Mr Natwarlal

8th June 1979

Mr Natwarlal

43 years today.

And would you believe this film may not have been made for if Ram Balram had not got delayed.

The Producers Tony and Tito were making Ram Balram ( started in 1978)

But Dharamendra jis dates clash led to the film getting delayed.

There was a period of minimum 3 months at hand. Amitabh and Rekha had given dates and on request they decided to use those for a new film then unnamed.

Rakesh Kumar who had made Khoon Pasina ( and assisted Prakash Mehra) was the director.

Being almost an impromptu decision the script was being made ready so it was decided to start with the songs.

All the 6 songs were recorded by Rakesh Roshan with lyrics by Anand Bakshi. The shooting of these songs was to be in Kashmir. All songs indeed melodious including Amitabh Bachchan's first attempt at playback.

Rajesh Roshan’s music was a highpoint. Apart from the Bachchan offering, a duet by Kishore and Lata – “Pardesia Yeh Sach Hai Piya” – topped the charts of the day along with a peppy Asha Bhosle number – “Tauba Tauba”, the songs carrying a distinct Rajesh Roshan stamp. 

Mr Natwarlal was completed and released in a year's time.

The action film laced with raw humour was a fun film and did well at the Box office.A lot of the humour comes from how the dialogues are delivered or those small beats in timing. 

Amitabh an Rekha's  on screen chemistry  always wonderful and while Shanno appears to fall for insta-love, Rekha plays her as funny and direct in their many scenes together so the relationship comes to life. Shanno gets her share of the big scenes too, and Rekha gave her fire and resolve.

Bharti the tigress had a great role ( Rakesh Kumar had used this in Khoon Pasina too, but here the script for the tigress is extended).

Not to forget a positive role from Ajit ( as elder brother ? )and Amjad Khan as Vikram.

The locations are gorgeous and so is the cast. True masala with a modicum of moderation this is a great film.

Mr. Natwarlal” was a movie to delight when it graced the screens. It continues to be so.