Nakhuda

Set in the vibrant, eclectic and complex city environment of Mumbai, the 1981 Indian drama film Nakhuda is a quintessential Bollywood movie that underscores the often-underrepresented theme of adoption and the endless possibilities it can entail for all parties involved.

Directed by Dilip Naik and produced by Yash Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films, Nakhuda, translates as 'Captain' or 'Pilot,' metaphorically representing the principal character of the film, Ravi Shankar (Kulbhushan Kharbanda), who takes an orphan beggar under his wing, positioning himself as the guiding force in the child's life.

True to his image in the Indian film industry, Kulbhushan Kharbanda imbues Ravi with the requisite empathy and strength, casting him as a determined and compassionate character who upholds the significance of altruistic deeds in society. The narrative unfolds as Ravi, a successful insurance agent, chances upon a destitute child on the streets, who picks his pocket only to be caught in the act. Intrigued by the child’s audacity, instead of reprimanding him, Ravi hands him a piece of bread, sparking a relationship built upon sudden, inexplicable attachment and unpretentious generosity.

The child, revealed to be an orphan named Raja (Raj Kiran), reciprocates Ravi's kindness with deep-seated gratitude and affection, which translates into fierce loyalty for his benefactor. Raj Kiran's portrayal of Raja is no less compelling – he transforms the scrappy street urchin into a heartwarming character, illustrating how resilience and determination can be gleaned even from the most disadvantaged circumstances.

Swadepat’s character, Sonia, is met with when Raja encounters her at one of the lavish parties that Ravi’s status affords him, and he subsequently falls in love with her. Sparks quickly fly between Sonia and Raja, and in typical Bollywood fashion, their burgeoning romance is captured with elaborate dance numbers, heartfelt moments and a touch of melodrama, providing a counterbalance to the underlying serious theme of the movie.

Providing a stark portrayal of the socio-economic divides inherent in Indian society is the plotting of the characters against the backdrop of Mumbai – a city that teems with extremes; an amalgamation of affluence and poverty existing side by side.

However, all is not smooth sailing for the disparate duo as they grapple with their evolving relationship, the societal implications of their standing, and the hard-nosed reality of life that brings with it unforeseen turbulence. The narrative delves into how bonds forged in testing times stand the test of time even when tested by the trials and tribulations of life.

Nakhuda shines a light on society's often overlooked segments, and skillfully intertwines this with a narrative that embraces the full spectrum of emotions—from profound sorrow to moments of pure joy, the spark of newly burgeoning love to the endurance of almost parental affection. The movie is underscored by a captivating soundtrack composed by Khayyam with songs penned by lyricist Nida Fazli. The music of the film complements the narrative and emotions of the characters, with each song narrating a piece of the story.

The 1981 Bollywood movie, Nakhuda, is indeed a worthy watch; a poignant tale delineating an uncommon man's extraordinary journey of fatherhood, the romance that blooms amidst it, and the profound life lessons gleaned along the way. It sublimely discusses that parenting may not be tied solely to biology but can be rooted in forms as diverse as humanity itself. As a blend of drama, love, struggle, and celebration, Nakhuda stands as a testimony to the multifaceted nature of relationships and life.