Cast
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Sachin Pilgaonkar
as Amal
Rajni Sharma
as Rajni
Govardhan Asrani
as Sharat
A.K. Hangal
as Master ji
Prema Narayan
as Radhiya
Urmila Bhatt
as Amal's mom
Kanwarjeet Paintal
as Shambhu
Asit Sen
as Udasu
Om Shivpuri
as Amal's dad
Preeti Ganguli
as Nandini
Amitabh Bachchan
as Adult Amal (voice)
S.N. Banerjee
as Pandit
Birbal
as
Ashok Kumar
as Aged Amal (voice)
Polson
as School teacher
Crew
Director
- Tarun Majumdar
Producer
- Shakti Samanta
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Balika Badhu 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 Tarun Majumdar 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 1976, 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 Balika Badhu took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 116 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 166 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 38 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 478 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- 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 Balika Badhu 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 Melody of Love, which focuses more on action than character development, Balika Badhu offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Shaadi Ke Side Effects and Gulaab Gang explore similar territory, Balika Badhu stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 20, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 56m
