Shalimar

I would start saying, it was a film too ahead of it's times, when released in India. It was what we have today as Ocean's 11 or 12 or the Italian job. For the fact it flopped in India, is because the majority of the audience saw it go over the top and there was no connectivity with this film.Caper films have never been a forte in 'bollywood', so shah's western influenced ideas did not really go well with the native masses who were more interested in revenge melodramatic dramas, 'dakus','mujras', and 'angry young men'. Looking back, it's definitely a cult film and the Gen today would appreciate shah's efforts more than the Generation of '78.

Here it is, India's first and greatest cult film! It's a great film no doubt but it has some really bizarre stuff that has to be seen to be believed!! The tribal dance by the sea is a real treat! The resurrection of Colombo is incredible! The songs by the incomparable R.D. Burman are fabulous and so is the haunting background score, some of which is available on the CD release of the music. The roles of John Saxon and Sylvia Miles are unforgettable. The film itself suffered badly at the box office when it first came out due to over-hype and the fact that the main theme of the film didn't connect with the masses - lack of nativity. Folks, do yourself a favor right now! Rent this film and watch it. It is unlike any Bollywood film you'll ever see.

A movie which was ahead of its time and did not make sense to most of those who saw it. It seemed an ambitious project.

You cannot help but marvel at what was tried. In comparison the latest technology the film might seem shoddy but in the end you cannot help but admire the whole team for giving it a shot.

The Indian actors have done a a good job. At times the fact that the foreign actors dialogs are not in sync (because they are actually speaking in English) is a minor irritant.

The music by RD Burman is classic and can be played and hummed today and for years to come.

The action is also good but not typical Hindi film action which is nice change.

Recommended for one viewing.

The Entire movie there seemed to be only 1 actor with proper emotions & that happens to be of Dharmendra. Rex Harrison who is a Hollywood big wig was no where near Dharmendra's ability, even a "C" grade villain of Bollywood would have acted better, Deepak Shirke would have acted better. Poor Shammi Kapoor was wasted, Zeenat had not much role, John acted as a dumb man so his ability to express was cut off. The countess's role whoever played was the worst of all.

When Bollywood actors act in Hollywood movies they easily overshadow the famed Hollywood actors because the facial expressions are lot more & the ability to give dialogues is also better. Dharmendra has not won any filmfare award in India is because he is himself a 2nd grade hero, had it been the Mighty Amitabh Bachchan or Rajesh Khanna this movie would have been even more watchable & it would have been a big hit too. The entire movie would have been even one sided against the Hollywood stars.

We were required to see this film by our college professor.

After watching this film... I can only conclude... that this is one of the great films made in India. It is a mere classic! It has been made with combined great performances by both Hollywood and Bollywood stars, making the film one of a kind.

If you haven't watched this film I wholeheartedly recommend you to. I give it a 10/10 rating!