Besharam

Besharam is a popular 1978 Indian Hindi drama film directed by veteran filmmaker Deven Verma. The movie is produced by Debesh Ghosh and the music of the film has been composed by Kalyanji Anandji. The storyline was brilliantly conceived by Nabendu Ghosh, who weaved together an entertaining story that resonates with viewers even today. The film features some of the most iconic stars of the Indian silver screen, including Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Amjad Khan and Bindu.

Besharam, meaning 'shameless', is not your typical Bollywood movie. It revolves around a lawyer, played by Amitabh Bachchan in one of his most controversial roles to date. He portrays a flawed and unapologetically rebellious character who, despite his faults, continues to endear himself to the viewers. Bachchan's performance in this film has often been cited as a turning point in his career, showcasing his brilliant acting skills and his ability to handle complex characters convincingly.

Co-starring with Bachchan is Sharmila Tagore, who essayed the role of the protagonist's love interest. Sharmila, seasoned and known for her emotional depth, gave a powerful performance, matching wits with Bachchan's character. She brilliantly portrays a woman who empowers herself and doesn't hold back in expressing her disgust for the "shameless" actions of Bachchan's character. The chemistry between the two was brilliantly captured throughout the film, leading to an entertaining cat and mouse game with dialogues that remain memorable even decades later.

Bindu adds another layer to the narrative as the film's primary antagonist. She is known for her beautiful and ruthless portrayals of negative characters, and she didn't disappoint in Besharam. Her interaction with the protagonist plays a vital role in the film, adding a touch of suspense and keeping the audience hooked.

The movie also showcased a great performance by Amjad Khan as the infamous gangster. Despite its main focus on the leads, the film cleverly integrates Amjad's character into the plot, adding to the dynamic storyline. His performance added a surprising freshness to the film, appealing to the viewers who have enjoyed his previous villainous roles.

The film combines a thrilling narrative woven with elements of romance, suspense, and drama. Deven Verma, the director, did justice to each of these aspects, making Besharam a complete package. The narrative is balanced, ensuring every scene has its significance and connections to the climax. The screenplay, written by Charandas Shokh, is riveting, flowing effortlessly from scene to scene in a versatile mix of comedy, drama, and action - a blend synonymous with the best Bollywood productions of that era.

What makes Besharam stand out is its distinct music. Kalyanji Anandji's melodies reflect the mood of the film perfectly. Even though the film was set in the late 1970s, the evergreen songs composed by this duo are enjoyed by generations of music lovers. The songs range from emotional solos to foot-tapping numbers that catered to the diverse music taste of audiences.

On a deeper level, Besharam deals with themes of morality and personal conduct in society. It delves into the complexity of human behavior and raises the question of what is truly 'shameless'. It speaks volumes about the importance of standing up for the truth, even when it is not the most popular thing to do. Also, through this movie, the director provokes thoughts about judging others and how appearances can be deceptive.

In conclusion, Besharam is a classic Hindi film that has left a substantial mark on Indian cinema. Unforgettable performances by its star-studded cast express the intricacies of their characters, making the film a must-watch for any cinema enthusiast. The film's narrative is iconic and strikes a perfect balance of romance and drama that appeals to a broad variety of audience interests. Despite being released over four decades ago, Besharam has aged beautifully and remains relevant, admired as one of the most memorable films of that era.