Izzat - Dharmendra

Izzat is a gripping and notable Bollywood film released in 1968 that showcases a powerful performance by the versatile actor Dharmendra alongside talented actresses like Shabnam and Tanuja Samarth. It’s a classic choice for enthusiasts of Indian cuisine with a taste for engrossing storylines, vibrant landscapes, heart-touching dialogues, and soulful music.

Directed by T. Prakash Rao, the movie displays a delightful blend of romance, drama, and social issues, woven into a compelling narrative that held the audience captive back in the late 60s and continues to do so today. Packed with impressive performances from the star-studded cast, Izzat is a testimony to the golden era of Bollywood when content ruled the roost.

The film sets off on an intriguing note as it introduces Dharmendra in the role of a dual character – a tribal named Shekhar and a classy urbanite called Kumar. As the protagonist, Dharmendra skilfully showcases the ups and downs in the lives of both these men belonging to starkly contrasting backgrounds. The movie tracks their individual journeys and the situations they encounter, highlighting the dynamics of social hierarchy, love, and the quest for justice.

In aid of Dharmendra, veteran actress Tanuja Samarth magnificently plays the character of Shekhar’s love interest, while her performance brings romantic hues to this intense drama. On the other hand, Shabnam, renowned for her brilliant acting, is seen engaging romantically with the character of Kumar. Their intertwined fate takes the audience through several twists and turns, bringing out the plot's real essence.

Much of Izzat's allure stems from its robust characterization, where every actor imbibes their role to perfection. The film pairs its serious undertone with moments of humor and light-heartedness that prevent it from leaning towards excessive intensity. Each character's dance performances, each with their unique style and charm, add a vibrant touch to the film. To compliment these vibrant dance sequences, Izzat features a memorable Bollywood score that is the brainchild of the acclaimed music director duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

Every song in the film is soul-stirring and accompanies the mood of the script beautifully. With lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi, the movie is also a treat for the connoisseurs of old Hindi music. Songs such as ‘Kya Mera Dil Tere Kabil Bhi Hai’ and ‘Meri Zindagi Mein Aate To Kuch Aur Baat Hoti’ got immense popularity and are still admired by the fans of Bollywood music.

The brilliant cinematography of this film takes the viewers on a scenic tour, capturing the rural-tribal life on the one hand and the posh urban life on the other. The aesthetics of the tribal village have been excellently portrayed, with great attention to costumes and the cultural backdrop. Consequently, the city life depicted is as realistic and believable as it gets.

All these elements come together to create a movie experience where the audience explores the contrasting lives of two individuals, Shekhar and Kumar, adding a suspenseful flavor to the storytelling. It carefully showcases the societal norms of the time and highlights some significant social taboos.

Overall, Izzat is an embodiment of what Indian cinema was during the 1960s - a convoluted blend of social issues and engaging storytelling, imbued with memorable performances, prophetic dialogues, vivid settings, and soulful music. This film clearly keeps the audience engaged, making it an excellent choice for fans of classic Bollywood cinema.

Both the velvet-toned romantic affairs and the spicy sprinkling of drama that underscores the narrative make Izzat an enviable feat in the historical tapestry of Bollywood. It’s a good reflection of the time, highlighting the prejudices and hierarchies that plagued society, while wrapping it in a beautifully crafted story filled with love, rage, despair, and an overwhelming sense of justice. Izzat remains a classic film that every Bollywood lover should experience.