Backdrop preview Suhaag backdrop
Suhaag

Suhaag (1979)

Durga and Vikram Singh have been married for years. Vikram has taken to crime in a big way, and as a result has antagonized a rival gangster, Jaggi. Durga gives birth to twins, and Jaggi steals one of them, and sells him to a bootlegger, Pascal. Durga is upset when she finds her son missing, but is devastated when Vikram abandons her. With a lot of difficulty, Durga brings up her son, Kishan, and has given up on finding her other son. Kishan has grown up and is now a dedicated police officer. On the other hand, Pascal has exploited Amit, kept him illiterate, doing petty crime, and alcoholic. This gets him in confrontation with Kishan, but ironically the two settle their differences and become fast friends. Vikram is still alive, and is not aware of his two sons and wife being alive.

Directed by Manmohan Desai

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Manmohan Desai

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Suhaag 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 Manmohan Desai 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 1979, 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 Suhaag took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 164 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 221 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1979, when this film was released:
  • Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
  • The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Darkman, which focuses more on action than character development, Suhaag subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like King of New York and Blood Work explore similar territory, Suhaag 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: October 29, 1979
  • Runtime: 2h 44m

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