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Arjun: The gritty drama turns 40 today

Cast :- Sunny Deol, Dimple Kapadia,  Raj Kiran, Supriya  Pathak,  A K Hangal, Annu Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Raja Bundela, Satyajeet Puri, Prem ...


Cast:- Sunny Deol, Dimple Kapadia, Raj Kiran, Supriya Pathak,  A K Hangal, Annu Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Raja Bundela, Satyajeet Puri, Prem Chopra, Shafi Inamdar and Anupam Kher


Music :- R D Burman


Direction :- Rahul Rawail


Arjun, released on 10th May 1985, is a landmark Bollywood action drama that solidified Sunny Deol’s status as an action hero and showcased the gritty realism of 1980s Indian cinema. Directed by Rahul Rawail and scripted by Javed Akhtar, the film blends high-octane action with social commentary, exploring themes of unemployment, corruption, and betrayal. With a stellar ensemble cast including Dimple Kapadia, Anupam Kher, and Shafi Inamdar, *Arjun* struck a chord with audiences, becoming a commercial hit and inspiring remakes in multiple languages, such as Tamil (*Sathyaa*), Telugu (*Bharatamlo Arjunudu*), and Kannada (*Sangrama*). Its raw energy, memorable dialogues, and intense narrative make it a cult classic, often cited as one of Deol’s finest works.

**Storyline**
The film follows Arjun Malvankar (Sunny Deol), an unemployed graduate from a lower-middle-class family in Bombay, frustrated by the systemic corruption and injustice around him. Living with his aging father (A.K. Hangal), stepmother (Shashikala), and stepsister Sudha (Supriya Pathak), Arjun’s life takes a dramatic turn when he intervenes to save a man from local goons extorting money. This act of defiance sets him on a collision course with the city’s criminal underbelly, led by the corrupt minister Deen Dayal Trivedi (Prem Chopra). Initially supported by his friends, Arjun’s rebellion escalates after the murder of his friend Mohan (Satyajeet), but he finds no justice due to public fear and apathy.

Arjun is then drawn into the orbit of politician Shiv Kumar Chowgule (Anupam Kher), whom he believes to be an honest crusader against Trivedi’s empire. With Chowgule’s backing, Arjun dismantles Trivedi’s illegal operations, including a gambling den run by Anoop (Paresh Rawal). However, the story takes a sharp twist when Arjun discovers Chowgule’s true motives—he’s merely using Arjun as a pawn to further his own political ambitions, eventually aligning with Trivedi. Betrayed and isolated, Arjun confronts the murky world of politics and crime, culminating in a climactic battle that underscores his disillusionment with the system. The narrative, rooted in Javed Akhtar’s sharp writing, blends masala elements with a cynical view of power dynamics, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

**Direction and Other Technical Departments**
Rahul Rawail’s direction is a standout, balancing action-packed sequences with emotional depth. He captures the gritty essence of 1980s Bombay, using its bustling streets and cramped tenements to reflect Arjun’s claustrophobic struggle. Rawail’s ability to stage intense action scenes, particularly the confrontations at the bar and the Matka den, influenced later filmmakers like Ram Gopal Varma, who cited *Arjun* as a key inspiration for his own *Shiva*. The climax, with its raw, unconventional choreography, was groundbreaking for its time and elevated action director Mohan Baggad’s reputation.

The cinematography by Baba Azmi complements Rawail’s vision, using tight frames and dynamic angles to heighten tension during fight scenes while capturing the urban decay of Bombay’s underbelly. The editing is sharp, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps viewers engaged, though some transitions feel abrupt, reflecting the era’s stylistic quirks. The background score, while not as punchy as it could have been, supports the action effectively, with its reuse in later films attesting to its impact. Overall, the technical execution is robust, showcasing the craftsmanship of Bollywood’s action genre in the mid-80s.

**Music**
The music, composed by Rahul Dev Burman with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, is really nice but not the film’s strongest suit. The standout track, “Mammaya Kero Mama,” became a chartbuster for its catchy rhythm and playful energy, often replayed by audiences during the video piracy era. Other songs, like “Dhadkan Pal Pal,” and " Bhuri bhuri aankhon wala" serve as romantic and dramatic interludes and have their own impact. The background score, however, is more memorable, particularly during action sequences, where Burman’s compositions add urgency and intensity. While the soundtrack doesn’t reach the heights of Burman’s best work, it suits the film’s tone and enhances its masala appeal.

**Performances**
Sunny Deol delivers a career-defining performance as Arjun, embodying raw anger and vulnerability with equal conviction. His intense screen presence and ability to convey both action-hero bravado and emotional turmoil carry the film, making Arjun a relatable everyman turned reluctant warrior. Dimple Kapadia, as Geeta Sahani, is underutilized, with her role as Arjun’s love interest offering little scope for depth, though her chemistry with Deol is natural. Anupam Kher shines as the manipulative Shiv Kumar Chowgule, his polished demeanor masking a cunning agenda—a precursor to his later villainous roles. Prem Chopra is reliably menacing as Trivedi, while Paresh Rawal, in an early role as Anoop, leaves a mark with his sly intensity. Raj Kiran and Supriya Pathak do relatively well in supporting roles as Inspector Ravi Rane and Sudha Malvankar respectively.

**Special Mention: Shafi Inamdar’s Role**
Shafi Inamdar plays Anand Patkar, a wealthy but alcoholic member of the election nomination committee aligned with Trivedi. His performance is brief but impactful, portraying a man trapped by his own weaknesses and manipulated by larger forces. Inamdar brings nuance to Patkar, blending arrogance with pathos, especially in scenes where his character’s fragility surfaces. His role is pivotal, as Patkar’s murder—ordered by Trivedi and executed by Anoop—marks a turning point, exposing the brutal cost of political games. Inamdar’s ability to make a supporting character memorable underscores his reputation as a versatile actor, known for roles in films like *Vijeta* and TV’s *Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi*. His tragic demise in 1996 left a void, but performances like this highlight his enduring legacy.

**Conclusion**
*Arjun* remains a seminal Bollywood action film, blending visceral thrills with a biting critique of corruption and betrayal. Rahul Rawail’s taut direction, Javed Akhtar’s incisive script, and Sunny Deol’s powerhouse performance make it a gripping watch, despite minor flaws like an uneven soundtrack and underwritten supporting roles. The film’s exploration of an idealist’s disillusionment feels timeless, resonating even today. Shafi Inamdar’s brief but poignant role as Anand Patkar adds depth to the narrative, reminding us of his understated brilliance. For fans of 80s Bollywood or action cinema, *Arjun* is a must-watch—a raw, unpolished gem that captures the era’s angst and energy.


 

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