SHAKTI

1st October 1982.

I turned 18 the day this iconic movie Released..

SHAKTI

Shakti was famous for the fact that the two titans of Bollywood, Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachan starred in this movie for the first and only time. It also starred a pre fame Anil Kapoor as the third generation. The story revolves around Policeman DVP Ashwini Kumar (Dilip Kumar),his wife Sheetal(Rakhee Gulzar)and their son Vijay(Amitabh). One day Dilip Kumar arrests a man and his employers kidnap Dilip Kumar's son and tell him to let their man go or else they will kill his son. Dilip Kumar tells the kidnappers that they can do whatever they want with his son. Dilip Kumar was trying to fool the kidnappers but his plan goes awry when his son, who is still being held captive overhears him. From that point onwards he has no respect for the law, much to the disappointment of Dilip Kumar. Amitabh even gets involved with gangsters who Dilip Kumar is trying to bring to justice. The scene is set for some impactful scenes and loads of melodrama(which is what I want from a Bollywood movie). I really felt for Rakhee Gulzar who is torn between husband and son. Shakti was directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay and Shaan were followed by Shakti. The opening sequence, in which Anil Kapoor steps off the train to be greeted by his grandfather Dilip Kumar is similar to that of Sholay. Dilip Kumar  was Good but it was Amitabh as Vijay in my opinion that stole the entire show . He steals every single scene and I consider it to be one of his best movies. Both Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan were nominated for the Best Actor award. When Dilip Kumar won and not Amitabh Bachchan, Sippy had stated that “His role (Bachchan) was underplayed and intense. I don’t think anyone else could’ve played the role the way Mr. Bachchan did. He had to play a hurt and wounded son".

Now onto the music, the music is simply excellent.

The great lesson that is rendered by this movie is the same that I repeat every now and then. Be communicative and never allow any communication gap or any distorted understanding of certain facts to play havoc with delicate relationships. The ending dialogues of Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan underscores it perfectly when Father says to son, 'Main Bhi Tumse Bahut Pyar Karta Hoon Bete and then Amitabh asks, 'To Aapne Kaha Kyon Nahin Daddy ?'

The scene after Rakhee's death is one for the guides on acting. No dialogue just expressions. Even today that scene give me goosebumps.

When released in 1982 it was not a blockbuster but over the years it has gained a cult status.