Yaarana

Review By Kamal K

Though this movie was a typical masala film with the then one man industry, I will still go for this movie if just to relive the Bachchan magic all over again. And yes, the real stealer in this movie & a huge crowd puller on its own, was the music of the film. Scored by the very talented & at times under-rated Rajesh Roshan, even 40 years down the line every song of this movie is still so soothing to the ear. I have also read somewhere that the most melodious song of this movie 'Chookar mere man ko' was actually not liked by the concerned producer & is still there in the film solely because of an adamant Rajesh Roshan, supported by who else but the greatest among all actor-stars that the Indian silver screen has seen till date, the one & only Amitabh Bachchan....!

Known more for the novelty of Amitabh as a pop star rather than for the overall quality of the movie. Amjad Khan had ballooned due to the after effects of his Goa accident and his unrestrained dietary choices. This made him looked awkward in many scenes, though he did win an award for the role. Here onwards Amjad Khan's graph as a menacing villain went down and he had to switch to lesser comedic roles. The comedy scenes in the film looked hilarious back in the days but now seems ridiculous and forced. The rest of the cast were ok. Movie is passable but does not stand out in memory.

Kishan and Bishan are childhood friends. Kishan, a poor boy, stays in a village. Bishan goes to a city becomes captain of a ship. After many years when Bishan returns he discovers golden voice of his friend Kishan. He brings him to city with him and on all odds he plans a stage show for him. To train Kishan in urban manners he send him to a school run by Komal. After the show Kishan becomes very popular. However, some goons highjack Bishan's ship (with many childern aboard) Bishen tries to save them but then he is made to run away for his life. (A small role nicely payed by Kader Khan as Bishan's driver - who sacrifices his life for Bishan). Bishan is presumed dead, though actually he looses his mental balance after seeing the children tortured). How Kishan now pays back to Bishans family is rest of the story.

As Bishan, Amzad Khan perhaps played his one of most sincere roles in this movie. Amitabh is polished, and a village baffoon in city his comedy is superb. Tanuja is her small role makes an impact.

Rajesh Roshan has given good music and the song "Choo kar mere man ko kiya tune kya ishaara...", and this song is apt fot this movie too.

Yaarana is a movie about friendship. Amitabh Bachchan in a powerhouse performance. Alongside Amitabh is the late Amjad Khan in another powerhouse performance. The movie is a simple tale about 2 friends and their sacrifices they have to make to help each other including family and financial situations. Yaarana is a light hearted entertaining movie which gets quite serious towards the interval. Amitabh is always brilliant, but its Amjad Khan who gives a surprising role as a good hearted character. After Many negative roles Amjad Khan finally plays a Good guy and does a Fantastic job of it. The movie was a Blockbuster Hit in India. The music was also a Super Hit, Tere jaisa yaar is my favourite among the songs. This is One movie that i never get bored of it. A big time entertainer and Must see

Yaarana review :

A film based on childhood friendship; Yaarana was about a village simpleton Amitabh Bachchan whose city bred bestie Amjad Khan helps him become a famous singer.

Directed by Rakesh Kumar, the film's first half was a breezy comedy while the second half was action packed. The role suited Amitabh perfectly and he was brilliant in each and every scene whether as Kishan singing "Bhole o Bhole" to his dear friend or later, bashing up the goons in climax. This was a film purely depending on the super stars histrionics.

What makes Yaarana special for me is the "Saara Zamaana" song where Amitabh appeared in a bulb fitted suit. I saw that song on DD National programme 'Chitrahaar' and demanded my grandparents to buy me that suit for my fifth birthday!! I used to dance to that song impersonating Amitabh's signature steps.

Yaarana, as a film, was an average fare but it was Amitabh and his bulb wala dress which made it a box office success.

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni