Cast
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Govinda
as Raju Pardesi
Raveena Tandon
as Karuna
Shilpa Shetty Kundra
as Chinni Chopra
Satish Kaushik
as Harpal Happy Singh
Mohnish Behl
as Narendra 'Naren'
Veerendra Saxena
as Scientist
Shama Sikander
as
Rajeev Varma
as Mr. Chopra
Suresh Chatwal
as Referee in Wrestling Competition
Arun Bakshi
as Thief
Crew
Director
- Manoj Agrawal
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Pardesi Babu 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 Manoj Agrawal 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 1998, 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 Pardesi Babu took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 161 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 183 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 105 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Pardesi Babu shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sawan Ko Aane Do, which focuses more on action than character development, Pardesi Babu subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Madam Chief Minister and Kissebaaz explore similar territory, Pardesi Babu 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: November 13, 1998
- Runtime: 2h 41m
