Shakti is a 1982 Indian Hindi-language crime drama film, directed by Ramesh Sippy, written by the Salim–Javed duo, and produced by Mushir-Riaz. It stars Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rakhee Gulzar, Smita Patil, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Amrish Puri.
Plot
Retired Commissioner of Police Ashwini Kumar (Dilip Kumar) is at the railway station to receive his teenage grandson Ravi, who has just returned after completing his B.A. exams. On being asked by his grandfather about his future plans, Ravi promptly replies that he wants to become a police officer and serve his country, just like his grandfather. Kumar tells him that the journey of being a police officer is fraught with many arduous challenges, and Ravi should reconsider his decision. Kumar starts by explaining his own life story in a flashback.
The movie was highest grosser movie at box office of that year. Both Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan were nominated for the Best Actor award. Kumar won the award and many argued that Kumar completely overshadowed Bachchan.
Cast
- Dilip Kumar as DCP Ashwini Kumar
- Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay Kumar
- Rakhee Gulzar as Sheetal Kumar, Ashwini’s wife
- Smita Patil as Roma, Vijay’s wife
- Kulbhushan Kharbanda as K.D. Narang
- Amrish Puri as J.K. Varma
- Ashok Kumar as Commissioner of Police (Special Appearance)
- Anil Kapoor as Ravi Kumar, Vijay & Roma’s Son (Guest Appearance)
Awards
The film was critically acclaimed and won four Filmfare Awards, for Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Sound Editing, and Best Actor for Kumar. Both Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan were nominated for the Best Actor award, but it was Dilip Kumar who eventually won it.
Soundtrack
The song “Jane Kaise Kab Kahan” is an evergreen hit. All lyrics are written by Anand Bakshi; all music is composed by R.D. Burman.
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ae Aasman Bata | Mahendra Kapoor | – |
| 2. | Hamne Sanam Ko Khat Likha | Lata Mangeshkar | – |
| 3. | Jane Kaise Kab Kahan | Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar | – |
| 4. | Mangi Thi Ek | Mahendra Kapoor | – |
Shakti is considered to be one of the greatest films in the history of Indian cinema.
Production
The role of Ravi was initially to be played by Raj Babbar and he took an advance, but after Amitabh Bachchan showed interest in the role, Babbar was dropped. Rakhee Gulzar has stated that people warned her that portraying Bachchan’s mother would ruin her career, but she did not care as she was delighted at the prospect of acting with Dilip Kumar who portrayed her character’s husband.
Reception
The film was a commercial and critical success. It is considered to be one of the greatest films in the history of Indian cinema. The performances of Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan were highly appreciated by the audience and critics alike. The film’s climax is often regarded as one of the best climaxes in the history of Indian cinema.
Legacy
Shakti is remembered for its powerful performances, engaging storyline, and memorable soundtrack. The film is regarded as a classic in Indian cinema and is still popular among movie lovers. Shakti was the first and only film to feature Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan together on screen, making it a milestone in the history of Indian cinema. The film is often considered to be a must-watch for fans of Indian cinema.
Conclusion
Shakti is a must-watch for fans of Indian cinema. It is a timeless classic that features powerful performances, engaging storyline, and memorable soundtrack. The film is regarded as one of the greatest films in the history of Indian cinema and is still popular among movie lovers. If you haven’t seen Shakti yet, you’re missing out on one of the best films in Indian cinema.