Starcast : Dharmendra , Hema Malini , Zeenat Aman, Madan Puri, Prem Chopra and Rolan Bykov Music :- R D Burman Director :- Umesh Meh...
Starcast : Dharmendra , Hema Malini , Zeenat Aman,
Madan Puri, Prem Chopra and Rolan Bykov
Music :- R D Burman
Director :- Umesh Mehra and Latif Faiziyev
Alibaba Aur 40 Chor" (1980) remains a beloved
classic in Bollywood, known for its grand scale, adventurous spirit, and the
unique blend of Indian and Soviet filmmaking.
"Alibaba Aur 40 Chor" is an
Indian-Soviet co-production that brought the classic tale from "One
Thousand and One Nights" to the silver screen. Released on May 29
1980, it captivated audiences with its vibrant visuals, thrilling action, and
enchanting music. The film is remembered for its adventurous story, and its
cross cultural production.
Storyline:
* The film tells the story of Ali Baba, a
kind-hearted villager who stumbles upon a hidden cave filled with treasure,
belonging to a band of 40 thieves. The narrative follows Ali Baba's adventures
as he outsmarts the thieves, shares the wealth with his fellow villagers, and
faces the villainous Abu Hasan. The film also includes the romantic story of
Ali Baba and Marjina, and also revenge plots from other characters. While
taking the base of the original story, the film does add its own twists and turns,
adding in extra characters, and plot points, making it a very entertaining
watch.
Direction and Other Technical Departments:
* The film was co-directed by Umesh Mehra
(India) and Latif Faiziyev (USSR), a collaboration that brought together the
best of both cinematic worlds. This joint direction is one of the key factors
that made this film stand out. The film boasted impressive production values,
with elaborate sets, colorful costumes, and well-choreographed action
sequences. The cinematography, handled by both Indian and Soviet technicians,
effectively captured the film's magical atmosphere. The title credits especially
can be compared to any Hollywood or European big budget productions of those
days.
* The editing and special effects, for their
time, were also notable.
Indo-Russian Co-production:
* "Alibaba Aur 40 Chor" is a
significant example of Indo-Soviet cinematic collaboration. This partnership
resulted in a unique blend of Indian storytelling and Soviet technical
expertise. The collaboration extended beyond direction, encompassing
cinematography, production design, and even music. This cultural exchange
enriched the film, contributing to its grand scale and visual appeal. The film
was very popular in the Soviet Union, highlighting the success of this cultural
exchange. The success of this film, paved the way for other indo soviet
productions.
Performances:
* Dharmendra delivered a charismatic
performance as Ali Baba, embodying the character's bravery and generosity.
* Hema Malini played Marjina with grace and
charm, adding to the film's romantic appeal.
* Zeenat Aman's portrayal added a level of
intrigue to the movie.
* Prem Chopra was excellent as the villian
Shamsher. The supporting cast also contributed to the film's overall appeal.
Music:
* The film's music, composed by R.D. Burman,
was a major highlight. The soundtrack featured memorable songs like
"Khatooba" and " Jaadugar jaadu kar jayega " that became
popular hits, enhancing the film's entertainment value. The songs like
"aaja sare bazar " were well-integrated into the narrative, adding to
the film's emotional impact. The background score was zany, yet had an Arabic
touch to it which enhanced the films universal appeal.
"Alibaba Aur 40 Chor" is a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences of all ages. Its blend of adventure, romance, and music, combined with the unique Indo-Soviet collaboration, has solidified its place in Bollywood history. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal and its ability to transport viewers to a magical world.
- By Ayushmaan Mitra
No comments