Himmatwala

Directed by Sajid Khan and released in 2013, Himmatwala is a Bollywood action comedy that's based on the 1983 film of the same name. With a star-studded cast including Ajay Devgn, Tamannaah Bhatia, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Paresh Rawal, the movie offers a nostalgic trip with a blend of comedy, action, emotional drama, and colorful dance sequences.

Ajay Devgn, a powerhouse of action in Bollywood, takes on the role of Ravi, the protagonist. After many years away, he returns to his village and faces the truths about his family's downfall and the injustices inflicted on them. Ravi is determined to save his family's honor and bring those responsible to justice.

Tamannaah Bhatia, a known face in the South Indian film industry, makes her Bollywood debut in this movie. She plays the role of Rekha, the daughter of the movie's antagonist, Sher Singh, enacted by Mahesh Manjrekar. Rekha is a beautiful, vivacious, and fierce character who shares a love-hate relationship with Ravi, which adds an electrifying spark of romance to the storyline.

The talented Mahesh Manjrekar is Sher Singh, a ruthless landlord and the primary antagonist of the movie. Sher Singh is a man of power and arrogance and doesn't shy away from expressing it vehemently. His character adds the necessary clash of tones in the story.

Paresh Rawal, known for his brilliant comic timing, plays the role of Narayan Das, Sher Singh’s brother-in-law. The combination of evil and comedy expressed through his character brings light-heartedness in the intense action-packed drama.

The narrative thread of Himmatwala revolves around a classic tale of good against evil, set in a rural backdrop, making it a rustic, desi entertaining affair. The village, Ramnagar, is under the tyrannical rule of Sher Singh. This portrayal takes us back to the Bollywood narratives of the 1980s where the village stood as a symbol of oppression by a powerful few and the hero stood as a beacon of hope for the powerless many.

Ravi, the protagonist, is presented as a metaphorical messiah, brimming with courage and fearlessness in the face of overwhelming odds. His oath to protect his family and his fellow villagers against the antagonizing landlord forms the crux of the storyline. This theme of avenging the wrong meets with the nuances of romance, melodrama, song, dance, and comedy to form the extravagant Bollywood curry western that is Himmatwala.

The film is rich in Bollywood's distinctive style of music and dance, with foot-tapping numbers and eye-catching choreographies that are an indispensable part of Indian cinema. The songs recreate the zeitgeist of the 80s, complete with colourful costumes and larger-than-life sets, set to the tunes composed by the duo Sajid-Wajid.

Himmatwala integrates the social issues characteristic of the 1980s Indian context, including poverty, violation of human rights, and the crisis of dignity and social equality. While the movie maintains a light-hearted approach, it’s not completely bereft of an underlying social commentary. Thus, while you can enjoy Himmatwala as a mindless entertainer with its action-packed sequences and hysterical humor, the undertones of social rebellion can not be completely overlooked.

The movie's action sequences are meticulously crafted and appropriately placed to keep the audience at the edge of their seats. The screenplay, although infused with comedy and dramatic moments, maintains the story's rhythm and carries the narrative forward seamlessly.

Himmatwala didn’t rake in rave reviews from critics often citing it as over-the-top, but it caters to the segment of the audience who savour the larger-than-life elements of the Indian cinema. If you appreciate uninhibited performances, conventional plotlines, loud humor and, most importantly, the 'dhishoom-dhishoom' fights, then this wholesome entertainer might appeal to you. Despite being a remake, the movie has its distinctive style and panache that align well with the contemporary audience's taste.

Through Himmatwala, director Sajid Khan tried to bring the 80s era back to the silver screen with its quintessential elements. Whether he succeeded or not is a factor of individual taste. But one thing is for sure - if you are seeking a movie that brings back the nostalgia of the 80s era or a fan of star performances or masala films, then Himmatwala could be just the pick for you.