Karma

Karma, a 1986 Indian Hindi film, marks one of the symbolic ensemble cast collaborations in Indian Cinema. This cinematic masterpiece is directed by Subhash Ghai, a towering figure in Indian film industry often called the 'Showman of Indian Cinema'. It features an impressive lineup of stars including veteran actor Dilip Kumar, Nutan, Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Anupam Kher and Sridevi. The movie sets a new benchmark for movies in the action genre with enriching story composition and intricate dialogues.

The film revolves around Rana Vishwa Pratap Singh portrayed by Dilip Kumar, an imperial ethical police officer, soon, directly confronting the stark realities of crime and corruption within the system. The plot follows Singh slowly withdrawing away, embarking on a journey towards his idea of justice after a profound personal tragedy- and this intricately woven tale of destiny is termed 'Karma'.

'Karma' is a cinematic blend of action and drama that unfolds the conflict of ideologies between two bass characters: Rana Vishwa Pratap Singh and an anti-hero Dr. Dang, played by Anupam Kher. Dr. Dang is a fierce and destructive antagonist, harboring fierce grudges against the Indian Government which cost him his happy and peaceful life. He carries a sharp distinction as a character who has turned the pain of his past into a motive for his criminal activities, making for a riveting on-screen conflict.

Director Subhash Ghai excellently highlights the see-sawing morality of this conflict of characters which is played out in innovative ways through the narrative. Ghai's storytelling sets these moral dilemmas, grand ambitions, and quests for justice against the colorful, larger-than-life backdrop of the 1980s Bollywood, producing stellar cinematic moments.

Dilip Kumar's portrayal of Vishwa Pratap is viewed as one of his most memorable performances, as he navigates his character through a myriad of emotions - from the angst of getting justice to enduring personal loss, maintaining an eloquence which maintains his reputation as the 'Tragedy King'. Nutan is also commendable as Vishwa Pratap's wife, portraying a strong, nurturing presence that further flesh out the protagonist's character.

Naseerudin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, and Poonam Dhillon embellish the ensemble cast, playing reformed convicts who will leave a significant impact on the unfolding of the narrative. Their performances add another layer to the story, making it all the more engaging. Sridevi delivers a memorable guest appearance dazzling the audience with her dance numbers.

Flavors of patriotism and Indian mythology are artfully interspersed in the film. Rana's character is often viewed as a representation of 'Dharamraj' or 'Judge of Actions' from Indian mythology, signaling his journey and objective throughout the movie. This ingenious combination of theater and mythology makes for an intriguing undercurrent within the film.

Intense and heart-thumping action sequences intersperse the plot, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, making 'Karma' a singularly arresting cinematic experience in 1980s Bollywood.

Subhash Ghai livens up a very potentially somber subject with plenty of lively songs, expertly composed by the duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, which veer between uplifting dance numbers, melancholic melodies, and patriotic anthems. The background music by Louis Banks integrates beautifully with the narrative adding depth to the movie's tensest moments.

A significant highlight is the intricate and poetic dialogues by Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza. The film's dialogues, laden with metaphors and underlying messages, have become iconic over time. Combined with Ghai's adept direction and the convincing performances of the actors, they bring out the essence of the characters and situations brilliantly.

In terms of cinematic experience, 'Karma' is a visual spectacle. Ghai, along with a seasoned team, stages grand sequences and action scenes that live long in memory even after the film ends. From production design to costume, everything adds to the movie's grandeur.

'Karma' is not just an action-drama – it is a commentary on crime, corruption, justice, and the human ability to change. It shows that nobody is born evil or good; it is our experiences and decisions that shape our destiny, hence the title 'Karma'.

To conclude, 'Karma' stands as an engaging entry in Bollywood's action-drama roster. From its memorable performances, compelling storyline, and impactful dialogues, to a heart-thumping soundtrack, every aspect of this film comes together harmoniously to offer a thought-provoking and entertaining cinematic experience.