Zindagi Ek Juaa

When you think of Prakash Mehra, 3 movies might come off the top of your head, Muquaddar ka Sikandar, Laawaris and Namak Halal.

Zindagi Ek Juaa gets forgotten when talking of his best works as it flopped at the box office but I feel it is very underrated.

I have heard that apparently Mr Mehra had wanted to make this movie during the 80's but the plan failed through and instead he opted for Laawaris.

The opening sequence when Anil Kapoor tells the story reminds me of Amitji's Shakti (in which Anil Kapoor had a small appearance before he became a star).

Maybe it is just a coincidence and I am looking too much into it.

Anil Kapoor shines as the ordinary man thrust into the underworld.

Madhuri does well in a lengthy role.

Anupam Kher is good whilst Amrish Puri is his usual tremendous self as the lead villains.

Suresh Oberoi also does well in a supporting role as the decent policeman who tried to assist Anil Kapoor.

The music by the late Bappi Lahiri is fantastic and I consider this to be one of his best works.

The title song is excellent, Dil To Dil Hain by Asha Bhosle has a wonderful haunting feel to it, the song has remained in my mind ever since I saw the movie 30 years ago.

Overall memorable work from a talented filmmaker.

Zindagi Ek Juaa review :

Originally planned with Amitabh Bachchan in mind, the film went to Anil Kapoor after the Prakash Mehra -Bachchan rift post Jaadugar (1989). The tragic story was more suited to Amitabh's style and swag and though Anil did a reasonably good job, the film couldn't reach up to the level of Mehra's earlier tragic drama Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978). Had it been made in that era with Big B in Anil's role, Zindagi Ek Juaa would've worked well.

Bappi Lahiri's gave yet another chartbuster music to Mehra after their previous successful collaborations. The title track and Kabhi Kuch Khoyaa.. are my personal favourite.

One of the rare movies in that time which shows heroine (Madhuri Dixit) getting addicted to drugs and later, dying of overdose. The film largely suffered due to its excessive run time and that climax which seemed to go on and on...

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.