Cast
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Smita Patil
as Ganga
Vikram Makandar
as Nandu
Gulshan Arora
as Raavan
Om Puri
as Samant (Staiton Master)
Vikas Anand
as Fakeera
Ketan Anand
as Shankar
Bhalchandra Kulkarni
as Village Head
Sunil Dhawan
as Advocate K. Girdharilal
Manohar Naidu
as
Suresh Desai
as
M.K. Nawab
as
Manmauji
as Murli (Inmate)
Crew
Director
- Johny Bakshi
Producer
- Johny Bakshi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Raavan 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 Johny Bakshi 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 1984, 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 Raavan took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 59 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Raavan 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 Man's Woman and Other Stories, which focuses more on action than character development, Raavan subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Tarang and Swayamvar explore similar territory, Raavan 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: September 28, 1984
