Tezaab

Tezaab, a 1988 Bollywood film directed by N. Chandra, is a captivating blend of romance, tragedy, and crime booster that beautifully depicts the transformative power of love. This penetrating and emotive film features celebrated actors such as Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, and Anupam Kher.

Tezaab, which translates to ‘Acid’, offers an unsettling yet gripping viewing experience. The title signifies the burning intensity of circumstances that progressively shape the characters’ lives. Anil Kapoor plays the character of Mahesh Deshmukh who later becomes Munna - an abrupt transformation brought about by a series of life-altering events. Madhuri Dixit, popularly known for her performance in the song 'Ek Do Teen', plays Mohini, an aspiring dancer, epitomizing the struggle of a stage performer. Anupam Kher dons the role of Baban, a ruthless gangster, and Mohini’s guardian, eager to exploit her talent to enrich himself.

Moving into the plot, Tezaab is essentially a love story set against the crude reality of urban deprivation and criminal underworld. Mahesh, a jovial college student, meets Mohini, a vivacious dancer, and their love blooms amidst the deliberate chaos. However, their romance is antagonized by circumstances and personalities that interfere with their happiness including Baban, leading to a series of events that completely transform the once-carefree Mahesh. When love shapes into revenge, the film takes a darker route, introducing the reborn Mahesh as ‘Munna’, a hardened survivor navigating through the pitiless world of crime.

Tezaab also highlights a societal issue, where talented individuals like Mohini are exploited. Unfortunately, Mohini is bound by her commitment towards a heartless Baban, who forces her to dance in shady clubs. The vivacious dancer puts the stage on fire with her performances, little does she know that real-life off stage is slowly inching closer towards mirroring this fiery depiction.

Madhuri's elegance and brilliance in her role as Mohini brought her great fame. The film's soundtrack, composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal, became popular among audiences, producing evergreen hits, notably, ‘Ek Do Teen.’ This engaging number featuring Dixit’s energetic dance moves has itself become a cultural phenomenon, establishing the actress as one of the leading dancers in Bollywood.

Anil Kapoor's stellar performance as the complex character Munna is commendable. His transformation from Mahesh, the love-struck idealist into Munna, the hardened criminal, is a spectacle that leaves an indelible mark on the audience. Kapoor captures the essence of Munna's inconsolable anger and frustration with pitch-perfect precision.

Similarly, Anupam Kher’s portrayal of the menacing character Baban beautifully encapsulates the kind of villains that were archetypal during the 80s era of Bollywood - vicious and imposing, yet somewhat exaggerated. But Kher pulls it off with a kind of flamboyance that brings a unique charm to the character.

Director N. Chandra's remarkable storytelling, combined with the compelling performances by the cast, grips the audience right from the start. Chandra does an excellent job of integrating the film's various thematic elements, effortlessly transitioning from romance to heartbreak, commitment to revenge, and survival in the crime-infested underbelly of the city. Every scene orchestrated by Chandra, complete with the stellar performances and in-sync background score, paints a vivid picture that resonates with the audiences.

To conclude, Tezaab is a hard-hitting Bollywood film that offers a carefully crafted mix of romance, crime and suspense set against the backdrop of gritty urban life. Thanks to the poignant performances by Kapoor and Dixit, the film's lingering images and story become etched into the viewer's memory. If you are looking to explore the bold and intense shades of Bollywood cinema from the 1980s, Tezaab is an absolute must-watch.