One Line Review: Kaala Patthar is the reason why we call Amitabh Bachchan “The Angry Young Man”.

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Youtube Trailer Kaala Patthar

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Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Shashi Kapoor

Director: Yash Chopra

Release Date: 24 August 1979

Introduction

Kaala Patthar has Amitabh’s real potential and acting performance for which he is known in the industry; Angry Young Man. He, indeed, is an angry young man throughout the movie. Sharing lead roles with prominent actors like Shatru Sinha and still making an impact and standing out is a stunt only Amitabh can pull.

Iconic Song from the movie

The music has a significant part in Kaala Patthar. There’s no other way to express the emotion of the story than by singing and playing. The whole music of this film is composed by Rajesh Roshan. Although the film has a total of six songs in it, the song that makes the most impact and sets the stage for the film is “Ek raasta hai zindagi” sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. 

The lyrics go like this:

“Ik rasta hai jindagi jo tham gaye toh kuchh nahi
Ik rasta hai jindagi jo tham gaye toh kuchh nahi
Yeh kadam kisi mukam pe jo tham gaye toh kuchh nahi
Ik rasta hai jindagi jo tham gaye toh kuchh nahi
O jate rahi o banke rahi, meri baaho ko inn raaho ko
Tu chhod ke naa ja tu vapas aa ja
Woh husn ke jalave hon ya ishk ki aavaje
Aajad parindo ki rukati nahi paravaje
Jate huye kadamo se aate huye kadamo se
Bhari rahegi rahagujar jo ham gaye toh kuchh nahi
Ik rasta hai jindagi jo tham gaye toh kuchh nahi
Yeh kadam kisi mukam pe jo tham gaye toh kuchh nahi”

Plot Summary

A former navy officer, Vijay, who left his ship of 300 men and who’s branded as a coward decides to work in a coal mine. The mine has no facility whatsoever. No medical supplies. No proper food. One day the mine gets flooded with water out of nowhere and traps 400 workers inside it. Vijay again has a decision to make. Will he leave again?

Story of a underdog gone wild and brave

This movie had an astonishingly ambitious story at the time. A story about an abused coal miner and a very powerful hero, because his past mistakes doomed his life of pain and suffering. This movie has some powerful performances from Amithab Bachan and Shatrugan Sinha. Rakhee plays a caring doctor, destined to help the unfortunate no matter where they are. When Rakhee tries to help the wounded Amithab, they are the most famous lines in Bollywood history. “Why do not you try it?” “Pain is my destiny, doctor, I can’t help it!” Shashi Kapoor plays the role of a handsome young romantic engineer with journalist Parveen Bhabi, who plays his girlfriend in the film.

Although technically speaking the movie still has many shortcomings, overall the story works well. Although the scene in the coal mine is well done. The rest is a bit shoddy, but some outstanding performances make this movie beyond its rather boring appearance. This movie has a moving soundtrack, the effect is very good and there are some wonderful songs that are worth remembering forever. They don’t make a story like that anymore and that’s a shame.

Acting of the cast

The acting was excellent (Amitabh and Shatrughan shared the honor, Shashi provided silent support), and he wasn’t just the lead; Prem Chopra, Parikshit Sahni, Manmohan Krishna … They were all very good. It’s these songs that are quite enjoyable, but an unnecessary distraction, as are two of the three heroines. But for a movie that is impressive in scope and visuals, these are only minor issues. Everyone involved is on top of the game. Therefore, the failure of the film at the box office seems incredible.

Let’s take acting as an example: this is Amitabha’s acting. Vijay is a naval officer with medals, he was humiliated for his actions, was shamefully discharged from the navy, and was abandoned by his family, seeking oblivion in this dusty town. His hatred was against himself, and he made a living from it. You voluntarily engage in the most dangerous work, regardless of the danger. All his actions are to show that he is not a kaayar, a buzdil (coward). And Ash Chopra channeled this anger in a way that burned the screen. The romance between Vijay and Sudha de Raakhee is very subtle and understated, as is their romance in Trishul. In this movie, he also plays a tortured character, charging his demons while trying to overcome them.

Conclusion

Kaala Patthar Shares the good and prideful acting of Shatru Sir and the angry young man, Amitabh Bachchan. I am so sad that we couldn’t witness the golden era of Bollywood live.