Dharmatma

Dharmatma is a 1975 Bollywood thriller movie directed by Feroz Khan who also stars as one of the lead characters. Alongside him, we have an ensemble cast consisting of stalwarts like Premnath Malhotra and Hema Malini. The cinematography is visionary, the scenery is beautiful, and it stands as a classic in Bollywood cinema. Set against the extravagant backdrop of Afghanistan, the story takes us on a labyrinthine journey filled with suspense, romance, and high-stakes decisions.

The movie opens up with the character of wealthy entrepreneur Seth Dharamdas (Premnath Malhotra), an influential man in the industry with a dark past. Dharamdas’s character reflects a ruthless businessman who is also eager to protect his image in society. The narrative explores an unexplored dynamic in 1970s Bollywood cinema as it sheds light on the intriguing gray areas of the mob-business culture.

Feroz Khan as Ranbir, Seth Dharamdas's eldest son, brings an added layer of complexity to the narrative. Ranbir's character is a gentle soul, starkly contrasting his father's ruthless demeanor. He is shown to have a deep belief in honesty and good deeds, where his moral compass often clashes with his father's corrupt practices. With restrained performance and heartfelt dialogue delivery, Khan truly leaves an impact on the audience.

Playing the female lead in Dharmatma, Hema Malini's character Reshma, a vibrant cabaret dancer, is an epitome of grace and charm. Reshma's relationship with Ranbir forms a compelling part of the story. Their romance blooms amidst the harsh realities of their world, lending an empathetic touch to this action-dominated narrative. Hema Malini inherited her classic style, vivaciousness, and an undying spirit that complemented Khan's intense character beautifully.

Adding a canvas of emotions to the narrative is the character Anu, Ranbir's childhood friend and confidante, played by Rekha. Her unrequited love for Ranbir and her silent sacrifices add depth to the story, making the plot rich with sentiments.

The film's music, composed by the legendary Kalyanji-Anandji, plays a significant role in expressing the film's mood and theme. Each song tells a different story, adding depth, and perspective to the plot while advancing the narrative in an engaging way. With numbers like "Kya Khoob Lagti Ho" and "Tere Chehre Mein Woh Jadoo Hai," the movie's soundtrack is pleasing to the ear and caresses the heartstrings.

In Dharmatma, the scenic rugged beauty of Afghanistan is captured in its full glory, giving Bollywood a first-of-its-kind international appeal. The cinematography made this film memorable and visually spectacular. The use of Afghan landscapes, colourful local customs, and mesmerizing culture, contributed to an evocative setting for the complex narrative.

The movie is remembered for its dialogues which exquisitely capture the emotional turmoil, complex motivations, and moral ambiguities of its characters. Penned by Kaushal Bharati, the dialogues are hard-hitting and thought-provoking, often going beyond run-of-the-mill Bollywood writing.

Dharmatma also beautifully embraces the themes of morality, destiny, and the harsh realities of life. Amidst its heart-pounding action sequences and tender romantic moments, it focuses on the constant struggle between good and evil. The movie's narrative tends to evoke introspection in the viewer's perspectives, especially regarding matters involving ethics and choices in one's life.

Feroz Khan's direction is critically acclaimed for his brilliant storyteller abilities, setting the stage for a crime saga that doesn't shy away from exploring complex themes. By introducing audiences to this perceptible world of family drama intertwined with underworld dealings, Khan breaks new ground in mainstream Hindi cinema.

In conclusion, Dharmatma is a compelling Bollywood thriller that offers much more than just a crime story. It engages with audiences at many levels, be it emotions, action, morality, or romance. The film's vivid portrayal of characters, memorable music, striking visuals, and thought-provoking dialogues make it a classic worth re-visiting even decades later. With its evocative storytelling and memorable performances, Dharmatma holds a special place in the annals of Indian cinema.