Mr. India

Mr. India is one of Bollywood's most original and inventive movies, pushing Indian cinema's imagination to its very limits back in 1987. Directed by Shekhar Kapur and produced by Boney Kapoor, the film showcases a magical blend of rich storytelling, delightful humor, robust drama, and an array of musical performances that fundamentally resonate with the audience of all age groups.

Among the cast are legendary Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Amrish Puri, each of whom delivers an iconic performance in their roles. Anil Kapoor portrays the lead character Arun Verma, an affable and responsible man struggling to make ends meet, while raising a group of orphaned children in his care. The storyline takes an intriguing twist when Arun accidentally discovers a gadget inherited from his late father, which has the extraordinary ability to make the wearer invisible. Adopting the alias "Mr. India," Arun leverages this power to fight crime and stand for justice while battling the daily challenges of his humble existence.

Sridevi, enhancing the movie's charm with her stunning performances and delightful comic timing, plays Seema, an internationally renowned journalist who eventually shares a romantic bond with Arwin. As the reign of terror becomes more substantial at the hands of the prime antagonist, Sridevi takes on a more prominent role in helping "Mr. India" evade the clutches of the evil mogul. Her comic sequence of imitating Charlie Chaplin remains one of the most memorable scenes in Bollywood history.

Amrish Puri, as the formidable villain Mogambo, with his villainous eccentricities and flamboyant military-style costumes, delivers a performance that etches the character deep in the annals of Indian Cinema. His catchphrase, "Mogambo Khush Hua" ("Mogambo is pleased"), is an unforgettable symbol of his chillingly domineering role. Mogambo, having an eye on ruling India, consistently unleashes chaos and destruction. The subsequent tussle between Mr. India and Mogambo forms the crux of the storyline, keeping viewers riveted till the very end.

Beyond the performances of this star-studded cast, Mr. India's true strength lies in its attention to detail and its conviction in blending reality with fantasy. The film also brings together the dream team of Javed Akhtar (scriptwriter) and Kishore Lulla (producer), who successfully managed to create an adventure-filled fantasy packed with loads of entertainment. The song "Hawa Hawaii," which was picturized on Sridevi, became a major hit and remains a cherished favorite even today, and is a testament to their vision.

Furthermore, the film, equipped with advanced technical effects for its time, lends credibility to the concept of invisibility on the big screen. The invisibility gadget isn't a tool for cheap thrills but is augmented with an in-depth understanding of its implications and limitations. This element of philosophical thought in the movie's fantastical theme is one of its greatest strengths.

While Mr. India may be appreciated for its villain's megalomania or the hero's invisibility cloak, its core essence lies in its endearingly tight-knit family of orphaned children. Despite their hardships, their spirits remain undefeated, and their camaraderie and unshakeable faith in Arun are heartwarmingly real and genuine.

With a unique concept, a compelling narrative, and well-chalked-out characters, especially the villainous Mogambo, Mr. India sets the bar high for Bollywood's fantasy and adventure genre. It might have been released in 1987, but Mr. India's enduring charm, memorable performances, and catchy music ensure that it remains a classic that tugs at our heartstrings even today.