and Other
Technical Departments
Esmayeel Shroff’s
direction is commendable for maintaining suspense and weaving a coherent
narrative. His ability to balance intense investigative sequences with
emotional family drama keeps the audience engaged. Shroff’s choice to shoot
entirely on location adds authenticity, grounding the story in a believable
urban setting. The cinematography captures the gritty essence of the locales,
though it lacks the polish of modern thrillers. The editing is generally tight,
but the pacing falters in the second half due to extraneous subplots and songs,
a common pitfall of '90s Bollywood. The action sequences, while not
groundbreaking, do complement the thriller elements. Sound design, leveraging
the film’s four-track stereophonic system, enhances the suspense, particularly
in interrogation and confrontation scenes. However, the production values
reflect the budget constraints of the time. Overall, the technical departments
deliver a solid foundation for the film’s suspenseful tone.
Music
The film’s music,
composed by Raamlaxman, is a mixed bag. The songs, primarily romantic, feel
like interruptions to the thriller’s momentum. Tracks like the immensely
popular main jis din bhoola doon, superbly sung by Amit Kumar and Lata
Mangeshkar is amazing although their placement often disrupts the narrative
flow. However, the background score is more effective, with tense instrumentals
amplifying the suspense during key investigative moments. Given the film’s
focus on a murder mystery, a leaner soundtrack with fewer songs could have
maintained the pacing better. The music, while good, is not a highlight and
reflects the commercial demands of the era.
Performances
The ensemble cast is the
film’s strongest asset, delivering performances that elevate the material. Raaj
Kumar, as CBI Officer Jagmohan, steals the show with his theatrical yet
magnetic presence. His iconic dialogue delivery, expressive eyes, and body language
full of gravity make every scene he’s in a highlight. Specially crafted
dialogues for him add to the entertainment quotient, resonating with fans who
expect his larger-than-life persona. Naseeruddin Shah, as the corrupt Maha
Singh Garhwaal, delivers a nuanced performance, transitioning effortlessly from
sleazy villainy to eventual redemption. Their joint scenes are electric,
showcasing the chemistry between two stalwarts. Kabir Bedi, as Shah Nawaz Khan,
is earnest and effective, though his screen time is limited. Raj Kiran is
excellent as the spoilt brat. Poonam Dhillon, as Karuna, leaves an impact in
her brief role, while Prem Chopra and Ajit Vachani are reliably menacing as the
antagonistic Sharma and Tiwari. Shikha Swaroop, in her debut as Usha, holds her
own amidst the heavyweights. Though her performance is raw, her emotional
sincerity and screen presence hint at her potential, later realized in her
iconic TV role in Chandrakanta. Reema Lagoo and Ila Arun surprise in their
roles, adding depth to the ensemble. The supporting cast, including A.K. Hangal
and Harish Patel, is perfectly placed, ensuring no weak links.
Police Public (1990) is a compelling suspense thriller that thrives on its strong performances and engaging murder mystery, despite occasional pacing issues and dated elements. Esmayeel Shroff crafts a narrative that blends real-world issues like corruption and dowry with cinematic flair, making it a refreshing departure from the formulaic masala films of its time. Raaj Kumar and Naseeruddin Shah anchor the film with their powerhouse performances, while the supporting cast also has a sizeable contribution. Though certain subplots detract from the experience, the film’s core strength lies in its ability to keep viewers guessing until the end. For fans of classic Bollywood thrillers or those curious about Shikha Swaroop’s early work, Police Public remains a worthwhile watch, offering a thought-provoking dive into the battle between justice and power.
- By Ayushmaan Mitra
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