Le défi mortel

An interesting blend of Western and Indian filmmaking, "Shalimar" (a.k.a. "The Deadly Thief," the title under which I saw it) is a light, undemanding piece of entertainment. Director Krishna Shah demonstrates a great deal of visual flair (particularly during the final jewel-theft sequence, which I can't describe more fully for fear of giving it away). The entire cast is appealing, especially Rex Harrison as the suave, manipulative host, and John Saxon as a mute master thief. The movie's weak point, in terms of plausibility, is the miscasting of the gifted but ungainly Sylvia Miles as a tightrope walker/acrobat. (The cuts to her stunt double during the action sequences are among the most obvious, unconvincing substitutions I've ever seen.) However, the vivacious Miles has such fun with the role that this flaw can be overlooked.

I am so awfully sure that for anyone caring for the art of cinema in its qualities of western standards or the overall universal technical values, this movie is an example of "A guide of what NOT to do for a respectable movie"... But its charm (as one commenter puts: "..It's a bad movie but I can't help liking it...") lies somewhere else.

I must say I was surprised to find out that it didn't do well in India when it hit the theaters but that flopping may happen to any "big budget" movie anywhere anytime.. I also agree that Dharmendra and especially Zeenat Aman could have been performing much better or the Holly-Bolly partnership could be taken to a more qualified level. But this movie is like a showcase of what could be done within limits of a status-quotic cheesy-commercial cinema and utilising what's at hand in high quality. Despite its flaws, each and every moment is fun and as with all "bad but great" movies, technical or artistic flaws actually add rather than deduct from the film's value! It's one of my faves from 70s Bollywood and from many points, it really has its great moments. Never approach with cinematic excellency of Western values; nor it is too much typically Bollywood'ish either. Somewhere between the lines and hauntingly captivating and fuuuuun!

Here it is, India's first and greatest cult film! It's a great film no doubt but it has some really bizarre stuff that has to be seen to be believed!! The tribal dance by the sea is a real treat! The resurrection of Colombo is incredible! The songs by the incomparable R.D. Burman are fabulous and so is the haunting background score, some of which is available on the CD release of the music. The roles of John Saxon and Sylvia Miles are unforgettable. The film itself suffered badly at the box office when it first came out due to over-hype and the fact that the main theme of the film didn't connect with the masses - lack of nativity. Folks, do yourself a favor right now! Rent this film and watch it. It is unlike any Bollywood film you'll ever see.

I would start saying, it was a film too ahead of it's times, when released in India. It was what we have today as Ocean's 11 or 12 or the Italian job. For the fact it flopped in India, is because the majority of the audience saw it go over the top and there was no connectivity with this film.Caper films have never been a forte in 'bollywood', so shah's western influenced ideas did not really go well with the native masses who were more interested in revenge melodramatic dramas, 'dakus','mujras', and 'angry young men'. Looking back, it's definitely a cult film and the Gen today would appreciate shah's efforts more than the Generation of '78.

This is an absolutely splendid film!!!

Not only because this is a Hollywood and Bollywood joint venture film but also because the acting of all the star cast is great.

I especially liked Rex Harrison, Dharmendra, John Saxon, and Zeenat Aman's performances. The flair of their acting seemed so natural which led me to get engrossed in the film. This is very uncommon for me.

The song: "Mera pyar Shalimar" also has a very good soundtrack and is great to listen.

If you are doing nothing on the weekend, I suggest you visit a nearby video store to rent this video. You will just enjoy it!!!