_poster.jpg)
Cast: Jeetendra ,Poonam Dhillon, Pradeep Kumar, Dr Shreeram Lagoo, Jayshree Gadkar, Rajendranath, Asrani, Ashoo, Prem Chopra and Utpal Dut...
Cast: Jeetendra ,Poonam Dhillon, Pradeep Kumar, Dr Shreeram Lagoo, Jayshree Gadkar, Rajendranath, Asrani, Ashoo, Prem Chopra and Utpal Dutt
Direction: K Raghavendra Rao
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal
Introduction
Nishana directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, is a
quintessential Bollywood action drama that encapsulates the vibrant and
formulaic storytelling of the era. Starring Jeetendra and Poonam Dhillon, the
film which released on October 17, 1980, blends romance, action, and
family drama, revolving around a coveted ancestral necklace and a tale of
vengeance and love. Produced by M. Arjuna Raju and A. S. R. Anjineelu under
Roja Movies, Nishana is a Hindi remake of the 1979 Telugu hit Vetagadu, crafted
by the same director and production banner. Released during Jeetendra’s peak in
the 1980s, the film is one of his many box-office successes, contributing to
his reputation as the "Jumping Jack" and a master of South Indian
remakes. Despite mixed critical reception, Nishana resonated with audiences for
its high-octane drama and star-studded cast, including Shreeram Lagoo, Prem
Chopra, and Utpal Dutt.
Storyline
The narrative of Nishana centers on Thakur Pratap
Singh (Shreeram Lagoo) and his wife Jankidevi (Jayshree Gadkar), a royal couple
who possess a priceless ancestral Rajkamal necklace. The family’s trusted
Dewanji (Utpal Dutt) schemes to seize the necklace and the Thakur’s wealth.
When Jankidevi discovers his intentions, she escapes and entrusts the necklace
to a tribal, instructing him to place it on their deity until her return.
However, Dewanji’s men kill Jankidevi, and he falsely accuses hunter Surya Prakash
(Pradeep Kumar) of the murder, claiming he sought the necklace. Years later,
the story shifts to Kavita (Poonam Dhillon), Thakur’s daughter, and Raja
(Jeetendra), Surya Prakash’s son, who fall in love. Their romance faces
opposition from Thakur, who believes Raja’s father is responsible for his
wife’s death. Raja must unravel the truth to clear his father’s name and win
Kavita’s hand. The plot, while predictable and steeped in 1980s Bollywood
tropes, is engaging with its mix of action, romance, and a quest for justice.
However, the screenplay occasionally falters with pacing issues and
melodramatic excesses, typical of the genre.
Direction and Other Technical Departments
K. Raghavendra Rao, often dubbed the "Manmohan
Desai of the South," marks his Hindi cinema debut with Nishana, bringing
his flair for grandiose storytelling. His direction is ambitious, weaving
action-packed sequences with emotional drama, though it leans heavily on
formulaic elements like revenge and mistaken identities. The tiger sequence,
later inspiring a scene in the 2010 comedy Housefull, showcases Rao’s knack for
memorable set pieces. However, the film’s pacing suffers in the second half,
with prolonged emotional scenes that could have been crisper. Cinematography
captures the opulent palace settings and lush forest locales effectively,
enhancing the film’s visual appeal. Editing, however, is inconsistent, with
abrupt transitions that disrupt narrative flow. Action choreography, a
highlight, is well-executed for its time, though some fight scenes appear dated
today. The production design, particularly the lavish palace and Adivasi
village sets, adds authenticity to the contrasting worlds of royalty and tribal
life. Overall, the technical departments deliver a competent, if not
groundbreaking, cinematic experience.
Music
The soundtrack, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal,
features songs by renowned singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar,
Mohammed Rafi, Anuradha Paudwal, and Asha Bhosle. While the music is pleasant
and fits the film’s dramatic tone, it lacks the memorable quality of the duo’s
other works from the era, such as Aasha or Naseeb. Songs like romantic duets
such as Jaana Zara Samne Aana and Tip Tip Hone and a dance number by Leena Das
serve as narrative pauses but fail to leave a lasting impact. The audiences noted
the absence of chart-topping tracks, which was a drawback for a film relying on
the 1980s Bollywood formula of music-driven storytelling. The background score,
however, effectively underscores the action and emotional moments, though it
doesn’t stand out as iconic.
Performances
Jeetendra shines as Raja, bringing his signature
charisma and energetic screen presence. His dance sequences and action scenes
are highlights, reinforcing his “Jumping Jack” moniker. Poonam Dhillon, fresh
off the success of Noorie, is charming as Kavita, though her role is limited by
the script’s focus on male-driven action. The chemistry between Jeetendra and
Dhillon is serviceable but lacks the spark needed to elevate their romantic
subplot. Shreeram Lagoo delivers a dignified performance as Thakur Pratap
Singh, while Utpal Dutt is suitably menacing as the scheming Dewanji. Prem
Chopra, as Dewanji’s son, adds to the comic-villainous ensemble (don’t miss his
same colour combination in every scene from top to bottom along with a same
colour rose). Supporting actors like Asrani (Ganesh) and Jayshree T. provide
comic relief, with Asrani’s over-the-top antics occasionally grating. Pradeep
Kumar’s brief role as Surya Prakash is impactful, setting the stage for the
central conflict. While the performances are solid, they adhere to the
archetypal roles of 1980s Bollywood, limiting emotional depth.
Conclusion
Nishana (1980) is a quintessential Bollywood action
drama that delivers the expected thrills, romance, and melodrama of its time.
As one of Jeetendra’s many hits in the 1980s, it underscores his dominance in
the remake-driven Bollywood landscape, particularly with South Indian
adaptations. K. Raghavendra Rao’s direction, while formulaic, captures the
era’s larger-than-life storytelling, supported by competent technical execution
and a stellar cast. The music, though not a standout, complements the narrative,
and the performances, led by Jeetendra’s charisma, keep the audience engaged.
Despite its flaws—predictable plotting, uneven pacing, and dated tropes—Nishana
remains a nostalgic relic of 1980s Bollywood, appealing to fans of Jeetendra
and lovers of classic masala films. Its box-office performance, though deemed
“below average” by some metrics, still contributed to Jeetendra’s prolific run,
cementing his legacy as a versatile star.
By Ayushmaan Mitra
No comments