Nastik

The Indian film, Nastik, produced in 1983, is a critically acclaimed movie, a dynamic portrayal of faith and disbelief. The film stars some of India's top-performing artists including Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Pran Sikand, and other notable characters. Decorated filmmaker Pramod Chakravorty directs it.

Nastik, meaning Atheist, is a powerful narration of revenge intertwined with the eternal question of faith and divinity. This dramatic feature film thrives on the solid performance of arguably India's greatest acting talent, Amitabh Bachchan, and ever elegant Hema Malini with scintillating chemistry between them occupying most of the screen time. Further backed by the robust performances of supporting cast like Pran Sikand, Deven Verma, and Amjad Khan, the film leaves a compelling imprint on the viewer's mind.

Amitabh's character takes a leap from a faith-abiding devout person to an atheist due to the personal angst born out of a tragic event. The protagonist's sense of justice being outraged molds him into a non-believer. His plight against the faith system and the resultant emotions sets the central theme around which the whole story revolves. As the film progresses, we see striking performances unfolding the moral and philosophical dilemmas of religion, belief, and self-justice.

Hema Malini, ever so versatile, adds a fresh breath of air to the rather intense plot. Her lively performance meets the match in Amitabh. Both of them create a lasting impact with their poignant performances and on-screen camaraderie, taking the narrative forward and lending the needed emotional depth to the story.

Pran Sikand delivers a towering performance in his role as a tough man with a golden heart embracing the complex arousals nuanced in the script. His on-screen presence adds gravity to the plot; his seasoned acting skills are visible in the manner he makes a challenging role effortless.

Nastik's music, under the composition of celebrated duo Kalyanji-Anandji, takes the film to a different level altogether. Every song in the film is an extension of the narrative and is meticulously placed in the plotline. Significant lyrics written by Anand Bakshi, together with the melodious tunes of Kalyanji-Anandji and the soulful renditions of Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar among others, enhance the movie's overall charm. The film’s soundtrack was especially popular and still enjoys a humongous fanbase among the lovers of Hindi Film music.

The storyline is sharply written and crafted, shedding light on social and religious hypocrisy and the protagonist's resolve to seek justice. The producer-director team of Pramod Chakravorty and Vinod Doshi ensures a smooth flow of sequence. Nastik portrays the director's affluence in experience and knowledge about the masses that the film aims to address.

A special mention goes to the movie’s technicalities, including Art direction, Cinematography & Editing - all myths in themselves. Shot in the typical eighties backdrop, the film's settings add authenticity to the plot. It offers an excellent fusion of drama and suspense, with the right touch of melodious music.

Nastik perfectly mirrors Indian society's many cross-sections, reflecting upon the country's deep-rooted belief systems vis-à-vis the protagonist's personal struggle of unbelief. Besides, it successfully highlights the conflicts between good and evil in society.

In summary, Nastik is a compelling movie that majors on the theme of faith, belief, and atheism remembered for its powerful performances, particularly by Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini. It offers a thought-provoking storyline, exhilarating music, impeccable direction, and well-crafted character development, making it a must-watch for every film enthusiast. Although it came out over three decades ago, the decisiveness of Nastik's narrative resonates with viewers even today, thus activating its relevance in the current times.