Samundar

Rahul Rawail's Samundar is overall a watchable and enjoyable mainstream movie. This is a nice if typical revenge tale only that the person who the hero wants to take revenge on is actually innocent, and he mistakes the real villain who murdered his father for his friend, thinking he wants to help him. There is obviously an inevitable but charming love story in all this involving the hero and the innocent man's lovely sister in-law. The romantic sequences are actually the film's best executed and they overtake everything else in it, even though it is a mixed genre film which could be also called an action flick or a thriller.

The movie is set in modern-day India and takes place around the Maldives on the coastline of the Indian ocean where the main characters reside. Although the story itself is not particularly impressive, the film is beautifully shot and the locations, particularly the many exotic views of the ocean, are simply breathtaking. The film is also quite modern in its presentation of the characters and their lifestyle, which is more urban and affluent. Everything, from the costumes to the sets, contributes to this depiction. Samundar without a doubt has its entertaining and exciting moments of comedy, romance and suspense.

Sunny Deol stars as the leading man and he does very well. Something in his persona in this movie reminds me of his debut role in Betaab, which was actually directed by Rahul Rawail himself. Poonam Dhillon looked a million bucks here and her acting was quite natural. Sunny and Poonam have a wonderful chemistry, which is in my view even better than in Sohni Mahiwal. Anupam Kher and Amrish Puri do their contradicting roles well, and the little girl playing Kher's little daughter is also okay for a child actor and she is very cute and likable. A young actress named Roshni also appears in the film as Nisha, and she's smashing hot!

Rahul Rawail made some very good films in the 1980s, and his direction here is very good. It is of course aided by Baba Azmi's effective cinematography that makes it so visually stunning, but one of the movie's biggest pluses is of course R.D. Burman's exceptional music, which gives the film an enchanting feel and puts this picture in a class of its own. One song that is easily one of my favourite of those times is of course the marvelous "Aye Sagar Ki Lehron", which is also perfectly pictured on-screen, bringing out some of the film's most magic romantic moments.

Samundar is generally fun to watch, and I've actually watched it several times and enjoyed it each time. Superbly shot, well cast, and with great music, the movie would definitely entertain lovers of Hindi film of that period and of this sort. Not at all without its flaws and overall it's nothing particularly special but as said it has its pluses, it flows well, and is an alright thriller cum romance after all.

The 1980s for Indian cinema was the era of formula films for the new fans but it is still an unforgettable time for anyone introduced to Bollywood. Whilst the story in Samundar is the familiar revenge fare, the setting is different and the story has a very urban feel to it. The cinematography in Maldives is excellent. The shooting is even done mainly on beaches, a few years before Baywatch!

In terms of the players, Sunny Deol is the ideal action man. Whilst the acting is not too challenging, he looks the part and looks like he enjoyed certain scenes of the film. However, it is Poonam Dhillon, who is the most vital player in this film. The role is nothing difficult but it looks like she is relishing it. She has never looked more beautiful than in this movie but her acting is also quite natural and her character is very likeable. She very much gets involved in all the physical aspects of her role as a health club instructor, which is nice to see. She carries out all stunts and activities and shows all of her athleticism.

It is the undeniable chemistry between Sunny and Poonam which holds this move together. Their romantic and comedy scenes together are highlights of the movie. The songs that are picturised on them together are memorable, espiecially because of the videos.

Other players also contribute to the film. Industry veterans Amrish Puri and Anupam Kher add reliable support for the film. They are always a perfect match for each other in their conflicting scenes. Paresh Rawal has a minor villain's role here but he is funny in his scenes. Navin Nischol's role is fairly forgettable as it is in the beginning of the film. As other reviews have mentioned, the beginning is nothing too special.

As for Baby Guddhu, there is no doubt that she has a very key role in the movie. For such a young girl, she has given a great performance and she gels with Sunny really well. But the relationship development between their characters is not too convincing and seems rushed.

One has to mention side heroine Roshni in the film. Her career never really took off at around this time, but she is also very beautiful here and is the perfect counter for Poonam Dhillon's main heroine. In fact, both ladies have a memorable showdown against each other in the movie! Minor spoiler alert!

The cinematography is great, and the music and songs are OK. Yes, Samundar has flaws in its script and a rather implausible storyline. But you will always appreciate movies that have a different setting and for that time at least, a modern feel to it. Plus, Sunny and Poonam's chemistry is what really keeps the film together. Recommended for fans of the actors and for fans introduced during the 1980s. Good relaxed entertainment!

We all know Rahul Rawail is a fantastic storyteller and knows how to show his story in the best possible way. The 80's was his golden period after giving a string of hits but sadly, Samundar happens to be one of his least successful during his golden period.

Rawail loves to tell story's that involve violence which is the same case here where a young Ajit (Sunny Deol) is given a contact killing to kill off the same person who killed his father (Anupam Kher)who lives in the Maldives and the film tells the story of this young lad's journey.

As we can see the film has typical 80's sort of story as well as being exciting during every step of the film.

The plus points lie in its direction. The film is shot wonderfully around the Maldives and its always a good direction who never murders his own suspense, hence Samundar always maintains its suspense. The bad side? Well, the film starts off really slow. In fact, the very first 20-25 minutes can be avoided.

The performances are nothing that work wonders as its not another Arjun where the performances matter, but the cast do a decent job.

Overall, a film that can be watched and enjoyed at the same time. A good time pass. And yes, a special mention for the classic song 'Aye Saagar Ki Lahron', its worth it! 3 out 5