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Karm
9.0

Karm (1977)

Apr 27, 1977 2h 26m

Retired Judge Shyamlal Kumar lives in a palatial home with his wife and only son, Arvind, who is now studying law and is on his way to become a lawyer, and after that a judge just like his dad. Arvind meets with beautiful Asha Shastri, both fall in love and would like to get married. Asha introduces Arvind to her astrologer dad, Chintamani, who instantly approves of Arvind; while both Shyamlal and his wife give their blessings and approval to Asha. But when Chintamani, whose predictions always prove to be accurate, sees a dark future for the young couple, withdraws his blessings and asks them not to marry each other. Spooked by this, Shyamlal and his wife also ask Arvind to marry someone else. But both Arvind and Asha believe that nothing bad will befall them, and they start living together without getting married. This raises ire in their conservative community and both are blacklisted.

Directed by B.R. Chopra

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • B.R. Chopra

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Thematic Analysis

Karm represents a fascinating example of cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director B.R. Chopra 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 1977, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Karm took approximately 33 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 194 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 2213 individual shots.
  • The musical score contains over 52 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 1977, when this film was released:
  • Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Karm shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Mill, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Karm subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway and Pyaar Zindagi Hai explore similar territory, Karm stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: April 27, 1977
  • Runtime: 2h 26m