Bandish

"Dancer, Kishanlal marries the beautiful Nisha but is tragically separated from her by an unjust criminal charge. Embroiled in industrial espionage, he is framed and wrongfully imprisoned for a series of arson attacks on his own mill – a sabotage carried out by a greedy business competitor. While he languishes in prison, the competition continues to flourish, aided by some unscrupulous associates.

Meanwhile, the innocent Nisha is left alone to care for their young son, Munna. She falls into despair and is beleaguered by an escalating series of personal and financial problems. In the midst of these hardships, she makes a discovery about her past that leaves her shell-shocked – her beloved late father, a renowned professor, had adopted her as a child. This information shatters her identity and undermines her faith in the goodness of humanity.

At this point, Bandish takes a dramatic turn. A chance encounter with a street-smart, sprightly tramp-cum-drifter named Deepak (Danny Denzongpa) brings in a ray of hope in Nisha's life. He is keen to help Nisha, and together they device a plan to bail out Kishan. Deepak's character adds a vein of comic relief and provides a significant contrast to Kishanlal's intense seriousness. What role this new ally will play in Nisha's quest for justice forms an essential part of the narrative.

On the other hand, Kishanlal, still incarcerated, seems to be losing all hope. However, his love for Nisha and the desire to bring the perpetrators who separated them to justice gives him formidable strength. He is not just a wronged man seeking justice, he is the symbol of perseverance and relentless fight against injustice.

The crux of the storyline is built around the triumvirate of Kishanlal, Nisha, and Deepak, as they navigate their way through a series of dramatic events, each filled with tension, intrigue, and emotional pangs. They face insurmountable challenges in their mission, and these events form the high tempo drama of Bandish.

The movie is a fine blend of suspense and drama, with elements of romance and hearty doses of comedy. Reminiscent of the vibes of the '80s in Bollywood cinema, it is an ideal package for fans of the period's multifaceted storytelling. A compelling storyline complemented by spot-on performances uplifts the narrative. Rajesh Khanna graces the screen with his typical charm. Hema Malini fits naturally into her distinctly challenging role, giving an unforgettable performance. Danny Denzongpa’s depiction of Deepak is note-perfect, and he effectively handles the comic and serious aspects of his role.

One cannot discuss Bandish without mentioning the soundtrack. Composed by the acclaimed duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal and enriched by the unforgettable voices of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle, the music is a high point of the movie. Their tunes, alternately peppy and soulful, play in the backdrop of the various ups and downs of the characters’ lives, adding an additional emotional layer to the narrative. Lyrics by Anand Bakshi are wonderfully meaningful, each song telling us more about the moods and motivations of the leads.

The glamorous costumes, the larger-than-life sets, melodious music, and Valliyanthara's compelling choreography intensify the Bollywood charm that unfolds vividly in the 80's era. Beautifully capturing the essence of this period, Bandish is a delicate mixture of love, treachery, retribution, and justice.

Directed by K. Bapaiah and produced by Shrikanth Nahata, Bandish is a memorable film from the Golden Era of Bollywood that resonated well with audiences. The movie contends with ethics and morality, the indomitable human spirit and the triumph of good over evil – an indispensable credo of the classic Indian cinema. Its characters are memorable, its plot intriguing and its narrative as engaging as the era it was made in. This powerful drama, set against the backdrop of the glamorous and hazardous world of dance and industry, is an absolute classic that is sure to leave audiences thoughtful and entertained."