Dhuan

Sunil Verma is asked by his boss to impersonate dead man Saxena and steal secret national documents, jewels and gold statues from Devigarh estate. Ashok Saxena, a race car driver, is the younger brother of Rani Gayatri Saxena's dead husband, who was the high commissioner in Manila. In Devigarh, only Gayatri knows Ashok on sight. Sunil has been briefed well by his boss. Ashok's picture with Gayatri has been replaced by Sunil's. She is unable to prove that Sunil is a fake and asks Sheela (Ashok's ex-fiancée) to come as she too knows Ashok by face. But Sheela also says that's her fiancée - is she lying? Or under some coercion?

Solid mystery thriller that doesn't fail to keep ones attention, and though it has some implausibilities - which all thrillers have, the trick is to not make glaringly visible - that can be confusing, it's quite riveting and has good performances all round, especially from Rakhee Gulzar whose portrayal as the benevolent rani is the main heart of the film, and so is Mithun who is a great counterpart as the man who claims he is Ashok Saxena. Of course there's a massive twist in the end, which is the highlight and executed in typical masala fashion.

You were asking from which Hollywood movie has this been copied from, well the answer is: Chase a Crooked Shadow (1958) . I haven't yet watched this film completely but only till the half or so...so far it seems tight and interesting .I have seen the Hollywood one...a movie you will always remember. Intriguing story, 'look behind you' thrills, 'face at the door' shocks, solid acting, a great 'twist in the tale' and haunting guitar music.It may have been cheaply made and studio bound but it just goes to prove you can't beat a good story and ... a memorable tune. Enjoy, because they don't make them like that anymore.That situation is a simple one plot-wise. A menacing stranger (with equally menacing friends) has intruded into a wealthy woman's life purporting to be her long dead brother. But is he or isn't he? She is quite sure he isn't. She turns to the police and to her Uncle Chan for help, but none seems to be forthcoming. End of plot...or is it? I may be wrong (although I don't think so), but I fancy I've also seen the same footage of the "car careering down the mountain road" scene in another totally different movie, but for the life of me I can't remember the name of it. Maybe some one can help me out? This little black and white thriller keeps the guesswork and the suspense right through to the last. Every time I see it I wonder just how Alfred Hitchcock would have approached it. Differently no doubt, but I don't think he would have done any better. It's just fine as it is. Watch it and see.

I was watching 'Suraksha' (again) and then something prompted me to check earlier filmography of Mithunda. This is when I came across 'Dhuaan' and the one liner wiki plot info saying that it's a thriller made me curious to give it a try. And now I think, how could I possibly miss this movie?!

Plot: Okay, I have read in other reviews that it is a remake of a British movie. But I must say that this indeed is a commendable Indianised remake. From beginning till the very last scene plot keeps you on your toes with out giving away even a hint for the climax.

Music: It was okay. Intro and two songs with Ashok and Sheela are very well placed with the narration. Bhajan was alright. One song seemed to be chopped off in the YT version. CORRECTION: I tried hard to find this missing song. Unfortunately, as this movie is B-grade as per 80's standard, there is hardly any information available. However, still with great difficulty I could verify that there was no missing song. In fact, movie contains just 4 songs, which are already shown in the YT version.

Characters: Introduction of characters as well as suspense was good. In fact, reactions of all characters to every new twists are quite realistic. Most appreciable of all was the intelligent presentation of Sheela. I liked it when she first recognized Hasimbhai and later the doctor. In both the scenes her confusion and reaction to new realizations were quite evident.

NEW ADDITION-Stunts: While discussing with a friend, I realized that I did not mention any thing about the quality of stunts/action. Definitely, stunts are sloppy. In fact, racing-demo defies basic Physics principles which even a non-science major understands. However, this does not mars the performances of the actors. Sloppiness in the stunt- quality is accredited to the production house. Given that it was not a big banner film, they seem to be limited on financial front, costing the stunt quality.

Over all, as mentioned in one of the above reviews, definitely this movie was made ahead of time. When compared to present time, it is definitely something interesting like 'Kahaani'. So overall I would say, indeed a must watch!!