Karma

I first saw this film when I was 8. I loved it then and I love it even more now. The main aspect of this film you have to realise is that, whilst it may not be up to the usual standards of the sophisticated pallette belonging to your average everyday hollywood filmgoer, Karma was a huge leap in filmmaking within India. Its brilliance lies not within the meagre budget it was made with (meagre compared to Hollywood standards) but with the dedication applied by its cast, crew and of course its most prized asset...the director.

Karma is a film that, admittedly, does not have the sophistication of a Lethal Weapon or Die Hard. You may think im making excuses for a poor film. On the contrary its with these obstacles in mind that Karma has become a GREAT film. The quality of acting talent within the film is awesome, including the great Dilip Kumar and Naseeruddin Shah. The story itself has won several awards and the most important part of the film is the directors style of filmaking which is so unique and stylised that, although this film has been made on a budget and some of the effects may leave a little to be desired, karma is beautiful to watch. The flowing camera movements never let you sit still, the music, though may sound the same, is emotive and used sparingly in the right places to create the perfect effect as a great wine does with your evening meal.

Subhash Ghai is an awesome filmmaker as he never bows to the traditional method of filmmaking. He is an innovator in the art of Indian movie making who tackles the strongest issues and social weakness in India and indeed humanity itself. Be it the recruiment of children into crime and terrorism as displayed so eloquently by the three young protagonists, the strength of family values which can overcome even the hardened minds displayed by Dilip Kumar or just the need for unity in the country and the world against oppression. Karma is an ideological film, based on the idea that all humans are inherently good and that life itself creates the difference between an officer and a criminal. Therefore no matter which god you believe in, what country you are from, in life your actions define who you really are

Subhash Ghai always manages to blend cheesy dialogs in what could otherwise be a solid movie.

While I agree with other reviewer who commented on the limited stunts, there is a deep-rooted soul in this movie that is hard to ignore.

The cast contributes well but so many famous actors would normally mean some roles will have that negative what-are-you-doing-here value-add to the overall story line.

To my dear Western friends, I can only add that I hear your complaints when you compare this to a Hollywood action movie. But this is not a traditional action movie. There are strong emotional overtones in all Indian movies, without which the story will invariably lack any punch.

And to the friend who is hesitant in watching Sholay, I can assure you it is one of, if not the, greatest Hindi action movies. You probably may want to talk to an Indian fan of Sholay to set the context for the story, as you may not be able to relate to the characters if you focus only on action.

I would be very happy to tell you how Sholay is a unique movie from so many perspectives. But most important of all, it has some of the greatest performers from India cinema - Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra and Amjad Khan - what a first performance ! His character strikes fear and I would venture to say his role of brutal, take-no-prisoners mindset is a major departure from traditional Indian villains.

To others who liked this movie, please do check out "Kaala Pathar", "Deewar".

Good luck.

I would give it a 9.9 out of ten. It's star cast is huge and One movie that is different.Dilip Kumar is honest police officer and he has a happy living family and is husband of Nutan. Dilip Kumar we know he is just the god of acting so he is greatest. Anupam Kher's best performance as a villain, the dialog of" is thapad ki gunj ab tume sunai DE GI" comes from this film. Dilip has caught him in jail and somehow he runs away when he is at home and then in an accident caused by Dr. Dang his family dies meaning only a small kid and his wife stays alive but she is mute now since seeing her young kids dead.

The song " Tu mera karma tu mera dharma" is in this film.

Its very patriotic film based on a complete different story.

Great cast like Dilip Kumar, Nutan, Naseerudin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Poonam Dhillion, Anupam Kher, Bindu, Jugal, Tom Alter. etc. Above all Subash Ghai and Mukta Arts.

Dilip decide to end the terror of Dr. Dang so he needs soldiers but not police officers they are his prisoners and in few days these three guys will be hanged. He is giving them a chance to do something for the country. Things go on and he takes them to a village and trans them but Jackie and Anil try to escape but can't. If a say everything than it would be just giving you all the whole story so then it would be boring to watch the film. There was a number shoot on Madhuri which didn't appear in the film. But usual Subash does gives a glim in a song. The movie is great and is worth watching to all Indians even non Indian.

The direction is amazing, the cinematography is amazing. The lyrics and choreographer, music, art direction, even the sets were wonderful.

The combination of two most wonderful, dynamic, and almost gods of acting in one movie first time is just amazing.

Dilip Kumar, Naseerudin Shah are wonderful in the movie and there is a twist and to find out more must watch the film.

The couple Jodi Jackie and Anil were great and even leading ladies were good. Nutan gave the best not her greatest because she was a leading lady and a legend. Sridevi was great and her item number with Anupam was good. Poonam was good but not that good. But Anupam was the best at negative. Great music and great action, comedy and family drama. Kind of melodrama

Base theme is mosley same as Sholay. Title song is good and repeated every time in the movie. Other songs feels boring and drags the fim. Most characters are always looks screaming. Mosley dramatic and excess use of patriotism. Dilip Kumar leave Impression with his acting. Length if the film is feels long.

Karma is a great entertaining movie from Subash Ghai. Subash has given us some great films like Khal Nayak, Karz and Hero. Karma tells the story of Dilip Kumar, a Prison Jailer who unfortunately has the responsibility of holding Terrorist Anupom Kher. Anupom Kher escapes and is responsible for the massacre of Dilips family. Dilip then decides to lead a secret mission, with the help of three death row convicts. The storyline is similar to many Bollywood Films like the Classic Sholay. Karma is still a good version packed with comedy and action. Dilip Kumar gives a great performance and is Bollywoods Best Actor before Amitabh took over in the early 70s. Jackie Shroff is Good Anil Kapoor provides most of the comedy in a superb performance. Naseerudin Shah is the silent Hero in a above average performance. Sridevi is my old time favourite actress in a good performance. Poonam has a small role. Anupom Kher had a fantastic opportunity to portray a Villain role as the iconic bollywood baddie Deng, and delivers a OK performance, personally I think he doesn't suit as a villain, I did not find him evil enough, not as menacing as amrish puri or Danny who would of been a better choice.