Cast
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Mithun Chakraborty
as Badal
Shammi Kapoor
as Thakur Shamsher Singh
Poonam Dhillon
as Meenakshi
Shakti Kapoor
as Vikram Singh
Arun Govil
as Thakur Kiran Singh
Madan Puri
as Thakur Raghuvir Singh
Rajendranath Malhotra
as Sharbati
Madhu Kapoor
as Kamini
Ashalata Wabgaonkar
as Baadal's Mother
Jayshree Talpade
as Kasturi
Prema Narayan
as Champa
Zahra Merchant
as
Chitto Chopra
as
Javed Khan
as Vikram's Man
Dilip Sood
as
Crew
Director
- Anand Sagar
Writer
- Madan Joshi
- Gulshan Nanda
- Moti Sagar
Producer
- Moti Sagar
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Baadal 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 Anand Sagar 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 critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Baadal took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1144 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Baadal 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 Mill, which focuses more on action than character development, Baadal subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway and Amal explore similar territory, Baadal 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 7, 1985
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Budget: $3
