Starcast :- Vinod Khanna, Leena Chandravarkar, Mehmood, Jayshree T., Kamini Kaushal, Keshto Mukherjee, Sajjan, Nazir Hussain, Rajesh Behl, S...
Starcast :- Vinod Khanna, Leena Chandravarkar, Mehmood, Jayshree T., Kamini Kaushal, Keshto Mukherjee, Sajjan, Nazir Hussain, Rajesh Behl, Satyen Kappu and K N Singh.
Special appearance: Sameer
Music :- Nitin Mangesh
Direction:- Atma Ram
Introduction
Qaid (released on 30th May 1975) is a Hindi thriller drama that captures the essence of 1970s Bollywood cinema, blending suspense, drama, and intrigue with some 70's style funky music and background score. Directed and produced by Atma Ram, the film features a talented ensemble cast, including Vinod Khanna, Leena Chandavarkar, Kamini Kaushal, Nazir Hussain, Mehmood, Keshto Mukherjee, and K. N. Singh. Notably, Qaid is one of the last films featuring actor Sameer Khan, who had a limited but memorable presence in Bollywood during this era. The film weaves a tale of deception, mistaken identities, and moral dilemmas, set against the backdrop of a thrilling narrative. While not among the top-grossing films of 1975, Qaid remains a noteworthy entry in the thriller genre for its engaging plot and strong performances.
Storyline
The story of Qaid revolves around Advocate Jai Saxena (Vinod Khanna), who lives modestly with his mother, Mrs. Saxena (Kamini Kaushal), in a small flat. The plot thickens when they hire a maidservant named Imarti, who is later revealed to be an impostor. After dismissing her, she returns one night, claiming to be Ragini, the sole heiress of Rai Bahadur Tulsinath’s estate, and insists that someone is trying to kill her. Jai, empathetic and curious, is inclined to help her, but his mother remains sceptical, suspecting some kind of a foul play. The tension escalates when the police reveal that the woman, Ragini (Leena Chandavarkar), is a wanted homicidal killer. The narrative unfolds as a cat-and-mouse game, with Jai caught between his instincts to protect Ragini and the law’s pursuit of her. The story explores themes of trust, deception, and chivalry, keeping viewers guessing about Ragini’s true identity and motives until the climax. The screenplay, while occasionally predictable, maintains a gripping pace with twists that reflect the era’s penchant for dramatic reveals.
Direction and Other Technical Departments
Atma Ram’s direction in Qaid is commendable for its ability to sustain suspense within the budget constraints of 1970s Bollywood filmmaking. His approach balances the thriller elements with emotional depth, particularly in scenes involving Jai’s internal conflict and Ragini’s mysterious persona. The cinematography, by K G Prabhakar , effectively captures the moody atmosphere, with tight close-ups and dimly lit sequences enhancing the suspense. The editing by Y G Chawhan is crisp, ensuring the narrative flows smoothly and the twists land well. Set design and art direction reflect the modest yet evocative settings typical of the period, from the Saxena household to urban backdrops. However, some technical aspects, such as sound design, which was really jarring needed a lot of improvement. Overall, the technical execution supports the story effectively.
Music
The soundtrack of Qaid, composed by the duo Nitin–Mangesh with lyrics by Maya Govind, is quite a memorable aspect of the film. The songs serve as narrative interludes, typical of Bollywood’s approach to integrating music into thrillers during this era. Tracks like the superbly sung "yeh toh zindagi hai" (Kishore Kumar), "deewana hoon pyar ka' (Kishore Kumar), "yeh dil de de de' (Amit Kumar and Anjali) and the popular "karale saaf karale" (Mehmood & Usha Mangeshkar) align with the film’s emotional and suspenseful tones, but they do not stand out as iconic or chart-topping numbers compared to other 1975 releases like Sholay or Aandhi. The background score, however, effectively heightens tension in key scenes. Overall, the music complements the film’s mood.
Performances
The performances in Qaid are a highlight, with the cast delivering compelling portrayals that elevate the film. Vinod Khanna shines as Advocate Jai Saxena, bringing intensity and vulnerability to a character torn between compassion and duty. His commanding screen presence anchors the film, particularly in action scenes. Leena Chandavarkar delivers a nuanced performance as Ragini, skillfully navigating the ambiguity of her character—whether victim or villain—keeping audiences intrigued. Kamini Kaushal, as Mrs. Saxena, provides a strong supporting role, embodying maternal skepticism and warmth. Mehmood, Jayshree T. and Keshto Mukherjee add comic relief, though their roles feel slightly out of place in the thriller context. K. N. Singh, as Dr. Trivedi, Nazir Husain as Rai Bahadur Tulsinath and Satyendra Kapoor as Inspector Kaushik, deliver solid performances, reinforcing the film’s suspenseful tone. Notably, Sameer Khan, in one of his final film appearances, has a minor role. His presence, while brief, adds to the ensemble’s depth, marking a poignant note in his limited filmography.
Conclusion
Qaid (1975) is a solid thriller that captures the spirit of 1970s Bollywood with its blend of suspense, drama, and moral complexity. Atma Ram’s direction, coupled with strong performances from Vinod Khanna and Leena Chandavarkar, makes it an engaging watch, despite minor technical limitations and a less memorable soundtrack. The film’s storyline, centered on deception and justice, keeps viewers invested. As one of the last films featuring Sameer Khan, whose career included notable works like Gomti ke Kinare (1972) and Andhera(1975), Qaid serves as a testament to his brief presence in Hindi cinema. For fans of vintage Bollywood thrillers, Qaid offers a nostalgic and gripping experience, worthy of revisiting for its storytelling and performances.
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