Starcast: Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Zeenat Aman, Pran, Amrish Puri, Helen and Prem Chopra Direction: Raj Khosla Music: Laxmikant P...
Starcast: Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Zeenat Aman, Pran, Amrish Puri, Helen and Prem Chopra
Direction: Raj Khosla
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal
Introduction
Dostana, a Hindi action drama released on October 17, 1980, marks the
inaugural production of Dharma Productions, founded by Yash Johar. Directed by
Raj Khosla and written by the renowned duo Salim-Javed, the film brings
together a stellar cast featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, and
Zeenat Aman, with supporting roles by Prem Chopra, Amrish Puri, and Pran. A
superhit at the box office, it became the fourth highest-grosser of 1980,
cementing its place in Bollywood’s action-packed legacy. Known for its blend of
friendship, romance, and betrayal, Dostana showcases the era’s formulaic yet
entertaining storytelling, elevated by strong performances and memorable music.
Storyline
The narrative revolves around Vijay Verma (Amitabh Bachchan), a
dedicated police officer, and Ravi Kapoor (Shatrughan Sinha), a lawyer, who are
inseparable friends despite their contrasting professions. Their bond is tested
when both fall in love with Sheetal (Zeenat Aman), leading to a love triangle
complicated by professional rivalries. Vijay apprehends criminals with the help
of informant Tony (Pran), while Ravi, employed by the villainous Daaga (Prem
Chopra), secures their release. Misunderstandings orchestrated by Daaga turn
the friends into rivals, culminating in a conspiracy that pits Ravi against
Vijay. The story follows a predictable arc, with Vijay sacrificing his love for
Ravi, only for Daaga’s schemes to escalate tensions. While the plot adheres to
Bollywood’s tried-and-tested tropes of friendship and betrayal, its emotional
depth and action-driven climax keep audiences engaged. However, some critics
note the story’s lack of originality, as its twists are foreseeable within the
first 45 minutes.
Direction and Other Technical Departments
Raj Khosla’s direction in Dostana is competent, delivering a
quintessential Bollywood masala film with a balance of action, drama, and
romance. His ability to stage high-energy action sequences, choreographed by
Veeru Devgan, stands out, particularly in the climactic aircraft scene, which
adds a thrilling edge. However, the film lacks Khosla’s signature stylistic
flourishes seen in earlier works, and the friendship between Vijay and Ravi
feels unconvincing due to limited shared screen time. The cinematography,
disrupted by the untimely death of Nariman Irani in 1978, maintains a vibrant
aesthetic but occasionally falters in consistency. Editing is functional,
though some scenes drag, contributing to the film’s 2-hour-32-minute runtime.
The production design reflects the late ‘70s campy charm, with Amitabh’s bold
outfits, like the picnic-table-inspired sportcoat, adding unintentional humor.
Overall, the technical execution is solid but not groundbreaking, relying
heavily on star power and action to carry the film.
Music
The soundtrack, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal with lyrics by Anand
Bakshi, is a highlight of Dostana. While not their finest work, the songs are
pleasant and emotionally resonant. The title track, “Bane Chaahe Dushman
Zamaana Hamaara,” a duet by Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar, is a standout,
encapsulating the theme of enduring friendship and often cited as one of
Bollywood’s greatest duets. Romantic numbers like “Dillagi Ne Di Hawa” (Kishore
Kumar and Asha Bhosle) and “Bahut Khoobsurat Jawaan Ek Ladki” (Kishore Kumar)
add frolic and charm, while “Mere Dost Kissa Ye Kya Ho Gaya” and “Kitna Aasaan
Hai Kehna Bhool Jaao” evoke poignant moments. The music significantly boosted
the film’s appeal, with songs serving as both marketing tools and emotional
anchors. Critics and fans agree that the soundtrack, particularly Rafi’s
contributions, played a pivotal role in the film’s box-office success.
Performances
The cast delivers compelling performances, with Amitabh Bachchan
stealing the show as Vijay. His commanding presence as the daredevil cop,
coupled with intense action sequences and sharp dialogue delivery, reinforces
his superstar status. Shatrughan Sinha, as Ravi, excels in scenes requiring
emotional depth and negative shades, though some argue he was miscast in a role
better suited for a lighter actor like Shashi Kapoor. Zeenat Aman, at the peak
of her career, balances glamour and substance as Sheetal, though her
character’s motivations feel underdeveloped. Prem Chopra is delightfully
cartoonish as Daaga, while Amrish Puri’s supporting villainy adds menace. Pran,
as the informant Tony, brings reliability and gravitas, his performance echoing
his earlier roles in Salim-Javed scripts. Despite offscreen tensions between
Bachchan and Sinha, their onscreen rivalry fuels the drama, though their
friendship lacks chemistry. Supporting actors like Helen and Sajjan round out
the ensemble effectively.
Conclusion
Dostana (1980) is a quintessential Bollywood action drama that thrives
on its star-studded cast, memorable music, and high-octane action, despite a
predictable storyline. As the first production of Dharma Productions, it laid
the foundation for Yash Johar’s legacy, later elevated by his son Karan Johar.
Raj Khosla’s direction, while not his best, delivers entertainment through
well-choreographed sequences and emotional beats. The performances,
particularly by Amitabh Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha, alongside
Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s soulful soundtrack, make it a film with strong repeat
value. Though criticized for its formulaic plot and lack of narrative
innovation, Dostana remains a beloved classic for fans of ‘80s Bollywood,
offering a nostalgic blend of friendship, romance, and betrayal. Its commercial
success and cultural impact underscore its significance in Indian cinema.
By Ayushmaan Mitra
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