Cast
View All
Aamir Khan
as ACP Ajay Singh Rathore
Naseeruddin Shah
as Gulfam Hassan
Sonali Bendre
as Seema
Mukesh Rishi
as Inspector Saleem
Akash Khurana
as Ajay's Father
Smita Jaykar
as Ajay's Mother
Akhilendra Mishra
as Rambandhu Gupta / Mirchi Seth
Makrand Deshpande
as Shiva
Manoj Joshi
as SI Bajju
Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat
as Sultan
Shri Vallabh Vyas
as Major Aslam Baig
Rajesh Joshi
as Bala Thakur
Upasna Singh
as Mala
Govind Namdeo
as Veeran
Dinesh Kaushik
as Roshan
Crew
Director
- John Mathew Matthan
Producer
- John Mathew Matthan
Reviews
badelf
Maybe it's a little dated and maybe it's a little corny. But as Bollywood-style, cop-action movies go, it's totally enjoyable to watch! The plot and the politics are sufficiently complicated enough to hold your interest. The love story is a little weak.
Dec 11, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Sarfarosh 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 John Mathew Matthan 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 1999, 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 Sarfarosh took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $8.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 174 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 226 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 160 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sarfarosh shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Aladin, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Sarfarosh subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Salaam-e-Ishq and Akelli explore similar territory, Sarfarosh 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: April 30, 1999
- Runtime: 2h 54m
- Budget: $8,500,000
- Revenue: $9,100,000
