Kartavya

Kartavya review :

Based on relatively unexplored issue of animal poaching, Kartavya was an out and out actioner starring Dharmendra, Rekha, Aruna Irani and Utpal Dutt in pivotal roles. In a first of sorts, Vinod Mehra played a negative character which frankly, didnt suit him even with that fake 'massa' to look evil.

It was actually Ranjeet who looked mighty convincing as Jacob, the driver who is discreetly on villain Dutt's payroll. They are poachers killing animals for their horns, tusks and skin...whatever sells in the international market. Dharam comes there as a forest officer and proves a tough nut to crack... Rekha has an interesting role of an informer going straight after falling for Garam Dharam's irresistible charm. Oh well!!

Kartavya was a decent actioner with some good stunts involving animals. The tiger fight is the film's highlight sequence which contributed significantly to its box office success. Rekha's sizzling number with Dharam was the other reason.

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

This movie was remake of Dr Rajkumar starrer movie"Gandhdad Gudi"(Temple of sandalwood). Some portion of the movie was shot in lonavala , where I used to live as kid.Had seen some action scenes shot there.in Ryewood Park.

Vijay Kumar is transferred to the very forest, where his father served creditably in the Department.

To catch poachers, ivory and sandalwood thieves, he first has to clean up his own field office. The arrival of his mother poses complications, right to the very end of this simple story line, with strong environmental conservation and anti poaching messages.

Rekha, as Neeta a wildlife photographer, danseuse turns in a saucy and sinuous performance. To the very end of a tightly edited and well directed movie, her loyalties are not clear. A creditable performance.

Farida Jalal as a simple village belle is quite convincing with her village-speak. It is only after the intermission that the plot unfolds to reveal her loyalties.

All in all, the direction is tight, Dharmendra's performance as Vijay Kumar, a Forest Officer defying all odds to emerge is characteristic of him. Stunts are sometimes a bit boring, but generally well done.

Immense amount of research has obviously gone into development of the storyline, direction, script and editing.

Two good hours of entertainment. If the songs had been better, I would have give it a #9 rating, so have to be content with a #8.