'Pratiggya' turns 50

Starcast: Dharmendra , Hema Malini, Nazir Hussain, Sunder, Imtiaz Khan, Abhi Bhattacharya and Ajit Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal Direction: Dula...

Starcast: Dharmendra , Hema Malini, Nazir Hussain, Sunder, Imtiaz Khan, Abhi Bhattacharya and Ajit

Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Direction: Dulal Guha

Pratiggya, a Bollywood action comedy, stands as a vibrant testament to the masala film era, blending high-octane action, slapstick humour, and emotional drama. Directed by Dulal Guha and produced by Dharmendra and B.S. Deol, the film stars Dharmendra and Hema Malini, with Ajit Khan as the menacing antagonist. Released on September 19, 1975, during a golden year for Hindi cinema alongside giants like *Sholay* and Deewaar, Pratiggya carved its niche with its unique mix of revenge-driven narrative and comedic flair. A commercial success and one of the top-grossing films of 1975, it resonated with audiences for its engaging storytelling and memorable performances. Its influence echoed in later Bollywood films, notably inspiring the 1990 Sanjay Dutt actioner Thanedaar, which borrowed its themes of justice and rustic heroism.

 

Storyline:

Pratiggya revolves around Ajit Singh (Dharmendra), an illiterate truck driver who learns from his dying adoptive mother that his real parents—an honest cop and his family—were brutally murdered by the dacoit Bharat Thakur (Ajit Khan). Swearing a vow (pratiggya) of revenge, Ajit embarks on a mission to bring the bandit to justice. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he witnesses a massacre of policemen en route to establish a station in Bharat’s lawless village. To fulfill their mission, Ajit assumes the identity of a thanedaar (police officer), training cowardly villagers to stand up to the bandits. Alongside, a romance blossoms with the feisty Radha (Hema Malini), adding emotional depth.

 

The narrative thrives on contrasts—gritty vengeance juxtaposed with lighthearted comedy. While the revenge plot drives the action, the script, penned by Shafiq Ansari, Nabendu Ghosh, and Kanwar Ajit Singh Deol, weaves in humor through Ajit’s bumbling yet earnest efforts to rally the villagers. Though predictable at times, the story’s emotional core—family, honor, and justice—keeps it compelling. Its rural setting and underdog theme resonate universally, laying groundwork for later films like Thanedaar, which echoed similar tropes of a lone hero restoring order.

 

Direction and Other Technical Departments:

Dulal Guha’s direction is a masterclass in balancing tones, seamlessly blending intense action with laugh-out-loud comedy. His ability to stage large-scale fight sequences while maintaining narrative coherence showcases his command over the masala genre. Guha uses the rural backdrop effectively, capturing both its rugged beauty and lawless menace, which amplifies the stakes of Ajit’s mission. The pacing falters slightly in melodramatic moments, but Guha’s focus on character-driven humor keeps the film engaging.

 

The technical departments shine brightly. M Rajaram’s cinematography captures the dusty expanses and vibrant village life with flair, enhancing both the action and comedic sequences. The editing, credited to Bimal Roy Jr., maintains a crisp rhythm, though some transitions feel abrupt. Action choreography, a highlight, features raw, acrobatic stunts typical of the era, with Dharmendra’s physicality front and center. The production design authentically recreates the rustic setting, from bandit hideouts to village squares, grounding the larger-than-life story. Sound design, while dated, effectively underscores the slapstick gags and dramatic confrontations. Together, these elements create a cohesive cinematic experience that holds up as a product of its time.

 

Music:

The soundtrack, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal with lyrics by Anand Bakshi, is a standout feature, blending folk-inspired melodies with Bollywood exuberance. The iconic “Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana,” sung by Mohammed Rafi, became a cultural anthem, its infectious energy perfectly capturing Dharmendra’s roguish charm. Lata Mangeshkar’s “Pardesi Aaya Desh Mein” and “Uth Neend Se Mirzia Jaag Ja” add emotional and romantic layers, with Hema Malini’s graceful picturization elevating their impact. The playful “Morni Re Morni” injects humor, complementing the film’s comedic track. Each song is thoughtfully integrated, advancing the narrative or deepening character moments. The music’s enduring popularity underscores its quality, with tracks still cherished decades later.

 

Performances:

Dharmendra delivers a tour-de-force performance, embodying Ajit Singh’s rugged machismo, comedic timing, and emotional vulnerability. His triple looks—clean-shaven thanedaar, mustached inspector, and bearded truck driver—showcase his versatility, with each persona distinct yet cohesive. Hema Malini sparkles as Radha, her sharp wit and chemistry with Dharmendra lighting up the screen. Her ability to balance feistiness and tenderness makes Radha a memorable heroine.

 

Ajit Khan is chilling as Bharat Thakur, his menacing presence a perfect foil to Dharmendra’s heroics. The comedic ensemble—Johnny Walker, Jagdeep, Keshto Mukherjee, Mukri, and Mehar Mittal—steals scenes with their impeccable timing and slapstick antics, earning the film its “masterpiece in comedy” moniker. Supporting players like Nazir Hussain and Satyendra Kapoor add gravitas, grounding the lighter moments. The cast’s synergy elevates the film, making every interaction vibrant and authentic.

 

Pratiggya is a quintessential Bollywood masala film that delivers on every front—action, comedy, romance, and drama. Dulal Guha’s deft direction, coupled with stellar performances from Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and a talented ensemble, creates a rollicking entertainer that balances heart and humor. Its technical craftsmanship, from cinematography to action, holds up as a snapshot of 1975’s cinematic vibrancy, while Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music remains timeless. The film’s legacy extends beyond its box-office success, inspiring later works like Thanedaar with its blend of rustic heroism and justice-driven narratives. For fans of classic Bollywood, Pratiggya is a delightful ride that captures the era’s exuberance and storytelling prowess, deserving its place among the year’s finest.

 

By Ayushmaan Mitra