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Reviews
Animal (2023)
Ranbir shines but Bobby Deol mesmerises
This is a slightly oddball film. The story is quite basic about two families who hate each other and the film has some very graphics scenes that you don't normally see in Bollywood films (not suitable for under 18s). So if you're expecting typical Bollywood fare then this film doesn't provide it and I understand the low ratings are probably being given for these reasons.
However, the acting of the star cast is excellent. Ranbir puts in a powerhouse performance and absolutely nails every scene. He handles the action and psychotic scenes incredibly well. But Bobby Deol outshines even Ranbir with his shorter and more intense performance. It is without doubt the best acting performance of Bobby's career. His entry scene to the Jamal Jamaloo song is superb and he steals the show with his dance steps that leave a lasting impression, as well as his emotional and action scenes. The performance of all the other cast is also top notch. The film is also well mounted with brilliant technical aspects and production values. The film dares to be original and deliver something different rather than follow a tried and tested formula, and full kudos to Sandeep Reedy (Director & Producer) for attempting a new approach. For these reasons I give the film 10/10.
Laila Majnu (1976)
Average movie with blockbuster songs!
Laila Majnu is a fairly average film. Rishi Kapoor performs his role well but is limited by the scope of the story which doesn't quite pull off the tragic love story theme. Ranjeeta delivers a decent performance in this her debut film. The rest of the cast is just ok.
The real surprise of the film are the songs by Mohammad Rafi composed by Madan Mohan. The Director and Rishi Kapoor had wanted Shailendra Singh to sing the songs but Madan Mohan put his foot down and said only Rafi would sing his songs otherwise he would quit the project. The Director eventually agreed and Rafi was signed.
Rafi is superb in every single song and, although he was around 50 at the time, he moulded his voice to suit Rishi Kapoor (who was around 20) and the result was mesmerising - it was a perfect match! Kishore Kumar had become the top Bollywood playback singer in the early 70s but the songs of this film in 1976 re-established Rafi as the top singer until his death in 1980. Tere Dar Pe Aya Hoon, Iss Reshmi Pazeb and Barbaad e Mohabat are all outstanding songs by Rafi and show why he is a true singing genius. Because of the music, an average film got elevated to blockbuster status.
Bairaag (1976)
Average entertainer
Dilip Kumar's acting and few good songs by Mohd Rafi and Asha Bhosle are the exceptional features in an otherwise very average film.
Agar Tum Na Hote (1983)
Khanna delivers a hat-trick!
Agar Tum Na Hote was Khanna's 3rd hit film in 1983, after Avatar and Souten, giving him a hat-trick! He delivers another heart touching performance and steals the show. Rekha also puts in a strong performance and Raj Babbar also does well.
The film has a good story and is different to the type of masala films being churned out at the time. Kishore Kumar's version of the title song was also a big hit and complimented Khanna's acting beautifully. The success Khanna has in 1983 led to film offers flooding in and kept him busy for the next few years. Back on top again, Khanna went on to deliver the super hit Maqsad and Dharam Aur Kanoon in 1984.
Avtaar (1983)
Khanna's comeback film!
Avtaar was a blockbuster in 1983 and, along with Souten & Agar Tum Na Hote, it put Rajesh Khanna in pole position again. Khanna again demonstrates what a great actor he is by giving an amazing true to life performance. His acting leaves the viewer mesmerised and one can hardly believe he/she is watching a film - his performance is so realistic.
The film itself has a great storyline, very emotional and people of all ages will love it. You will never forget the acting talent of Khanna after watching this film. He excels on every level. Must watch for Khanna fans and anyone who appreciates good acting.
Souten (1983)
Rajesh Khanna on top form
Rajesh Khanna began making a slow comeback at the beginning of the 80s. Betweem 1981-82 he featured in a number of fairly successful films. However, 1983 saw him once again catapulted to the type of superstardom he enjoyed from 1969-75. His films Avtar and Souten were massive hits and Agar Tum Na Hote was also a hit. All 3 were very different films and Khanna proved what an excellent actor he was by demonstrating his broad range of acting skills in them. He also made a special appearance in Disco Dancer in the same year which was one of the biggest hits of the decade. Khanna was truly back with a bang!
Souten has an interesting story line, good songs, drama and some great dialogues. The Khanna - Munim chemistry works very well. All the cast perform well. Padmina performs very well but Khanna is clearly a cut above the rest. Well worth a watch!