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The movie Naseeb is a Bollywood classic that falls under the genre of family drama and action. Directed by Manmohan Desai, it hit the screens on March 17, 1981, and instantly captured the hearts of audiences with its gripping storyline, stellar cast, and memorable music. The film is a mix of drama, action, romance, and comedy—a complete package that became a huge hit in its time. This review explores various aspects of Naseeb, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and overall appeal.
Plot Summary
Naseeb revolves around the intertwined lives of a group of individuals whose fates are dramatically altered due to a twist of events. At its core, the film explores themes of love, betrayal, revenge, and destiny. It follows the story of Johnny (Amitabh Bachchan), a waiter who dreams of a better life, and Vicky (Shatrughan Sinha), his close friend. Their lives take a drastic turn due to a winning lottery ticket that brings both fortune and misfortune. Packed with surprises and emotional moments, the story keeps you engaged from start to finish without a dull moment.
What’s Good?
Stellar Performances
The cast of Naseeb delivers some of the finest performances of their careers. Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Johnny is charismatic and relatable, while Shatrughan Sinha adds depth to the film with his strong screen presence. Hema Malini and Reena Roy bring charm and grace to their roles, and the legendary Pran delivers a powerful performance as Namdev, a pivotal character in the story.
Direction and Screenplay
Manmohan Desai’s direction is one of the highlights of the movie. Known for his ability to mix multiple genres seamlessly, he creates a narrative that is both entertaining and emotionally impactful. The screenplay by Kader Khan is sharp, with dialogues that resonate with audiences even today.
Memorable Music
The soundtrack of Naseeb is iconic, with songs composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Hits like “John Jani Janardhan” and “Chal Mere Bhai” not only elevate the movie but also remain evergreen classics. The music complements the narrative beautifully, adding energy and emotion to key moments.
Action Sequences
The action choreography is another strong point of the film. The fight scenes, particularly the climax, are well-executed and keep you on the edge of your seat. The blend of drama and action is handled expertly, ensuring a thrilling experience.
Comedy and Emotional Depth
The movie strikes a perfect balance between light-hearted moments and emotional depth. The comedic timing, especially from Amitabh Bachchan and the supporting cast, brings relief amidst the intense storyline. At the same time, the emotional arcs of the characters are portrayed with sincerity, making you root for them.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Star-Studded Cast: The ensemble cast brings the story to life with their remarkable performances.
- Direction: Manmohan Desai’s unique style of storytelling makes the movie an unforgettable experience.
- Music: The soundtrack is timeless and perfectly complements the film’s mood.
- Pacing: The film’s narrative is engaging and keeps the audience hooked.
Weaknesses:
- Predictable Tropes: While the story is entertaining, some elements feel formulaic, which may not appeal to modern viewers.
- Length: At nearly three hours, the movie feels slightly stretched, with a few scenes that could have been trimmed.
- Melodrama: The emotional scenes, while impactful, occasionally border on being overly dramatic.
Target Audience
Naseeb is a family entertainer that appeals to audiences of all ages. Fans of Bollywood masala films, 80s cinema enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a mix of drama, action, and music will find the movie highly enjoyable. It’s also a must-watch for Amitabh Bachchan’s admirers and anyone who loves the classic charm of Bollywood.
Box Office Details
Naseeb was made on a budget of approximately INR 3.5 crore, a significant amount at the time. The movie was a massive box office success, earning over INR 15 crore worldwide during its theatrical run. Here’s a breakdown of its earnings during the first five days:
- Day 1: INR 1 crore (India: INR 80 lakh, Overseas: INR 20 lakh)
- Day 2: INR 1.2 crore (India: INR 90 lakh, Overseas: INR 30 lakh)
- Day 3: INR 1.5 crore (India: INR 1.2 crore, Overseas: INR 30 lakh)
- Day 4: INR 1.3 crore (India: INR 1 crore, Overseas: INR 30 lakh)
- Day 5: INR 1.1 crore (India: INR 85 lakh, Overseas: INR 25 lakh)
The movie’s commercial success solidified its position as one of the highest-grossing films of 1981 and a landmark in Bollywood cinema.
Recommendation
Naseeb is a timeless Bollywood classic that offers a perfect mix of drama, action, and music. Its star-studded cast, engaging story, and memorable songs make it a must-watch for fans of Hindi cinema. If you enjoy films that celebrate the magic of fate and human relationships, this one is highly recommended.
Genres:
Drama
Rating:
7.2/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Amitabh Bachchan | John Jaani Janardhan |
| Shatrughan Sinha | Vicky |
| Rishi Kapoor | Sunny |
| Hema Malini | Asha |
| Reena Roy | Julie |
| Kim | Kim |
| Amjad Khan | Damu (Damodar) |
| Kader Khan | Raghu (Raghuvir) |
| Prem Chopra | Raghu’s eldest son |
| Shakti Kapoor | Ashok |
| Pran Sikand | Namdev |
| Amrish Puri | Don |
| Dharmendra | Self |
| Raj Kapoor | Self |
| Shammi Kapoor | Self |
| Rajesh Khanna | Self |
| Randhir Kapoor | Self |
| Rakesh Roshan | Self |
| Waheeda Rehman | Self |
| Mala Sinha | Self |
| Sharmila Tagore | Self |
| Simi Garewal | Cameo Appearance |
| Simple Kapadia | Self |
| Bindu Desai | Self |
| Vijay Arora | Self |
| Govardhan Asrani | Self |
| Mohan Choti | Self |
| Dev Kumar | Self |
| Master Bhagwan | Cook |
| Birbal | Cook |
| Dulari | Malti |
| Dinesh Hingoo | |
| Azaad Irani | Rustom |
| Manik Irani | Fighter |
| Jeevan Dhar | Professor Prem |
| Satyendra Kapoor | Lottery Winner |
| Ekram Kashmiri | Officer |
| Yusuf Khan | Zebisko |
| Shubha Khote | Ms. Prema |
| Viju Khote | Rodrigues |
| Manmauji | Student |
| Guddi Maruti | |
| Indrani Mukherjee | Self |
| Keshto Mukherjee | Ad Director |
| Mukri | Mehboob Bhai |
| Prema Narayan | Self |
| Lalita Pawar | Mrs. Gomes |
| Jagdish Raj | Jaggi |
| Sheetal | Girl in parking garage |
| Om Shivpuri | Mr. K.K. |
| Sunder | Cook |
| Master Tito | John |
| Komilla Wirk | Self |
| Anees Bazmee | Young Vicky |
| Ketan Desai | |
| Saul George | Pilot |
| Master Laddu | Child |
| Maqsood | Henchman |
| Gulam Abbas Moontasir | Fighter |
| Surendra Rahi | Fighter’s Assistant |
| Jullian | Zebisko’s Henchman |
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