Khuda Gawah

This is not an afghani film!!!! Its a bollywood potboiler, starring all Indians - not one Afghani actor. Only a few scenes were shot in Afghanistan, during the rule of the Communist Dr Najibullah, when Kabul was a civilised city, not the rubble pile it has become today. Its a fun film, all fantasy and popcorn entertainment. It says nothing about afghans, however - its based on an old Indian conception of the Afghans and their attachment to honor and their word. Reality is of course very different.

This one is surely one of Amitabh most underrated classics. Amitabh's third film with Mukul Anand (after Agneepath and Hum) in a phase in which he had no hits except for Hum. When this film was launched it had sanjay Dutt in the role of Nagarjuna. But although Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan are like brothers now and Sanjay sees Amitabh Bachchan as a father figure now there was quite a hungama between Amitabh and Sanju at that time. And only because of a song. For the movie HUM a song was recorded JUMMA CHUMMA sung by Sudesh Bhosle and kvita Krishnamurthi. Everybody knew the song was going to be a hit. But the master of copies BAPPI LAHRI took the tune and used it for THANEDAAR starring Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit and created his own Tamma Tamma Loge. Bachchan was upset and Sanjay stepped out of the movie. farah Naaz (a pretty actress- now more known as Tabus elder sister) was supposed to play Shilpa Shirodkar's role but because Sridevi had a double ole in this movie (and according to me it's her best double role ever) Farah did not have the guts to do the film and opted out. A good film with splendid performances by Bachchan and Sridevi- actually their best film of all the films they did together (Inquilaab and Aakhree Raasta beibg the other two.).

Yes, Khuda Gawah is, lamentably, low on imagination. What it does have is loads of drama, melodrama, melo-melodrama. It is hugely unconvincing as a story, even though as a fairytale it might be a good watch for lovers of Hindi cinema. No one should be giving it too much attention, let alone take the story too seriously. The portrayal of Afghan people and culture is terribly lacking and even as an epic the emotions are so gushing and exaggerated that few people with normal patience would be able to go through it all. Ditto for the typical action scenes. What it does have is relatively good production values, nice locales and impressive costumes. The idea is interesting, since few filmmakers would be willing to step out of their comfort zone and do something like this, as flawed as the result was. Amitabh Bachchan is too old for his part, and therefore one cannot take his performance very seriously anyway. Danny Denzongpa is efficient as the loyal friend. Sridevi has sure got great histrionics, and it is sad that she was probably not good in choosing the right films. She rises above a poor script, but who does it really benefit when the quality of a film is not up to the mark and the role is so missing in depth? She is wasted even though she is responsible for some of the film's brightest moments and does well in both her roles. Khuda Gawah sure was special, but sadly, not good enough, and for me, it was just a one-time watch. Watch at your own risk.

Nothing beats when Baadshah Khan puts his hands on his hips and gives Benazir that look! And Could two people be better at flirting with just their eyes? These two smolder on the screen in this epic tail of love and sacrifice. The film has a wonderful and haunting soundtrack...with some phenomenal on screen song and dance numbers. The historical costuming is intricate and colorful, adding drama all on its own. There is such a small window of joy and celebration in this film...but what euphoria it brings!

I both laughed and cried thru this film and couldn't be happier that this was my introduction to both Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi, both of who are national treasures in their native India.

This was also my introduction to Bollywood and really set the bar very high.

Warning do not watch dubbed versions of this film as you will miss out on Amitabh Bachchan's lovely and deep baritone speaking voice...which contrasts with Sridevi's more dulcet tones.

I recommend this film to all my friends and enjoy it every time I see it.

Khuda Gawah is certainly one of the most epic films of Indian cinema. Starring two biggest megastars of India Sridevi and Amitabh Bachchan,Khuda Gawah is a must watch. Beautiful direction,melodious and evergreen songs,beautiful performances and above all chemistry of Sridevi and Amitabh. With this movie Sridevi became the only actress in the history of Indian cinema to bag a double role in a Amitabh Bachchan starrer. I think this is the best and the greatest role ever written for an actress opposite Amitabh Bachchan. The first half is mind blowing and unforgettable. The introduction scene of Sridevi,is the greatest introduction scene ever given to an actress. Amitabh Bachchan in his pathan avatar is brilliant as always. I think this is his most underrated performance. Sridevi yet again deliver another great performance which in my view is her best performance and her best double role. She is a treat to watch in the role of Benazir and she is Benazir mean unparallel. The ending scene,song and reunion of Sridevi and Amitabh Bachchan is so emotional that it can make you cry. Overall a masterpiece by Mukul S Anand. Also one of the best soundtracks(all songs) and one of the greatest background musics of Bollywood. Sridevi and Amitabh at their best. My most favorite movie of all time and most favorite performances of my most favorites Sridevi and Amitabh Bachchan. All hail for the Last Empress and Emperor of Indian cinema.