Gardish

Gardish is a relief from the usual Bollywood masala movies where the plot is just an excuse for the hero to take on the bad guys and beat them black and blue. This film has a strong plot, good music, slick editing and good cinematography.

The story revolves around Shiva (Jackie Shroff) whose father's (Amrish Puri)dream is to see him become a police officer. However, circumstances compel Shiva to cross paths with a local thug Billa Jilani (Mukesh Rishi). One day while Billa beats up Shiva's father, Shiva decides to take matters into his own hands and beats up Billa severely, sending him to the hospital. While in the hospital, Billa contemplates taking revenge against Shiva and once he gets out of the hospital, he begins to terrorize the whole village and Shiva's family. Will Shiva take a stand against Billa or will he act according to his father's principles, putting his dreams of becoming a police officer to the fore?

The story is very well told and Priyadarshan did a really good job of keeping the viewer involved. I didn't know that Priyadarshan can direct an action film and that too with a good story and acting.

Jackie Shroff unquestionably gives the best performance of his career after Parinda. He proves that he is a director's actor and Priyadarshan succeeds in bringing the best out of him. Amrish Puri is excellent as Jackie's confused father and he proves yet again that he can carry off not just the negative but also the positive roles with aplomb. He has very large, expressive eyes conveying anger, sadness and fear painstakingly. Dimple Kapadia is also good as the prostitute and her last scene is heart wrenching. Raj Babbar succeeds in creating an impression in just a guest appearance.

Overall, Gardish is a good and thoughtful film. If you like meaningful cinemas, then this movie is for you to watch.

I strongly feel, this is one of the GREAT movies of Indian Cinema (better say World Cinema). It has the heart-prints-story of emotions between the father and son. Full marks goes to its Director - Priyadarshan who has beautifully characterize and picturize this movie. Normally I like to write shortcomings of the movies rather than appreciation. But here I am confused. Excellent acting by Jackie, Amrish, Dimple, superb cinematography, very well written story. A VERY NATURAL MOVIE.

One of Priyadarshan's viciously underrated films...and in my opinion, Gardish is one of the most well acted Indian films ever. The story is of an aspiring policeman (Jackie Shroff) who gets caught in a web of hooliganism and the fight of his father (mesmerisingly played by Amrish Puri) to keep his son from becoming corrupt. The story may sound tried and tested but the results on screen are nothing short of amazing. Excellent direction by Priyadrashan, where he more than capably manages to portray the emotions of both father and son. The film never bores or loses the audience's attention because the screenplay is so flowing and relevant. I think Amrish Puri deserved a National Award for his performance and this is one of Jackie Shroff's most praiseworthy performances. The star of the show though, once again, is Amrish Puri (surely the most underrated actor to work in Bollywood). His performance rivals that of Amitabh Bachchan's in some of his classics such as Sholay and Silsila. If you like to be entertained by watching well acted, well directed and stimulating films, then you must watch this!

Priyadarshan's 'Gardish' is a Bold and Disturbing film, that tells the story of a common man gone angry. Priyadarshan, now known to be making Comedies, has actually made one of his finest films in 'Gardish'.

'Gardish' tells the story of how the Evil can turn even the Holy, on the wrong side. A common man is caught in a gruesome atmosphere where he has no chance to survive. It's the story of each and everyone.

Let this writer inform you this very clearly: 'Gardish' is not for the faint-hearted. The overdose of gruesome violence is sure to put the illy-livered disturbed. And even the intense & tension build sequences are sure to appear dark and gritty to many. But for me, the violence and tension shown in the film appeared so justified, so well-written, that the grip just doesn't go away.

Priyadarshan is truly in terrific form here. 'Gardish' easily ranks amongst his finest efforts to date. The Cinematography is excellent. Even the Soundtrack, is impressive.

Performance-Wise: Dimple Kapadia is absolutely amazing in a strong supporting role. Dimple is one of the most talented performers Hindi Cinema has witnessed! Jackie Shroff delivers a performance that can silence even his worst critics. Amrish Puri, like always, is marvelous. Raj Babbar leaves a mark. Farida Jalal is very sincere. Mukesh Rishi, however, delivers his finest performance in here. He plays the twisted villain with such command, that you begin to hate him. Bravo, Indeed! Annu Kapoor does a fair job.

On the whole, 'Gardish' is gruesome, disturbing, but an amazing watch nevertheless. One of the finest films from the 1990's. Strongly Recommended!

Priyadarshan made some good serious films earlier before HERA PHERI

This is one of his best films ever

The story is well handled and the turn of events are well handled Amrish- Jackie scenes are a highlight and the way the film moves it keeps you on the edge till the end

The film may seem dry for some people but the way it is handled deserves kudos

Priyadarshan's direction is at it's best Music is okay

Jackie Shroff excels, this is one of his best performances Sadly we don't get to see such roles from him now Amrish Puri is another highlight, the veteran always gave his best in Priyan films Dimple is good Suresh Oberoi is likable Mukesh Rishi is okay rest are okay