Tridev

Tridev is an exemplary piece of Indian cinema produced in the late 1980s. Directed by Rajiv Rai and released in 1989, the movie boasts a star-studded cast, starring three talented Bollywood heavyweights – Sunny Deol, Naseeruddin Shah, and Jackie Shroff, along with a supporting cast including Madhuri Dixit, Sonam and Sangeeta Bijlani. It's an action-packed drama that intricately blends elements of crime, corruption, love, and friendship.

The film centers around three unique individuals, each hailing from different walks of life but bound together by a common purpose. Sunny Deol plays the role of Karan Saxena, an honest and brave police officer who wants to cleanse society of crime and corruption. Jackie Shroff portrays the character of Ravi Mathur, a street-smart and endearing youth with a moral compass that helps him differentiate right and wrong amidst the chaos of the city. Naseeruddin Shah slips into the role of Jai Singh, a charismatic tribal leader who rules his own world in the outskirts but finds his destiny intertwined with the city's gritty reality. Each of these characters brings a distinct flavor to the film, and their individual stories eventually collide, forming a strong bond of brotherhood and mutual respect.

Tridev offers an intoxicating mix of city and tribal life, showing the stark socio-economic contrasts in the Indian society of the late '80s. The movie certainly delves deeply into the issues of power dynamics, corruption, and crime rampant in society. The film is also notably refreshing in the way it portrays women. Madhuri Dixit, Sonam, and Sangeeta Bijlani, the female leads, are not just eye-candy but play significant parts, adding depth to the narrative. Their characters, though different in personalities, show admirable courage, ambition, and zeal.

Another memorable aspect of Tridev is its unforgettable soundtrack, composed by the musical duo Kalyanji-Anandji and Viju Shah. The songs, including chartbusters like "Gali Gali Mein Phirta Hai," "Main Teri Mohabbat Mein," and "Tirchi Topiwale," etched a permanent spot in the heart of Indian cinema enthusiasts. The powerful vocals of eminent singers like Amit Kumar, Udit Narayan, Sadhana Sargam, and Alka Yagnik, backed by vibrant choreography, turn these songs into energetic dance numbers that beautifully complement the pulsating narrative.

Director Rajiv Rai has taken great care to keep the intensity of the plot intact throughout the film. He has blended the action sequences, emotional dramas, and love stories very seamlessly to maintain a progressive pace of the narrative. In this earnest endeavor to present a gripping spectacle, Rai is hugely supported by his cinematographer Romesh Bhalla, who captures both the urban landscape and the lush tribal locales with equal panache.

The performances of the three main leads are indeed commendable. Sunny Deol embodies the unflinching courage, integrity, and discipline of a law enforcer perfectly. His acting prowess is evident in the intense action sequences and emotional scenes. Meanwhile, Jackie Shroff brings a lot of charm and vibrancy to his role, effectively portraying the transformation from a small-time city dweller with big dreams into a man of responsibility. Naseeruddin Shah shines brilliantly in his tribal avatar, embodying the raw, rustic energy of his character and giving it a layer of depth and complexity with his nuanced performance.

Tridev has often been termed as a trendsetter in Hindi cinema. The manner in which it manages to weave a balanced narrative integrating action, drama, romance, and music was hardly seen during its time. It entertains and engages, while also making the audience think about the social issues at play. In its essence, Tridev underscores the power of unity, truth, and righteousness -symbolized by the three leads -and their formidable fight against injustice and corruption. Despite being a product of the late 80s, it is relevant and resonates even today, a testament to its timeless appeal.

To summarize, Tridev is an Indian action drama movie that is marked by its engaging storyline, versatile acting, memorable music, and a social message. It provides a cinematic journey that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-watch for fans of Bollywood cinema.