Starcast: Feroz Khan, Hema Malini, Rekha, Farida Jalal, Imtiaz Khan, Ranjeet, Sudhir, Jeevan, Dara Singh and Premnath Direction: Feroz Kha...
Starcast: Feroz Khan, Hema Malini, Rekha, Farida Jalal, Imtiaz Khan, Ranjeet, Sudhir, Jeevan, Dara Singh and Premnath
Direction: Feroz Khan
Music: Kalyanji Anandji
"Dharmatma" released on May 8, 1975, holds the distinction of being one of Bollywood’s earliest attempts at adapting Western crime sagas to Indian sensibilities. Written, produced, and directed by Feroz Khan, the film is heavily inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s "The Godfather" (1972), reimagining its core narrative within the cultural and cinematic framework of India. Dharmatma was also the first Indian film to be shot in Afghanistan, bringing a fresh visual aesthetic to Bollywood at the time. The movie blends crime, family loyalty, and emotional turmoil, set against the backdrop of a powerful patriarch’s morally ambiguous empire.
Storyline
The narrative centres on
Seth Dharamdas (played by Premnath), also known as "Dharmatma"—a
powerful but seemingly philanthropic man whose empire is built on illegal
gambling and other illicit activities. His son, Ranbir (Feroz Khan),
disapproves of his father’s criminal undertakings and distances himself by
moving abroad. However, following a tragedy, Ranbir is forced to return home
and is gradually drawn into the murky world he once rejected. As the story
unfolds, Ranbir is compelled to take on the mantle left by his father,
navigating betrayal, vengeance, and the responsibility of protecting his
family’s legacy.
The plot closely mirrors
The Godfather, especially in the arc of the reluctant son who transforms into a
hardened, strategic leader. However, Dharmatma Indianizes this journey by
incorporating elements like melodrama, romance, traditional values, and musical
interludes that cater to the domestic audience.
Direction and Other
Technical Departments
Feroz Khan’s direction is
stylized and ambitious. As a filmmaker, he had a flair for grandeur and
glamour, which is evident in Dharmatma’s cinematography and production design.
The decision to shoot large portions of the film in the rugged terrains of Afghanistan
added a distinctive texture and exoticism rarely seen in Bollywood at the time.
The Afghan landscapes, particularly the buzkashi sequences, were not just
visually striking but also served as symbolic reflections of the film’s themes
of rivalry and control.
The editing by B. S.
Glaad is crisp for its time, maintaining a steady pace in a film that spans
action, drama, and romance. The screenplay adapts The Godfather’s complex
plotline into a more linear, digestible format for Indian viewers without
losing the core themes of power, betrayal, and moral conflict.
Music
Music plays a crucial
role in Dharmatma, as it does in most Bollywood films. The soundtrack, composed
by Kalyanji-Anandji with lyrics by Indeewar, is memorable and emotionally
resonant. Songs like “Tere Chehre Mein Woh Jaadu Hai” (sung by Kishore Kumar),
"Kya Khoob Lagti ho ( Mukesh and Kanchan) and "Tumne kisise kabhi" (Mukesh
and Kanchan) became instant hits and remain popular even today.
The background score is
atmospheric and effective, amplifying moments of tension and emotional gravity.
The composers successfully blend traditional Indian instrumentation with
contemporary musical elements to underscore the film’s dual identity as both a
crime drama and a Bollywood entertainer.
Performances
Feroz Khan, in the role
of Ranbir, delivers a restrained yet impactful performance. He captures the
transformation from a disillusioned outsider to a decisive heir with conviction
and charisma. His screen presence and style played a big role in shaping his
on-screen persona in later years.
Premnath, as the titular
Dharmatma, gives a powerful performance as the patriarch torn between morality
and power. His portrayal, while drawing parallels with Marlon Brando’s Don
Corleone, is more emotionally expressive in keeping with Indian cinematic norms.
Hema Malini adds grace to the film in a limited but significant role. She looks stunning. Rekha and Farida Jalal also provide strong supporting performances, adding emotional depth to the familial aspects of the story. Ranjeet and Sudhir along with Jeevan and Satyen Kappu make memorable appearances as antagonists, further strengthening the film’s dramatic tension. Danny Denzongpa (who missed out on Sholay due to this film) leaves a huge impact as Zangoora Reshma's forlorn lover and enemy of Ranbir in Afghanistan. Dara Singh as the silent and obedient Shakti Singh, the bodyguard of Dharmatma, make his presence felt hugely.
Dharmatma is a landmark
film in the history of Indian cinema. While its core inspiration from The
Godfather is evident, Feroz Khan succeeds in adapting the source material into
a uniquely Indian narrative that resonates with local audiences. With its stylish
direction, compelling performances, captivating music, and exotic locales, the
film manages to balance the gravitas of a gangster saga with the emotional
richness of a Bollywood family drama.
Even after decades,
Dharmatma stands out as a bold experiment that brought a new genre to
mainstream Indian cinema and paved the way for future films in the crime-family
genre. It's a classic worth revisiting—for both its cinematic ambition and its
historical significance.
- By Ayushmaan Mitra
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