Kaala Patthar is a 1979 Indian Hindi-language action drama film produced and directed by Yash Chopra, with a screenplay written by Salim–Javed. The film was based on the Chasnala mining disaster and stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Rakhee Gulzar, Shatrughan Sinha, Parveen Babi, Neetu Singh, Prem Chopra, and Mac Mohan. The film received critical acclaim, attaining cult status and is considered a classic in Hindi cinema.
Plot
The film tells the story of Vijay Pal Singh (Amitabh Bachchan), a disgraced Merchant Navy captain, who is branded a coward, humiliated by society and disowned by his parents for abandoning his ship and risking the lives of over 300 passengers. Feeling guilty over his cowardice, he starts working as a coal miner to forget his past. He meets and becomes friends with Ravi (Shashi Kapoor), an engineer in charge of the mines. He also makes an enemy in another co-worker named Mangal (Shatrughan Sinha) who is an escaped convict working in the mines to avoid the police. Seth Dhanraj (Prem Chopra) is the greedy boss who makes life difficult for the coal miners. Water floods the mines, endangering the lives of hundreds of workers trapped underground. Ravi, Vijay, and Mangal succeed in saving the miners, although Ravi injures his leg and Mangal dies.
Cast
The film stars some of the most renowned actors in Hindi cinema, including:
- Shashi Kapoor
- Amitabh Bachchan
- Rakhee Gulzar
- Shatrughan Sinha
- Parveen Babi
- Neetu Singh
- Prem Chopra
- Mac Mohan
Soundtrack
The film score was composed by Salil Chowdhury while the songs featured in the film were composed by Rajesh Roshan with lyrics written by Sahir Ludhianvi. Some of the most popular songs from the film include:
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | “Ek Raasta Hai Zindagi” | Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar | 5:20 |
| 2. | “Baahon Mein Teri” | Mohammad Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar | 4:15 |
| 3. | “Meri Dooron Se Aye Baaraat” | Lata Mangeshkar, Chorus | 3:20 |
| 4. | “Jagaya Jagaya” | Mahendra Kapoor, S. K. Mahan, Pamela Chopra | 6:55 |
| 5. | “Dhoom Mache Dhoom” | Mohammad Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Mahendra Kapoor, S.K. Mahan | 7:40 |
| 6. | “Mujhe Pyaar Ka Tohfa Dekar” | Mohammad Rafi, Usha Mangeshkar | 5:15 |
Box Office
Despite only doing average business at the box office, the film grossed over ₹6 crores during its lifetime run. Adjusted for inflation, the film grossed ₹150 crores ($18 million) as of 2023.
Awards and Nominations
For her performance in the film, Neetu Singh was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress, which was her first and only Filmfare Award nomination.
27th Filmfare Awards:
- Best Film – Yash Chopra (Nominated)
- Best Actor – Amitabh Bachchan (Nominated)
- Best Supporting Actor – Shatrughan Sinha (Nominated)
- Best Supporting Actress – Neetu Singh (Nominated)
- Best Music Director – Rajesh Roshan (Nominated)
- Best Male Playback Singer – Kishore Kumar for “Ek Raasta Hai Zindagi” (Nominated)
- Best Story – Salim–Javed (Nominated)
In conclusion, Kaala Patthar is a timeless classic of Hindi cinema, known for its intense performances, gripping plot, and memorable music. The film’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and actors, making it an essential part of Indian film history.