Deewaar

One of my greatest films of alltime, the film has an eerie, grey feel about it. Amitabh who went on to amazing status really shines and portrays the character who is (based on Haji Mastan a notorious mumbai outlaw)isolated from society and family magnificantly, the role won him best actor 1975. A film richly layered in metaphor and meaning, with deeply powerful dialogues and symbolic significance. The camera work however makes the film look very dated which may put people off watching an old film, but if your not judging a book by the cover, based on sheer performances and script well worth a watch.

I saw Deewaar again today and it still had the same impact that it did 30 years ago. It seemed as fresh in all ways, especially the direction, the dialogue and of course, the acting of its main protagonist, Amitabh Bachchan.

Mr. Bachchan has left his mark over the years in a number of movies, and this was an early one that his loyalists remember. Seeing it today and realising that he was still in the early stages of his career makes one wonder how he could have got even better since this movie.

Not many movies can claim this effect on its audience after such a long period of time, including several with Mr. Bachchan in the lead.

Nothing could be better and more real depiction of a real life than this movie! Excellent performance of Amitabh which proves that his acting is near real and momentarily you forget that you are still only watching celluloid. Great script encapsulating how the wishes of rags to riches ruin a fine, brave man! I dont remember how many times I have watched this movie, but each time is an experience in itself.

Bravo Amit and the rest ofcourse who aided to have him achieve this performance!!

Indeed, a Yash Chopra classic with style and substance. Scripted by Salim-Javed, who tasted great success that year with another classic, Sholay. Deewar is more meaningful than Sholay, but less entertaining, although both films are very good. Yash Chopra is the director of this film, and what can one expect from a director at the top of his game. Deewar is actually not very original, and in general it's a remake of Ganga Jamuna starring Dilip Kumar. That said, Chopra infuses it with a certain energy which makes for a film that tugs at the heartstrings and remains credible despite being derivative. The dialogue is very strong (obviously some of it is trademark today), the development is very good, and technically the film is better than the usual fare with some excellent camera work, and better handling of the action scenes although it's not perfect.

Where Chopra scores the most is in the portrayal of the relationships which is done in a most realistic and matter-of-fact way even within the limitations of commercial film. The relationship between Bachchan and Parveen Babi is amazingly authentic and believable, and so is Shashi Kapoor's with Neetu Singh. The ideological differences between the brothers is given utmost importance obviously, and it's done well. Needless to say, Bachchan gets a role he became most associated with, and he is remarkably real. He creates a stylish, restrained persona but adds a great deal of depth and layering to it. Shashi Kapoor supports exceedingly well, with their scenes together highlighted well, and Nirupa Roy is a good driving force. The ladies, Babi and Singh, are natural, and Babi in particular presents a moving act. Deewar is an interesting moral commentary.

I think Deewaar is the film most of the people have watched already. But, I'm sure there are many like me who hasn't watched it yet. I just finished it and despite having all those moments which are called 'clichéd' in today's time, I can say it's one of the greatest films in Bollywood.

Story wise it's normal, but its screenplay & dialogues by Salim-Javed and how the actors delivered them are amazing. Specially Big B nailed his character, what swag and attitude the character needed he portrayed it perfectly. It's one of the three Hindi films featured in the book '1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.' One of the most iconic films in Indian Cinema.

Available on ZEE5.

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