Cast
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Mithun Chakraborty
as Vijay / Ravi
Amrish Puri
as Raja Shamsher Singh / Shamshera
Moushumi Chatterjee
as Savitri Singh
Mandakini
as Bijli
Divya Rana
as Munnibai
Navin Nischol
as Thakur Prem Singh
Sumeet Saigal
as Thakur Rajesh Singh
Sudhir Dalvi
as Thakur
Satish Shah
as Tolaram
Viju Khote
as Jagga
Tiku Talsania
as Tribal Head
Dan Dhanoa
as Shakti Singh
Gurbachan Singh
as Shamshera's Goon
Crew
Director
- Swaroop Kumar
Producer
- Dimpy
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Param Dharam 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 Swaroop Kumar 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 1987, 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 Param Dharam took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 125 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 165 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1992 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- 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 Param Dharam shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Gulaal, which focuses more on action than character development, Param Dharam offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Khakee and The Great Indian Family explore similar territory, Param Dharam stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: November 13, 1987
- Runtime: 2h 5m
