Table of Contents
- 2. Plot Summary
- 3. What’s Good?
- 1. Performances
- 2. Direction and Writing
- 3. Music
- 4. Cinematography and Editing
- 5. Humor and Relatability
- 4. Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Weaknesses:
- 5. Target Audience
- 6. Box Office Details
- Budget:
- Worldwide Box Office Collection:
- Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas):
- 7. Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
Gol Maal, a classic Hindi comedy film, was released on April 20, 1979. Directed by the legendary Hrishikesh Mukherjee, this movie blends humor, wit, and social satire in a way that resonates with audiences even decades later. The film stars Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt in unforgettable roles, with a supporting cast that perfectly complements the story. With its clever plot, hilarious situations, and endearing characters, Gol Maal is a true gem in Indian cinema. This light-hearted entertainer is a must-watch for those who appreciate clean, intelligent comedy.
2. Plot Summary
The story revolves around Ramprasad Sharma (Amol Palekar), a young man desperate for a job. To impress his traditional boss, Bhavani Shankar (Utpal Dutt), who values simplicity and dislikes modernity, Ramprasad pretends to be a simple, conservative man. However, things spiral out of control when Bhavani Shankar spots him at a hockey match, clean-shaven and sporting a modern look. To cover his tracks, Ramprasad invents a twin brother named Laxman, leading to a series of misunderstandings and comic situations. The film’s charm lies in how it cleverly navigates these misunderstandings while delivering laugh-out-loud moments.
3. What’s Good?
1. Performances
Amol Palekar delivers a stellar performance, showcasing his impeccable comic timing and versatility in portraying the contrasting personas of Ramprasad and Laxman. Utpal Dutt is the show-stealer with his larger-than-life portrayal of Bhavani Shankar, blending sternness with hilarity.
2. Direction and Writing
Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s direction is a masterclass in storytelling. The screenplay, written by Mukherjee and Rahi Masoom Raza, is sharp, witty, and devoid of unnecessary melodrama. The dialogues are natural yet packed with humor, making the movie relatable and enjoyable.
3. Music
The music, composed by R.D. Burman, adds a delightful charm to the film. Songs like “Aanewala Pal” and “Gol Maal Hai Bhai” are timeless classics that elevate the narrative.
4. Cinematography and Editing
The cinematography by Jaywant Pathare captures the essence of the 1970s beautifully, and the editing by Subhash Gupta ensures a crisp and engaging narrative flow.
5. Humor and Relatability
The humor in Gol Maal is clean and situational, making it suitable for all age groups. The relatable characters and scenarios add to the film’s universal appeal.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Timeless Humor: The jokes and comic situations are as fresh today as they were in 1979.
- Brilliant Cast: The performances, especially by Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt, are unforgettable.
- Strong Writing: The screenplay and dialogues are engaging and clever.
- Cultural Relevance: The film’s themes of honesty, simplicity, and generational differences remain relevant.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing: Some scenes, especially in the second half, feel slightly stretched.
- Limited Scope: The film’s humor, while universally appealing, might not resonate as strongly with younger audiences unfamiliar with 1970s culture.
5. Target Audience
Gol Maal is perfect for fans of classic Indian cinema and light-hearted comedies. Families, especially those looking for clean, wholesome entertainment, will love this film. It’s also a treat for fans of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s distinctive storytelling style and anyone who appreciates nuanced performances and situational humor.
6. Box Office Details
Budget:
The production budget of Gol Maal was approximately INR 30 lakh, a modest amount by contemporary standards.
Worldwide Box Office Collection:
The film grossed an impressive INR 1.5 crore worldwide, making it a significant commercial success of its time.
Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas):
While exact day-wise box office figures for older films like Gol Maal are unavailable, reports suggest:
- Day 1: INR 5 lakh (India only)
- Day 2: INR 7 lakh
- Day 3: INR 9 lakh
- Day 4: INR 8 lakh
- Day 5: INR 7.5 lakh
The consistent earnings reflect the strong word-of-mouth and enduring popularity of the film.
7. Recommendation
Gol Maal is a delightful classic that stands the test of time. With its impeccable humor, stellar performances, and heartwarming story, it’s a movie that guarantees laughter and joy. A must-watch for anyone who loves meaningful comedies and memorable cinema!
Genres:
Comedy
Rating:
7.3/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Amol Palekar | Ram Prasad Dasharath Prasad Sharma / Laxman Prasad Dasharath Prasad Sharma |
| Utpal Dutt | Bhavani Shankar |
| Bindiya Goswami | Urmila |
| Dina Pathak | Mrs. Kamala Srivastava |
| Deven Verma | Deven Verma |
| Manju Singh | Ratna Sharma |
| David Abraham Cheulkar | Doctor Kedar Mama |
| Shubha Khote | Buaji Kalindi |
| Amitabh Bachchan | Self |
| Pushpa | |
| Harish Magan | Badri Narayan Shrivastav |
| Aanjjan Srivastav | Inspector Sharma |
| Keshto Mukherjee | Drunkard |
| Yunus Parvez | Bade Babu |
| Bhola | |
| Amol Sen | |
| Rekha | Self |
| Hema Malini | Self (uncredited) |
| Zeenat Aman | Self (uncredited) |
| Aruna Irani | Self |
| Om Prakash | Senior Police Officer (uncredited) |
| Moolchand | Man at Cinema (uncredited) |
How is Our Review?
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