Cast
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Rishi Kapoor
as Ravi
Kamal Haasan
as Raja
Dimple Kapadia
as Mona D'Silva
Nadira
as Miss Joseph
Saeed Jaffrey
as Mr. D'Silva
Madhur Jaffrey
as Kamladevi (Ravi's grandma)
A.K. Hangal
as Baba (in the lighthouse)
Shafi Inamdar
as Vikram
Satish Kaushik
as Batuk Lal
Kiran Vairale
as Maria (the bride)
Goga Kapoor
as Thekedaar
Lilliput (M. M. Faruqui)
as Cheena
Sudhir Pandey
as
Sharat Saxena
as
Crew
Director
- Ramesh Sippy
Producer
- G.P. Sippy
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Saagar examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ramesh Sippy 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1985, 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 Saagar took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 186 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 215 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 55 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1623 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Saagar shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Poorna, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Saagar subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Tonga-Wali and Witness explore similar territory, Saagar stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 9, 1985
- Runtime: 3h 6m
Where to Watch
