Cast
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Amitabh Bachchan
as Insp. Vijay Khanna
Jaya Bachchan
as Mala
Pran Sikand
as Sher Khan
Om Prakash
as De Silva
Ajit Khan
as Seth Dharam Dayal Teja
Bindu Desai
as Mona
Iftekhar
as Police Commissioner Singh
Keshto Mukherjee
as Gangu
Randhir
as Lala Ashok - Sherkhan's friend - Usurer
Gulshan Bawra
as Street Singer
Rammohan Sharma
as Kabir
Yunus Parvez
as Constable
Javed Khan
as Smuggler (uncredited)
Goga Kapoor
as
Mac Mohan
as
Crew
Director
- Prakash Mehra
Writer
- Salim Khan
- Javed Akhtar
Producer
- Prakash Mehra
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Zanjeer distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Prakash Mehra brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1973, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Zanjeer took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 146 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 179 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2192 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Zanjeer shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Checkmate, which focuses more on action than character development, Zanjeer subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Hawalaat and Pyari Behna explore similar territory, Zanjeer stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 11, 1973
- Runtime: 2h 26m
