Sawaal

Sawaal is a 1982 Indian drama film, directed by Ramesh Talwar, a filmmaker known for his artistry and influential storytelling. It features a star-studded cast that includes legendary actors Sanjeev Kumar, Waheeda Rehman, and Shashi Kapoor, who came together for an inspiring and emotionally satisfying experience.

The film's narrative circles around the theme of values, virtues, and the true essence of wealth. It instigates a timeless moral quandary: Is wealth more crucial than relationships and moral integrity? Through splendid performances and a compelling storyline, Sawaal competently triggers a conversation around this age-old debate.

Sanjeev Kumar, one of Indian cinema's most revered actors, plays the role of a wealthy businessman, Raj Kumar. Raj lives in a world where money is the ultimate power and offers him the ability to control people's lives. Despite such affluence, he lacks emotional satisfaction and moral integrity. His lifestyle and choices reflect a materialistic outlook where emotions play second fiddle.

Waheeda Rehman, another magnificent gem of Indian cinema, plays the character of Sujata, Raj's wife. She is a woman of substance who values relationships and emotional fulfillment way more than materialistic possessions. Despite living under the same roof, she and Raj are poles apart in their beliefs and values.

Shashi Kapoor takes on the character of Ravi, Raj's youngest son, who embodies a perfect blend of his parents; he carries his father's ambition and his mother's ethics. The film's conflict majorly unfolds as Ravi steps in to challenge his father's flawed ideologies, instigating a crucial question (Sawaal) for the viewers to ponder upon.

The screenplay of Sawaal goes beyond showcasing a family turmoil; it manages to raise several fundamental questions about life's meaning and essence. With its profound and emotionally stirring narrative, it prompts you to question the true importance of wealth in life vis-a-vis relationships.

While there is enough family drama in Sawaal to keep you engaged, it's also batched with some enjoyable comical moments, mostly enjoyed through the characters played by Randhir Kapoor and Poonam Dhillon. These light-hearted moments provide a pleasing balance to the film's central, heavy theme.

Also worth mentioning is the vivid cinematography that beautifully captures the essence of each scene. Whether it's the opulent setting of Raj's mansion or the subtle, intimate moments shared between the family members, each frame contributes to the narrative.

The film's music, composed by the maestro Khayyam, is another highlight. The lyricist’s meaningful words blend seamlessly with Khayyam's soulful compositions, summing up the overall mood of the scenes. The film’s soundtrack not only enhances the film's appeal but plays an integral role in carrying forward the narrative.

A notable characteristic of Sawaal is the well-delineated character arcs. Each character, no matter how small, seems to have considerable depth. From the protagonist duo to the supporting cast, and even the characters unveiled towards the end, every character has a significant role in the narrative's progression. It's a testament to the filmmakers' commitment to creating a comprehensive piece of art.

Despite its length (the film boasts a running time of over 2 hours), Sawaal never feels stretched. Thanks to the compelling storyline, skillful direction, and stellar performances, it keeps the viewers engaged throughout its run time.

In Sawaal, director Ramesh Talwar makes bold statements about the human condition, love, values, and wealth. With the film's emphasis on morality over materialism, the audience witnesses a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and enlightenment. The performances by the legendary star cast only elevate the film to a whole new level, making it a must-watch.

In conclusion, Sawaal is a film that encapsulates the idea of wealth versus morality brilliantly. It's not just a film, but a philosophical journey that compels you to introspect upon what wealth truly means. With a timeless message, splendid performances, and mesmerizing music, it leaves you with thoughts that stay with you long after you've watched it. As such, Sawaal comes highly recommended as a remarkable example of 1980s Indian cinema.