Starcast :- Rajesh Khanna, Shabana Azmi, Sushant Ray, Padmini Kolhapure, Deven Verma, Dina Pathak, Jalal Agha and Dr Shreeram Lagoo Music ...
Starcast :- Rajesh Khanna, Shabana Azmi, Sushant Ray, Padmini Kolhapure, Deven Verma, Dina Pathak, Jalal Agha and Dr Shreeram Lagoo
Music :- Khayyam
Direction :- Esmayel Shroff
*Thodi Si Bewafai*, directed by
Esmayeel Shroff, stands as a poignant exploration of familial discord, personal
growth, and the redemptive power of love and forgiveness. Released on June 13,
1980, this drama not only resonated with audiences for its emotionally rich
narrative but also emerged as the biggest hit of Esmayeel Shroff’s directorial
career. With a compelling blend of sensitive storytelling, stirring
performances, and memorable music, the film etched its place in the annals of
Bollywood cinema as a defining work of its era.
Storyline
The film centres around the
character of Arun (played by Rajesh Khanna), a principled man who faces
personal turmoil when his wife Neema (portrayed by Shabana Azmi) suspects him
of infidelity. Their marriage begins to crumble under the weight of misunderstanding
and mistrust, leading to separation. The plot unfolds with Arun's journey of
self-reflection and the emotional growth of their son, Abhinandan (Sushant Ray), who becomes
the unexpected glue between the estranged couple. The film delicately portrays
how seemingly minor lapses in understanding can cause deep ruptures in
relationships and how time and empathy can begin the process of healing. The
screenplay beautifully captures the fragility of human emotions, while subtly
critiquing societal expectations surrounding marriage and masculinity.
Direction and Other Technical
Departments
Esmayeel Shroff’s direction is
restrained yet effective, relying more on character-driven storytelling than
melodrama. His nuanced approach allows the emotional beats of the film to land
with authenticity. The cinematography by Russi Billimoria captures the
emotional tension and domestic settings with a soft, evocative touch, avoiding
the stylized gloss of mainstream cinema in favor of realism. The editing by A.
R. Rajendran ensures a tight narrative flow, particularly in the emotional arcs
and confrontations, maintaining engagement without resorting to overindulgence.
Music
The music of *Thodi Si Bewafai*,
composed by Khayyam, remains one of the film's standout elements. The songs are
lyrically rich and emotionally resonant, perfectly complementing the tone of
the film. Tracks like "Hazaar Raahen Mud Ke Dekhin" sung soulfully by
Kishore Kumar, and "Ankhon mein humne aapke " touch a chord with
listeners, both within the context of the film and as standalone pieces. The
song "Mausam Mausam Lovely Mausam" by Anwar and Sulakshana Pandit
brims with innocence of teenage love. The lyrics by Gulzar elevate the music to
poetic levels, enhancing the narrative’s emotional impact.
Performances
The film boasts some of the
finest performances of its lead actors. Rajesh Khanna delivers a mature and
layered portrayal of Arun, eschewing his usual romantic hero persona for a more
subdued and introspective role. Shabana Azmi, as Neema, is equally compelling,
bringing depth to a character torn between suspicion and longing. Sushant Ray,
who plays their son Abhinandan, leaves a lasting impression with his innocence
and natural charm. Supporting actors like Deven Verma, Padmini Kolhapure,
Shreeram Lagoo, and Aruna Irani provide strong performances that flesh out the
social context of the protagonists’ world.
*Thodi Si Bewafai* is a deeply
affecting film that explores the complexities of human relationships with
sincerity and emotional intelligence. Its realistic treatment of domestic
strife, combined with outstanding performances and soulful music, make it a
memorable cinematic experience. It is no surprise that the film turned out to
be the most significant hit of Esmayeel Shroff’s career, a testament to his
skill as a storyteller and his understanding of the human psyche. Even decades
later, the film continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate cinema that
speaks to the heart.
-By Ayushmaan Mitra
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