Sharaabi

OK, I don't know how many people are gonna read this, but even if only one person does, I have got to say that SHARABI is the great Indian movie.

If I had to give one standout facet of the movie, it would be Amitabh Bachan's performance. Voted Actor of the Millennium by the BBC, this movie would have to be his pinnacle, the crowning glory on a career most American actors would never see.

But it isn't just the acting. The two most important features of a movie - writing/directing - are here in a great style. All right, the editing is a bit dodgy, but that doesn't matter. If it makes sense, the rough edges don't matter one iota in a film this good.

If you don't watch Indian films, then that's you're decision, but you would be missing one of the greatest movies made if you didn't see this.

Sharaabi review :

After launching Sharaabi, noted director Prakash Mehra was asked about its plot. "Well its about Amitabh and he plays a drunkard" came his pat one line reply.

Sharaabi, a 1984 Superhit and my most favourite AB film, is indeed that!! It is about Amitabh Bachchan who plays the kind hearted alcoholic. Thats it. Nothing else really matters!!

Drunken scenes were always the superstars fortè (as evident in Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) and Satte Pe Satta (1982)), but in Sharaabi, Bachchan surpassed his past glory as Vicky, a richie rich guy neglected by his forever busy businessman dad (Pran) who recites poetry in a drunken stupor.

"Pyaar se shaayari mein wajan aata hai" suggests his guardian Munshiji (Om Prakash, endearing) and soon enough, Vicky falls in love with the charming dancer Meena (Jaya Prada).

"Inteha ho gayi, Intezaar ki. Aayee na kuch khabar mere yaar ki"

he laments his yearning in to a song which the legendary Kishore Kumar (rumouredly) sang with a peg in hand just to come in to the mood. Bappi Lahiri's music was truly extraordinary and it rightly won him the Filmfare Best Music award that year.

Amitabh's comic timing is also superbly explored by Mehra Saahab in the "Mucche ho toh Nathulal jaisi" sequence. His emotional outburst against dad Pran makes for another memorable scene.

I watched Sharaabi with my entire extended family at Dadar's Plaza Cinema occupying a full balcony row and yep, having a blast!! A gigantic cut out of Amitabh with a glass of alcohol in hand graced Plaza for more than 25 weeks of its run and I used to admire it everyday from my school bus when it passed from there. Swag ho toh aisa. Cheers!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni

The 80s is known as one of the worst decade for Indian 'masala' films. However, there are a few exceptions and 'Sharaabi' is one of them. While watching the movie one ought to keep in mind that 'Sharaabi' is a 'masala' movie and thus it ought not to be taken too seriously (a mistake many have made). It has all the masala ingredients that make a successful entertainer.

Prakash Mehra's screenplay is quite interesting. It is overall melodramatic but on a level that works. Kader Khan's dialogues are outstanding. This multitalented individual, known mostly for his comedic acting talent creates his words with a mix of philosophy, poetry and humour.

Then there's Bappi Lahiri's memorable soundtrack with its catchy tunes and fantastic lyrics. The soundtrack is an eclectic mixture of different kinds of songs. Before rewatching it recently, I had last seen the film more than 20 years ago but the songs still stayed in mind. My favourite track is 'Inteha Hogayi Intezaar Ki' while 'Jahan Chaar Yaar', 'Tujhe Naulakkha' and 'De De Pyaar De' are a few nostalgic numbers that brought a smile. The songs are nicely visualized such that they are amusing and captivating (mostly because of Jaya's beauty) and appear during suitable moments of the film. There's also a hilarious item song with Smita Patil.

Amitabh Bachchan succeeds in portraying an alcoholic spoilt brat. Vicky couldn't have been an easy part to play and many Hindi film actors tend to go over the top in portraying a drunken man but Bachchan balances it well. Om Prakash delivers a moving performance and Pran plays his part to the T. Jaya Prada is a sight to behold and she reminds the viewer that she's a good actress and an incredibly graceful dancer.

'Sharaabi' is about 3 hours of entertainment. What makes this one particularly stand out are the dialogues and music. The performances and Jaya Prada's beauty are a bonus. This is proof further that there are a few worthwhile masala films of the 80s.

A masterpiece movie from prakash mehra and fabulous and outstanding performance from amitabh the movie is great to see after so many years the dialogues are good and the songs are all nice.

This is an awesome film Dialogues delivered by Kader Khan are so amazing Screenplay by Lakshmikant Sharma is so great Story and direction by Prakash Mehra is at the top of this world Amitabh Bhachchan is so great that i can't even say songs are wonderful what a movie it deserves every award given in the Bollywood industry and maybe even an Oscar such a wonderful film i wish i could just see the copy of this wonderfully written script it feels like it can go on and on taking beautiful Dialogues with it Praksh Mehra should be crowned the king of the 80's for Bollywood entertainment he knows movie and stories and knows how to give them the pace it deserves wonderful movie with directors and actors,scriptwriters unique to 80's Indian cinema just like Sholay this is another 3-hour entertainer that will mesmerize you wonderful job by everybody