Meri Zabaan

Meri Zabaan is an action drama film from India, directed by Shibbu Mitra and released in 1989. The film stars three big names from the Indian film industry — Shashi Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, and Vinod Mehra.

The narrative of Meri Zabaan revolves around a web of family relationships, friendships, loyalties, betrayal, crime, crusty, and vengeance. Set against the gritty backdrop of metropolitan cities, the movie navigates through the contrasting worlds of the affluent and the underworld.

Shashi Kapoor plays the role of Ram Kumar, an honest and upright advocate who is well-respected for his assertive sense of justice which, at times, brings him into conflict with the local criminals. Famous for his powerful dialogue delivery and striking presence on screen, Kapoor effortlessly carries the character of a justice-seeking lawyer, amplifying the righteousness of his role through his expressive eyes.

On the other hand, Mithun Chakraborty portrays the character of Ravi Kumar, a young man living in the harsh realities of the unseen, crime-ridden facets of the city. Ravi's life is far removed from the comfortable existence of the lawyer Ram, yet their lives mysteriously intertwine. Chakraborty, with his versatile acting skills, engages the audience, portraying the complexities of his character effectively. The duality of his role – a friend, a fighter, and a victim of circumstances - is a highlight of the film.

Vinod Mehra, another seasoned actor, plays the character of Inspector Vijay, a sincere police officer dedicated to keeping the city safe. His character adds another layer to the movie towards uncovering the truth and maintaining law and order.

The film paints a picture of the societal dichotomy between the law-abiding citizens and the law evaders using an intricate plot, carefully knit together with various elements of an authentic Bollywood masala. It has all Indian cinema's classic elements: powerful dialogue, poignant moments of drama, thrilling action sequences, compelling narrative arc, and the rhythmic allure of music and dance.

Meri Zabaan gets its title fittingly as the film advocates for truth and justice, ensuring that one's voice – their 'Zabaan' – is never silenced in the face of corruption and crime. The movie narrative underlines the age-old Indian cinema theme where good triumphs over evil, accentuating the strength of the human spirit and the power of tenacity.

The heavily stacked star cast is further amplified by the performances of other actors like Farha Naaz, Kimi Katkar, Gulshan Grover, and Amjad Khan. Their presence and portrayal of respective characters provide a wholeness and depth to the storyline.

Another key feature of Meri Zabaan is its soundtrack. The movie's music, composed by the talented duo of Anu Malik and R.D Burman, plays an essential role in shaping the film's overall mood and narrative. The songs are a blend of upbeat dance numbers and soulful melodies that are typical of Bollywood cinematics powerfully enacted by the lead actors.

The cinematography and use of locations develop the contrast between the characters' lives. The bright and comfortable spaces of Ram's world starkly contrast with the dingy, dark alleys representing Ravi's world, symbolizing their parallel yet intersecting lives.

Overall, Meri Zabaan is a showcase of classic Bollywood filmmaking with its combination of drama, action, romance, and music set against the backdrop of a crime-infused society and a justice-seeking protagonist. It effectively uses the powerful tool of expressive language and dialogue – the 'Zabaan' – to present a story that inspires, entertains, and makes one think. It is a film that is likely to appeal to lovers of classic Indian cinema, where every element weaves together to create an engaging piece of cinematic art.