In fond remembrance of Dharmendra Starcast: Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Rekha, Amjad Khan, Prem Chopra, Helen, Utpal Dutt, Ra...
In fond remembrance of Dharmendra
Starcast: Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Rekha, Amjad Khan, Prem Chopra, Helen, Utpal Dutt, Ranjan and Ajit
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal
Direction: Vijay Anand
"Ram Balram," released on November 28,
1980, is a quintessential Bollywood action thriller that pairs two of Hindi
cinema’s biggest stars, Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan, in a tale of
brotherhood, betrayal, and redemption. Directed by Vijay Anand, the film blends
high-octane action, melodrama, and romance, aiming to recapture the magic of
the iconic "Sholay," which also starred the same lead duo. Featuring
Rekha and Zeenat Aman as the female leads, the film is notable for being the only
movie where these two actresses shared the screen, a significant event given
their rivalry for the top spot in the late 1970s. The production was marred by
delays, making it a long-gestating project. Amitabh Bachchan’s bout with
jaundice halted shooting for eight months, and the Emergency period in India
forced script changes, adding to the challenges faced by Vijay Anand. Despite
these hurdles, "Ram Balram" emerged as a commercial success, though
it didn’t achieve the legendary status of "Sholay."
Storyline:
The plot revolves around two orphaned brothers, Ram
(Dharmendra) and Balram (Amitabh Bachchan), raised by their scheming uncle,
Jagatpal (Ajit), who secretly murdered their parents. Jagatpal manipulates the
brothers, sending Balram to become a police inspector while pushing Ram into a
life of crime as a mechanic and smuggler. Unaware of their uncle’s treachery,
the brothers remain loyal to him, with Ram handing over his earnings and
keeping only pocket money. Jagatpal’s plan is to use Ram to infiltrate the smuggling
world, targeting major players like Suleiman Seth (Amjad Khan) and Chandan
Singh (Prem Chopra), while Balram’s police career bolsters Jagatpal’s
influence. The story thickens when the brothers fall in love—Balram with Shobha
(Rekha), a professor’s daughter, and Ram with Madhu (Zeenat Aman), who believes
Jagatpal is her father. The narrative builds to a climax when the brothers’
mother, presumed dead, returns and reveals Jagatpal’s crimes, uniting Ram and
Balram against him. The plot, while engaging, leans heavily on familiar
Bollywood tropes of lost-and-found family and revenge, with a somewhat
convoluted and formulaic structure that feels repetitive in parts, especially
in the action-heavy second half.
Direction and Other Technical Departments:
Vijay Anand, known for his technical finesse in
films like "Guide" and "Jewel Thief," brings a mixed bag to
"Ram Balram." His direction showcases flashes of brilliance,
particularly in action sequences like the motorcycle chase in the dockyard and
a spaghetti western-inspired shootout, which pay homage to global cinematic
styles. However, the film feels like a calculated attempt to emulate the masala
formula popularized by directors like Manmohan Desai, sacrificing Anand’s usual
narrative depth. The pacing falters, especially in the first half, and the
screenplay is criticized for being faulty and overly reliant on clichés.
Cinematography, credited to Fali Mistry, captures vibrant locations, enhancing
the action and song sequences, but some scenes suffer from inconsistent
framing. Editing is uneven, with the last quarter feeling rushed as multiple
plot points—escapes, raids, and kidnappings—unfold too quickly. Production
values are high for the era, with well-choreographed stunts, including Amitabh
performing his own motorcycle stunts, adding authenticity to the action.
Despite these strengths, the technical execution doesn’t fully mask the
script’s weaknesses, making the film feel derivative compared to Anand’s
earlier masterpieces.
Music:
The soundtrack, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, is
a highlight, delivering catchy and memorable songs that resonate with the
film’s energetic vibe. Tracks like "Ek Rasta Do Raahi," which
underscores the chor-police dynamic, and "Yaar Ki Khabar Mil Gayi"
are upbeat and well-integrated into the narrative. "Ladki Pasand Ki
Mushkil Se Milti Hai" adds a playful touch, while "Balram Ne Bahut
Samjhaya" showcases the vocal talents of Dilraj Kaur alongwith seasoned
singers Asha Bhosle and Mohd Rafi. Vijay Anand’s expertise in song
picturization shines, with visually appealing choreography set against dynamic
backdrops.. On the whole, the music remains a crowd-pleaser, enhancing the
film’s masala appeal and providing relief amidst the intense action.
Performances:
Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan are the film’s
backbone, their chemistry carrying the movie through its weaker moments.
Dharmendra’s Ram is a rugged, emotional mechanic-thief, and he imbues the role
with his trademark charisma, excelling in both action and comedic scenes.
Amitabh, as the upright Balram, delivers a restrained yet powerful performance,
his intensity shining in confrontations and stunts. Their brotherly bond,
reminiscent of "Sholay," is a major draw, though some feel they
weren’t fully utilized in a true action sense. Ajit steals scenes as the
menacing Jagatpal, his stylish villainy making him a standout despite health
issues during filming. Rekha and Zeenat Aman are competent as Shobha and Madhu,
respectively, but their roles are typical heroine fare, offering little depth.
Rekha’s pairing with Amitabh feels more natural, while Zeenat’s chemistry with
Dharmendra is less convincing. Supporting actors like Prem Chopra and Amjad
Khan are underused, their villainous roles failing to leave a lasting impact.
Urmila Bhatt, as the brothers’ mother, is miscast and unconvincing. Overall,
the performances, particularly by the male leads, elevate the film despite its
narrative flaws.
Conclusion:
"Ram Balram" is an entertaining, if flawed, addition to Bollywood’s action-packed 1980s catalog. Its long production journey, marked by health setbacks and political upheavals, reflects the challenges of its creation, yet the film manages to deliver on star power and spectacle. Vijay Anand’s attempt to blend his technical prowess with masala sensibilities results in a movie that’s enjoyable but falls short of his earlier classics. The Dharmendra-Amitabh duo, supported by a vibrant soundtrack and solid action, makes it a must-watch for fans, but its formulaic plot and uneven execution prevent it from reaching the heights of "Sholay." For those seeking a dose of nostalgic Bollywood with larger-than-life heroes and villains, "Ram Balram" remains a fun, melodramatic ride, best enjoyed for its performances and retro charm.
By Ayushmaan Mitra
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