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Fantasy potboiler ‘Pataal Bhairavi’ turns 40

Starcast: Jeetendra, Jaya Prada, Nirupa Roy, Shakti Kapoor, Amjad Khan, Bindu, Asrani, Shoma Anand, Pran and Kader Khan. Special Appearance:...


Starcast: Jeetendra, Jaya Prada, Nirupa Roy, Shakti Kapoor, Amjad Khan, Bindu, Asrani, Shoma Anand, Pran and Kader Khan. Special Appearance: Dimple Kapadia

Direction: K Bapaiah

Music: Bappi Lahiri

Pataal Bhairavi, a swashbuckling fantasy film, is a remake of the iconic 1951 Telugu film Pathala Bhairavi. Directed by K. Bapaiah and produced by Krishna under Padmalaya Studios, the film stars Jeetendra, Jaya Prada, Pran, Amjad Khan, and Kader Khan, with music composed by Bappi Lahiri. Released 40 years ago on May 3, 1885, this romantic action fantasy blends mythology, adventure, and romance, characteristic of the 1980s Bollywood masala genre. It can be safely said that it has some similarity with the classic Arabian Nights story of Aladdin. Though it was a superhit at the box office that time yet it's rarely discussed these days. Nonetheless, it remains a nostalgic piece for fans of 80s Bollywood, with the dialogue "Aam Phatt" gaining particular popularity among children for its quirky and memorable delivery.

Storyline

Set in the kingdom of Ujjain, Pataal Bhairavi follows Ramu (Jeetendra), a brave gardener who falls in love with Princess Indumati (Jaya Prada). The king, Raja Vijay Singh (Pran), disapproves of their romance at the insistence of his second wife ( Bindu) and her nephew Hulchul due to Ramu’s modest background and challenges him to amass wealth equal to the kingdom’s to win Indumati’s hand. Enter Mantrik Husair (Kader Khan), a scheming wizard who offers to help Ramu achieve wealth by acquiring the powerful Pataal Bhairavi statuette, which grants its holder’s wishes. However, Husair’s true intent is to sacrifice Ramu to the goddess Pataal Bhairavi ( Shoma Anand) to enhance his own magical powers. When Ramu uncovers the plot, he kills Husair, only for the magician to be resurrected. Husair kidnaps Indumati, prompting Ramu, aided by his loyal sidekick Hanuman, to embark on a daring rescue mission. The narrative unfolds with magical elements, including a cursed goddess, a magical shawl that makes anyone invisible, and magic shoes, culminating in Ramu defeating Husair and returning to Ujjain to marry Indumati. The story, while engaging, adheres to a predictable 80s masala template, with a mix of romance, action, and fantasy that sounds improbable but is thoroughly entertaining.

Direction and Other Technical Departments

K. Bapaiah’s direction in Pataal Bhairavi is very nice, but there is nothing novel about it, it relies heavily on the tried-and-tested tropes of 80s Bollywood. The film’s pacing suffers from an average screenplay, unlike the original Telugu film, which was more to the point and fast paced. Cinematography captures the vibrant sets and costumes typical of fantasy films, but it lacks the finesse seen in more technically accomplished films of the era. The production design, handled by Padmalaya Studios, creates a fantastical world with underground caves and royal palaces especially magenta coloured lair of Husair looks impressive. Editing is functional but occasionally choppy, particularly in action sequences, which feel repetitive. Special effects, such as the transformation of the cursed goddess and magical artifacts, were good for the time, but now look dated. Overall, the technical departments deliver a competent but unremarkable presentation, aligning with the film’s modest ambitions.

Music

The music, composed by Bappi Lahiri, is a highlight of Pataal Bhairavi, offering a mix of catchy and melodious tracks that resonate with the film’s fantastical tone. Songs like “Jhoom jhoom ke naacho tum” and “Mehman Nazar Ki Ban Ja” are evergreen hits, while the first song the underrated "Jhanak jhanak jiya" and Salma Agha's spirited rendition "Chumma chumma" feature vibrant orchestration. The soundtrack has a mix of sprightly and soulful renditions by Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, Anup Ghoshal and Salma Agha. The lyrics by Indeevar, while not groundbreaking, complement the romantic and lighthearted theme, making the songs memorable. The background score enhances the film’s action and fantasy sequences, though it occasionally leans into excess of percussion beats, typical of Lahiri’s style. The music stands out as one of the stronger elements, providing an emotional and energetic backbone to the narrative.

Performances

The ensemble cast delivers performances that range from commendable to formulaic. Jeetendra as Ramu brings his characteristic charm and energy, excelling in action and romantic scenes, though his role offers little depth. Jaya Prada shines as Indumati, portraying the princess with grace and emotional nuance, particularly in scenes of defiance against Husair. Kader Khan’s portrayal of the villainous Mantrik Husair is a standout, blending menace with theatrical flair, and his delivery of the iconic “Aam Phatt” dialogue became a cultural phenomenon, especially among children who mimicked it playfully. Amjad Khan and Shakti Kapoor provide solid support as comic characters, with Khan’s over-the-top antics adding comic relief. Pran, as Raja Vijay Singh, lends gravitas, though his screen time is limited. Dimple Kapadia and Shoma Anand in their characters of celestial goddesses look gorgeous . Supporting actors like Asrani, Bindu, and Nirupa Roy fulfill their roles adequately, but the performances, while decent, are nothing extraordinary.

Conclusion

Pataal Bhairavi is a quintessential 80s Bollywood masala film that delivers a mix of fantasy, romance, and action but falls a little short of its potential due to its over-the-top execution. While the storyline is engaging and is rooted in Indian mythology, K. Bapaiah’s direction and the technical departments offer little to distinguish the film from its contemporaries. Bappi Lahiri’s music and the cast’s performances, particularly Kader Khan’s memorable villainy and the iconic “Aam Phatt” dialogue, provide moments of charm and nostalgia. Though not a cinematic masterpiece, the film remains an enjoyable and eminently watchable relic of its time, appealing to fans of retro Bollywood and those who cherish its vibrant music and quirky dialogues. For a one-time viewing, Pataal Bhairavi still offers enough entertainment to adults and children alike.

By Ayushmaan Mitra

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