Karz

Karz review :

The Subhash Ghai directed Karz enjoys a cult status today with even a remake in the recent past. But do you know Karz bombed at the box office when released in June 1980 which greatly disappointed Rishi Kapoor who had pined a lot of hope on it. The audience of that time, fed generously with escapist actioners of Amitabh Bachchan, found this reincarnation drama a bit too elite for their taste. Karz was not only panned but also unfairly compared to Mehbooba (1976) and Kudrat (1981) - two box office duds dealing with the same reincarnation theme.

It is only in the '90s decade that Karz got its due recognition as the finest effort of showman Subhash Ghai. The film has a solid script (albeit plagarised from Hollywood's 'The Reincarnation of Peter Proud (1975)) with a taut narrative, breathtaking Ooty locales, excellent cinematography and super competent direction by Ghai.

Moreover, Laxmikant Pyarelal's music with the iconic song 'Om Shanti Om' and the mesmerizing signature tune elevates the film to an altogether different level. The song itself has a Farah Khan film as well as countless remixes as reference.

Rishi Kapoor was brilliant as pop star Monty while the ever gorgeous Simi Garewal was a class apart in the negative role of Kamini. It is her career best performance and seems Ghai had a tough time convincing her to sign on the villainous role. The mute Prem Nath as Sir Judah spoke volumes through his silence. Subhash Ghai had penchant for giving unique English name to his villains - Sir Judah, Sir John (Ram Lakhan) etc.

An underperformer when released, Karz will always be a blockbuster material for me!! A must see for those of you who havent, if at all there are any..

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.