Bandhe Haath

Bandhe Hath review :

Released a few months before Amitabh Bachchan became a sensation with Zanjeer (1973), Bandhe Hath is one of his lesser known films with OP Ralhan helming it (producer/actor/ ghost director) and Mumtaz as his co-star.

The plot revolves around a thief (Bachchan) wanting to turn a new leaf and assuming the identity of his doppelganger writer (Double role) who dies in an unfortunate incident. Posing as the writer, Amitabh falls in love with the dancer Mumtaz until his past comes to haunt him in form of a tough cop (Ajit) on his trail.

OP Ralhan's execution was not too bad but the major issue here was lack of chemistry between Amitabh and Mumtaz. By early '70s, Mumu was an established star and Bachchan, a newbie with multiple flops in his kitty, looked stiff in front of her. His performance was quite good, mind you, but his scenes with the gorgeous Mumu lacked spark!!

Bandhe Hath was rejected by the audience in the first run but once Zanjeer released, it picked up business in some centres and did much better in re-runs. Amitabh's fans must watch it (in case they haven't) for experiencing the time when he wasn't "Big B" yet!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.