After the super duper success of Sholay the Sippy's came up with this lavish James Bond type action flick. I really can't give the Sippy's enough credit for making Shaan so different to Sholay. Whilst Sholay was a mesh of different genres Shaan is more or less a straight forward action epic. You can see it's inspiration from the title sequence, which is reminiscent of the Bond movies. Even the villain Shakaal's lair is modelled on that of a Bond villain's. Amitabh Bachan,Shashi Kapoor and Shatrughan Sinha perform well whilst Sunil Dutt and Rakhee Gulzar provide fantastic support. Even Kulbushan Karbanda was extraordinary as the evil Shakaal. Shaan also benefits from having a good number of villain character actors, from what I remember there was Dilip Tahil, Sharat Saxena,Goga Kapoor,Sudhir,Mac Mohan and quite a few more. Kulbushan Karbanda had a tough job on his hands trying to match upto the tyrant Gabbar Singh but he delivers. Although half of that credit goes to writers Salim Javed for creating such a fantastic villain in the form of Shakaal Let me take this opportunity to mention an interesting fact, I had seen Kulbushan Karbanda in many movies as a child and had seen Shaan over 30 times yet failed to recognise him as Shakaal because I had never seen him bald. The songs by R.D. Burman were great, especially Pyar Karnewale and Yamma Yamma. Salim Javed had a tough job on their jobs trying to write a script to rival their previous movie Sholay but they delivered. The script was good but the action scenes were fabulous. Shaan is further proof that with Amitabh on board the Sippy's can create classics, even further proof was their next venture Satte Pe Satta.
23 Reviews
The Indian blockbuster pays James Bond a visit !
elshikh428 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Ramesh Sippy is an excellent director. Obviously, he loves the Western world's cinema. So since his start he was determined on marring his commercial homeland cinema with the western (Sholay - 1975), or James Bond (Shaan - 1980).
For the first half, it runs as a crime comedy, with schemes and heists. Then for the second, as an action about a war between 3 heroes and one super-villain imported from many Bond movies; he lives on an island (Dr. No - 1962), has an office with sharks around it (The Spy Who Loves Me - 1977), disposes of a failure henchmen by exploding his chair (You Only Live Twice - 1967), and he's bald (Blofeld). Come with that some "Bondy" touches here and there: Theme song, with the movie's title, along with opening credits that roll while showing parts of the movie's events on a girl's dancing body (From Russia With Love - 1963), the good guy fights a monster and beats it underwater (Thunderball - 1965), survives an alligator (Moonraker - 1979), and - sure - there is a ticking bomb at the very end (nearly all of Bond movies!).
The cinematography did grand. 2 shots were historically beautiful: seeing Abdul's character dead, and the leads' running to the helicopter at the end. Amitabh Bachchan is a walking movie industry, with unbelievable charisma and wit. Johnny Walker proved that he can make comedy and dance well. And Kulbhushan Kharbanda stole the show with sober cogent acting for what could have been a caricature of a character. It has smart editing and dexterous dialogue, though still the movie's highest element is its hot and elegant directing. Sippy individualized every single sequence with distinct sets and visual details, being helped by towering budget. For instance: the amusement center's try of assassination, the stable's gunfight (which revived some of Sippy's love of Westerns), the port's murder, the thugs' home's fistfight.. etc. It reaches its zenith at the last song Yamma Yamma, which managed to be one of the finest songs I have ever heard and watched.
Yes, almost everything is top-notch. The ambition to overtop (Sholay), the most successful hit up to that point, is felt. But they forgot one factor: the script. While (Sholay) remade (Seven Samurai - 1954) to Indianize a western movie, now (Shaan) remade many points of Bond to westernize an Indian blockbuster and give it another flavor. Thus, it had a more than enough foreign atmosphere, looking strange sometimes, missed the human dimension, with light pain and more fun, and - unfortunately - suffered a load of cheese!
Bone Cheese: There is absolutely no difference between Kapoor's and Bachchan's characters; they're the same happy-go-lucky guy, just one taller than the other! The leading dual fight Shakaal, a *super* bad guy, the same way (Sholay)'s leading dual was fighting Gabbar Singh; without appropriate advanced gadgets!
Flesh Cheese: A respectable officer has 2 crooks as brothers? How come that none of his superiors blamed him for that?! That officer decides to jump over a cliff to the sea, while knowing that he's 300 km away from any land; so he thought he could swim that distance?! The villain has a secret way to release the bonds around his victims' hands hidden under his main table, why?! To use it whenever he's captured in his office, like what happened at last (SO FORCED!). The villain's toxic gas didn't harm the heroes (low quality gas?!). The villain dies right beside the secret key to destroy his island (strange coincidence). While Shatrughan Sinha's character is a circus man, he can run a helicopter cleverly! The villain with all of that wealth, power, craziness is just a black market dealer?? With his sophisticatedness, he seemed as someone who wants to rule not the world but the galaxy?!! And finally, the giddiest point ever: how come that our heroes flee from the exploding island while leaving at least 50 dancers, who they used in their disguised entrance, behind them, including the very well known Helen herself?! These are innocent people, why to sacrifice them so carelessly like that??!!
Lending the thick voice of R. D. Burman to Bachchan while Yamma Yamma was terrible decision; I was laughing out loud! Bindiya Goswami wasn't fit for her role as a con woman who can dazzle men by her beauty. The charming Parveen Babi was infamously overweight, with no fresh performance.
In terms of writing the best addition, this movie came up with was dividing James Bond, the forever *one* hero, into 3 guys. The beauty of unity is a favorite for me in the face of "Only One Man Can Do This Mission!". It's someway the opposite of what Sippy did in (Sholay), when he remade the 7 Samurais with purely 2 guys.
When it comes to dealing with the evil man's last fate, the confusion of Sippy is apparent. While making 2 ends for (Sholay); one where the violence wins which was canceled, and one where the law wins which was used, this round as if he wanted to revenge, declaring that killing should be faced with nothing but killing, and he did it rightly: Shakaal tries to kill the 4 leads, so they act naturally with self-defense, finish him with 3 bullets, and make Sippy eventually happy!
It's an Indian "good vs. Bad" blockbuster that visited Bond to borrow some *super bad* material. Well, nice visit, but not nice fantasy altogether. Feature like harmonic was kind of missed. Though, despite (Shaan)'s faults, it is better than many of Bond movies (at least it has a plot!). Yet, it's not (Sholay), just a big mild entertainment that flashes in your eyes to soothe your brain.
For the first half, it runs as a crime comedy, with schemes and heists. Then for the second, as an action about a war between 3 heroes and one super-villain imported from many Bond movies; he lives on an island (Dr. No - 1962), has an office with sharks around it (The Spy Who Loves Me - 1977), disposes of a failure henchmen by exploding his chair (You Only Live Twice - 1967), and he's bald (Blofeld). Come with that some "Bondy" touches here and there: Theme song, with the movie's title, along with opening credits that roll while showing parts of the movie's events on a girl's dancing body (From Russia With Love - 1963), the good guy fights a monster and beats it underwater (Thunderball - 1965), survives an alligator (Moonraker - 1979), and - sure - there is a ticking bomb at the very end (nearly all of Bond movies!).
The cinematography did grand. 2 shots were historically beautiful: seeing Abdul's character dead, and the leads' running to the helicopter at the end. Amitabh Bachchan is a walking movie industry, with unbelievable charisma and wit. Johnny Walker proved that he can make comedy and dance well. And Kulbhushan Kharbanda stole the show with sober cogent acting for what could have been a caricature of a character. It has smart editing and dexterous dialogue, though still the movie's highest element is its hot and elegant directing. Sippy individualized every single sequence with distinct sets and visual details, being helped by towering budget. For instance: the amusement center's try of assassination, the stable's gunfight (which revived some of Sippy's love of Westerns), the port's murder, the thugs' home's fistfight.. etc. It reaches its zenith at the last song Yamma Yamma, which managed to be one of the finest songs I have ever heard and watched.
Yes, almost everything is top-notch. The ambition to overtop (Sholay), the most successful hit up to that point, is felt. But they forgot one factor: the script. While (Sholay) remade (Seven Samurai - 1954) to Indianize a western movie, now (Shaan) remade many points of Bond to westernize an Indian blockbuster and give it another flavor. Thus, it had a more than enough foreign atmosphere, looking strange sometimes, missed the human dimension, with light pain and more fun, and - unfortunately - suffered a load of cheese!
Bone Cheese: There is absolutely no difference between Kapoor's and Bachchan's characters; they're the same happy-go-lucky guy, just one taller than the other! The leading dual fight Shakaal, a *super* bad guy, the same way (Sholay)'s leading dual was fighting Gabbar Singh; without appropriate advanced gadgets!
Flesh Cheese: A respectable officer has 2 crooks as brothers? How come that none of his superiors blamed him for that?! That officer decides to jump over a cliff to the sea, while knowing that he's 300 km away from any land; so he thought he could swim that distance?! The villain has a secret way to release the bonds around his victims' hands hidden under his main table, why?! To use it whenever he's captured in his office, like what happened at last (SO FORCED!). The villain's toxic gas didn't harm the heroes (low quality gas?!). The villain dies right beside the secret key to destroy his island (strange coincidence). While Shatrughan Sinha's character is a circus man, he can run a helicopter cleverly! The villain with all of that wealth, power, craziness is just a black market dealer?? With his sophisticatedness, he seemed as someone who wants to rule not the world but the galaxy?!! And finally, the giddiest point ever: how come that our heroes flee from the exploding island while leaving at least 50 dancers, who they used in their disguised entrance, behind them, including the very well known Helen herself?! These are innocent people, why to sacrifice them so carelessly like that??!!
Lending the thick voice of R. D. Burman to Bachchan while Yamma Yamma was terrible decision; I was laughing out loud! Bindiya Goswami wasn't fit for her role as a con woman who can dazzle men by her beauty. The charming Parveen Babi was infamously overweight, with no fresh performance.
In terms of writing the best addition, this movie came up with was dividing James Bond, the forever *one* hero, into 3 guys. The beauty of unity is a favorite for me in the face of "Only One Man Can Do This Mission!". It's someway the opposite of what Sippy did in (Sholay), when he remade the 7 Samurais with purely 2 guys.
When it comes to dealing with the evil man's last fate, the confusion of Sippy is apparent. While making 2 ends for (Sholay); one where the violence wins which was canceled, and one where the law wins which was used, this round as if he wanted to revenge, declaring that killing should be faced with nothing but killing, and he did it rightly: Shakaal tries to kill the 4 leads, so they act naturally with self-defense, finish him with 3 bullets, and make Sippy eventually happy!
It's an Indian "good vs. Bad" blockbuster that visited Bond to borrow some *super bad* material. Well, nice visit, but not nice fantasy altogether. Feature like harmonic was kind of missed. Though, despite (Shaan)'s faults, it is better than many of Bond movies (at least it has a plot!). Yet, it's not (Sholay), just a big mild entertainment that flashes in your eyes to soothe your brain.
no Sholay but definitely a good movie
sharankandhai26 June 2007
If you compare this movie with other Ramesh Sippy movies like Akayla (Amitabh, Meenakshi, Amrita, Jacjie and Aditya), Bhrashtachar (Rekha, Rajnikant and Shilpa in her debut role), Zamaana Deewaana (Shah Rukh, Raveena, Shatru and Jeetendra), Andaz (Hema, Rajesh and Shammi) this is an absolute classic. If you compare it to Seeta aur Geeta (Hema, Sanjeev, Dharmendra) and Saagar (Rishi, Dimple in her topless scene, Kamal) this movie is OK but if you compare it to Sholay it is a letdown (but which movie isn't. Ramesh Sippy as a director is in good form (not topform). R.D. Burman gave a better soundtrack than in Sholay which songs like Jaanu meri Jaan, Yamma Yamma and others. Amitabh Bachchan is THE HERO with support from Shashi kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha, Sunil Dutt (in a special appearance) , Raakhee, Jhonny Walker, Parveen Babi and Bindiya Goswami. Kulbhushan Karbanda makes a mark as Shakal bur he is no Gabbar Singh. This movie can be best describes as Sholay in the city. If you don't expect a Sholay this movie certainly entertains. The story is about three brothers Sunil Dutt ( a police officer), his wife Raakhee, his two brothers Amitabh and Shahsi who are two conmen. On their wedding anniversary Sunil and Raakhee get shot by Shatrughan but they survive. Half an hour later Sunil does get killed. Now Amitabh and Shahshi get serious and want to take revenge on the killers. They get unexpected help from Shatrughan who has become a good man. Thgether these three tackle Shakal with help from their girlfriends and Shatru. No super plot but like almost all Ramesh Sipy films the execution is perfect. A flop when released but a cult movie now. Definitely worth a watch and far far much better then the crap action movies that come out now. Definitely worth a watch, not only for Amitabh Bachchan -the only great Indian Actor (except for Rishi Kapoor) but the supporting cast is good as well. Watch out for the scene with Amitabh and Prakash Mehra's Raquela Padmini Kapilla in a special appearance. This scene is hilarious. All in all a very good movie
Great entertainment
simon_booth21 October 2002
5 years after the breakthrough success of SHOLAY, director Ramesh Sippy once again teamed up with Amitabh Bachchan - and this time they're taking no prisoners. SHAAN is a grandly conceived epic of action, adventure, comedy, romance, drama and a bald supervillain who keeps a man-eating crocodile in his underground lair.
Amitabh Bachchan and <some other guy> are bad guys! But they're not the kind of bad guys you hate... they're the lovable rogue types. They're con-men, but they only con other bad guys. Their policeman brother knows this, and when he arrests them it's really for their own good. When they get out of jail he's there as a brother to support them, and they earnestly decide to try and go straight. But their plans of living an ordinary life are foiled when they get caught up in the investigation of super-villain Shakal, a bad guy in the best James Bond tradition played brilliantly by Kulbhushan Kharbanda. The good bad guys have to go up against the really bad bad guys!
SHAAN is like every movie ever made all rolled up into one, and barrelled through at a pace that makes the 195 minute running time seem very brief. It rides a little roughly, with some pieces of plot development and editing that challenge logic and continuity, but with tons of energy and enthusiasm. It's not as carefully crafted as the masterful SHOLAY, but it does provide the same kind of fun and thrills that make DON such great entertainment. It's a grandly ambitious movie that sometimes skirts the line between genius and simple madness very closely. It's the kind of movie they just don't make anymore!
A movie so grandiose can only work with a cast up to the task, but Amitabh rises to the occasion, oozing cool and commanding the screen most of the time. As with SHOLAY though, the bad guy nearly upstages the heroes - he definitely has all the best lines (plus an island fortress surrounded by sharks!).
SHAAN may borrow most of its elements from other movies (notably the James Bond movies), but it has enough personality of its own to make them seem fresh and special all over again. You just can't help grinning at the sheer silliness of it all, and getting carried away by the melodrama. It's a movie treat, jam packed full of high calorie entertainment. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
Amitabh Bachchan and <some other guy> are bad guys! But they're not the kind of bad guys you hate... they're the lovable rogue types. They're con-men, but they only con other bad guys. Their policeman brother knows this, and when he arrests them it's really for their own good. When they get out of jail he's there as a brother to support them, and they earnestly decide to try and go straight. But their plans of living an ordinary life are foiled when they get caught up in the investigation of super-villain Shakal, a bad guy in the best James Bond tradition played brilliantly by Kulbhushan Kharbanda. The good bad guys have to go up against the really bad bad guys!
SHAAN is like every movie ever made all rolled up into one, and barrelled through at a pace that makes the 195 minute running time seem very brief. It rides a little roughly, with some pieces of plot development and editing that challenge logic and continuity, but with tons of energy and enthusiasm. It's not as carefully crafted as the masterful SHOLAY, but it does provide the same kind of fun and thrills that make DON such great entertainment. It's a grandly ambitious movie that sometimes skirts the line between genius and simple madness very closely. It's the kind of movie they just don't make anymore!
A movie so grandiose can only work with a cast up to the task, but Amitabh rises to the occasion, oozing cool and commanding the screen most of the time. As with SHOLAY though, the bad guy nearly upstages the heroes - he definitely has all the best lines (plus an island fortress surrounded by sharks!).
SHAAN may borrow most of its elements from other movies (notably the James Bond movies), but it has enough personality of its own to make them seem fresh and special all over again. You just can't help grinning at the sheer silliness of it all, and getting carried away by the melodrama. It's a movie treat, jam packed full of high calorie entertainment. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
James Bond + Bollywood = Great Fun
Li_8510 June 2006
Shaan is a Big budget movie from the Great Director Ramesh Sippy, who has given us the Best Bollywood film of all time Sholay. His next film is bigger in budget and star cast. Shaan is a Highyly enjoyable movie that has lots of comedy with action and fun. Amitabh Bachcan in a entertaining role. Shashi Kapoor is amusing at times. Sunil dutt is efficient. Rakhee gives a decent performance. Shutrungh Sinha is not too bad. The Late Parveen Babi is fairly good, she was one of my favourite actresses in the 80s. Shaan has a classic villain Shakaal played by Kulbushan Kurbandar in his best movie of his career. Shakaal is a james bond style villain who has his own island with guns, secret rooms, rotating chairs, sharks and crocodiles. Shaan in full on entertainment and a must see if you haven't seen it.
All-In-One Film
nyredman6912 June 2000
Shaan has everything you would want in a film - there's comedy, drama, action, great music, and an all-star cast. Not only that, but there also is a car chase, a hostage crisis, a shootout, a jewel heist, and a deadly marine animal!
Characters include a pair of con-artist brothers who get conned themselves but end up joining their crafty foes (an uncle and niece team), another brother who just happens to be a police officer, his wife and daughter, a mischievous club singer, a hitman who turns good, a diabolical villain and his cronies, and a disabled informant. What more could you ask for?
As if the movie itself is not enough, the music is excellent as well. What else can you expect from R.D. Burman? "Yamma Yamma" is an instant classic. Find out for yourself if you haven't heard it yet, just ask for the MP3. "Pyar Karne Wale" is a hit as well, and fits perfectly into the movie, unlike most songs in Hindi films which just appear out of nowhere (and I must say, Parveen Babi looks great as she "sings" and dances to it in the movie).
This film is a 10/10 all the way. Shaan may be older than I am, but it's a film for the ages, and my father having a rather large video collection, Shaan being among them, I must have seen it at least a half dozen times since I was little. If you love watching Hindi movies, but haven't seen it yet, put it on your list of ones to watch. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Characters include a pair of con-artist brothers who get conned themselves but end up joining their crafty foes (an uncle and niece team), another brother who just happens to be a police officer, his wife and daughter, a mischievous club singer, a hitman who turns good, a diabolical villain and his cronies, and a disabled informant. What more could you ask for?
As if the movie itself is not enough, the music is excellent as well. What else can you expect from R.D. Burman? "Yamma Yamma" is an instant classic. Find out for yourself if you haven't heard it yet, just ask for the MP3. "Pyar Karne Wale" is a hit as well, and fits perfectly into the movie, unlike most songs in Hindi films which just appear out of nowhere (and I must say, Parveen Babi looks great as she "sings" and dances to it in the movie).
This film is a 10/10 all the way. Shaan may be older than I am, but it's a film for the ages, and my father having a rather large video collection, Shaan being among them, I must have seen it at least a half dozen times since I was little. If you love watching Hindi movies, but haven't seen it yet, put it on your list of ones to watch. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Shakaal
IPyaarCinema3 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Review By Kamal K
5 years after his masterpiece Sholay, Ramesh Sippy returned to the big screen with the big action adventure Shaan. Written by Salim-Javed, the story is a suspense thriller with many of the film elements seemingly inspired by a hotchpotch of James Bond films.
The movie is still Bollywood at heart though with Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor playing two personable rogues at odds with a police officer who also just happens to be their older brother. In addition to the sibling conflict there is a villain with a fabulous island lair, car chases, helicopters and even a man-eating crocodile thrown into the mix, adding up to a great masala movie and one definitely well worth a watch.
Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) and Ravi (Shashi Kapoor) are con-artists who make a living by fleecing money from corrupt officials and small time crooks. A little in the style of Robin Hood except that Vijay and Ravi keep the money rather than giving it to the poor. However the shoe is on the other foot when they themselves are conned by uncle and niece team Chacha (Johnny Walker) and Renu (Bindiya Goswami). To get their money back Vijay and Ravi join up with Renu and Chacha to carry out a daring jewellery heist, but are again pipped at the post by fellow thief Sunita (Parveen Babi). Sunita not only manages to steal the necklace before anyone else but has an audacious method for getting it out past the police search; although I do think recovery might have proved a little difficult if things hadn't gone exactly to plan. Her introduction is rather fab too as she appears in a wonderfully sparkly dress with glamorous backing dancers who have silver tassels everywhere, even on their boots
This time though they are caught by Police Officer Shiv Kumar (Sunil Dutt), who goes ahead and arrests Vijay and Ravi, even though they are his two younger brothers. Above all else Shiv is a police officer sworn to uphold the law, and that is what he does. Shiv's character is established early on when he rescues some hostages in a beautifully choreographed action sequence. His wife Sheetal (Rakhee Gulzar) shares the same values although she has a soft spot for Shiv's two brothers and is altogether more forgiving than her husband. However, once the brothers are released from jail they make a vow to 'go straight' and move in with Shiv and Sheetal in their house in Mumbai.
While Vijay and Ravi have been in jail, Shiv has been making inroads into the criminal empire of a villain known only as Shakaal (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) and his efforts are starting to seriously impact on criminal business. Shakaal sends an assassin Rakesh (Shatrughan Sinha) after Shiv and his family, but after two attempts on Shiv's life fail, Shakaal ups the ante and sends his henchman Jagmohan (Mac Mohan) instead. After one of the best kidnap attempts I've seen onscreen, Jagmohan manages to spirit Shiv to the island hideaway while leaving everyone else totally baffled as to Shiv's whereabouts.
Shakaal's lair is absolutely wonderful and mixes many of the best elements from various other villain hideouts. It's located on an island some 300km off the coast of India but in reality was filmed on the island of Steep Holm near the UK. The lair has long corridors with rough-hewn rock for walls but fancy modern automatic doors and nifty surveillance cameras. Shakaal lords it over his minions, Blofeld-style in a conference room with a rotating circular table and a retractable floor, underneath which lurks a man-eating crocodile. This allows Shakaal to indulge in a form of roulette to dispose of unsatisfactory employees or anyone else he doesn't like. Meanwhile sharks (and the odd oversized goldfish) can be seen swimming past the green tinted windows for extra menace. Adding to the ambience in a large audience hall is a massive golden statue of an eagle, and Shakaal has a throne strategically placed underneath for those moments when you just have to be seen to be the head villain! And of course there are plenty of panels with flashing lights and hidden switches- everything your discerning villain could require for world domination, although Shakaal has more modest aims despite his grandiose lair and petulant manner.
Shakaal has his own distinctive look too combining his bald head with black or white military style tunics featuring his 'S' logo prominently displayed. His henchmen all wear identical smart white suits, and later on his henchwomen are attired in silver miniskirts and fetching black blouson style shirts - always good to see a properly style-conscious villain!
Shakaal finally manages to dispose of Shiv although it takes him quite a few attempts and the stage is set for Ravi and Vijay to avenge his death. Naturally this involves infiltrating Shakaal's lair with a song and dance troupe (how else could you possibly sneak into an impenetrable hideaway?) which also features the inimitable Helen leading the way in this excellent song.
There is a lot going on in Shaan, but the plot follows a mostly logical and clear progression building up to the grand showdown in Shakaal's lair. The comedy works well, the romances are mainly just an excuse for a few songs, but the action sequences and special effects are first-rate. The camaraderie between the two brothers is one of the major assets to the film and Shashi and Amitabh have great chemistry together. Perhaps it's the enmity between Amitabh and Shatrughan Sinha, but even once Rakesh turns on Shakaal and joins the brothers, there is still just a frisson of tension which makes the shaky relationship between the marksman and the brothers that little bit more believable. Generally the addition of Rakesh halfway into the film is a masterstroke, adding uncertainty to the second half and also an opportunity for another good car chase and action scene. Rakhee Gulzar is also excellent as Shiv Kumar's wife, both in playing a steadying influence to the brothers and as the grieving and vengeful widow. She has a major part to play in the final proceedings too and she plays her role with grace and elegance throughout. Bindiya Goswami and Parveen Babi have rather less to do, but they get a chance to throw a few punches in the final scene and both do a good job with their rather limited roles.
Kulbhushan Kharbanda is fantastic as a rather different kind of villain; smiling and soft voiced one moment and angry the next. It's a definite departure from the more usual thuggishly violent criminals and the more subtle psychological approach works well here and enhances the cracking good story. Kulbhushan Kharbanda uses his smile to project chill and menace while his initially affable demeanour serves well to mislead both friends and foes alike. It's a great performance and Shaan is worth watching for his character alone, even without the good story, excellent action and R. D. Burman's memorable songs. I love every minute of Shaan and recommend viewing for a great all-round entertainer.
5 years after his masterpiece Sholay, Ramesh Sippy returned to the big screen with the big action adventure Shaan. Written by Salim-Javed, the story is a suspense thriller with many of the film elements seemingly inspired by a hotchpotch of James Bond films.
The movie is still Bollywood at heart though with Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor playing two personable rogues at odds with a police officer who also just happens to be their older brother. In addition to the sibling conflict there is a villain with a fabulous island lair, car chases, helicopters and even a man-eating crocodile thrown into the mix, adding up to a great masala movie and one definitely well worth a watch.
Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) and Ravi (Shashi Kapoor) are con-artists who make a living by fleecing money from corrupt officials and small time crooks. A little in the style of Robin Hood except that Vijay and Ravi keep the money rather than giving it to the poor. However the shoe is on the other foot when they themselves are conned by uncle and niece team Chacha (Johnny Walker) and Renu (Bindiya Goswami). To get their money back Vijay and Ravi join up with Renu and Chacha to carry out a daring jewellery heist, but are again pipped at the post by fellow thief Sunita (Parveen Babi). Sunita not only manages to steal the necklace before anyone else but has an audacious method for getting it out past the police search; although I do think recovery might have proved a little difficult if things hadn't gone exactly to plan. Her introduction is rather fab too as she appears in a wonderfully sparkly dress with glamorous backing dancers who have silver tassels everywhere, even on their boots
This time though they are caught by Police Officer Shiv Kumar (Sunil Dutt), who goes ahead and arrests Vijay and Ravi, even though they are his two younger brothers. Above all else Shiv is a police officer sworn to uphold the law, and that is what he does. Shiv's character is established early on when he rescues some hostages in a beautifully choreographed action sequence. His wife Sheetal (Rakhee Gulzar) shares the same values although she has a soft spot for Shiv's two brothers and is altogether more forgiving than her husband. However, once the brothers are released from jail they make a vow to 'go straight' and move in with Shiv and Sheetal in their house in Mumbai.
While Vijay and Ravi have been in jail, Shiv has been making inroads into the criminal empire of a villain known only as Shakaal (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) and his efforts are starting to seriously impact on criminal business. Shakaal sends an assassin Rakesh (Shatrughan Sinha) after Shiv and his family, but after two attempts on Shiv's life fail, Shakaal ups the ante and sends his henchman Jagmohan (Mac Mohan) instead. After one of the best kidnap attempts I've seen onscreen, Jagmohan manages to spirit Shiv to the island hideaway while leaving everyone else totally baffled as to Shiv's whereabouts.
Shakaal's lair is absolutely wonderful and mixes many of the best elements from various other villain hideouts. It's located on an island some 300km off the coast of India but in reality was filmed on the island of Steep Holm near the UK. The lair has long corridors with rough-hewn rock for walls but fancy modern automatic doors and nifty surveillance cameras. Shakaal lords it over his minions, Blofeld-style in a conference room with a rotating circular table and a retractable floor, underneath which lurks a man-eating crocodile. This allows Shakaal to indulge in a form of roulette to dispose of unsatisfactory employees or anyone else he doesn't like. Meanwhile sharks (and the odd oversized goldfish) can be seen swimming past the green tinted windows for extra menace. Adding to the ambience in a large audience hall is a massive golden statue of an eagle, and Shakaal has a throne strategically placed underneath for those moments when you just have to be seen to be the head villain! And of course there are plenty of panels with flashing lights and hidden switches- everything your discerning villain could require for world domination, although Shakaal has more modest aims despite his grandiose lair and petulant manner.
Shakaal has his own distinctive look too combining his bald head with black or white military style tunics featuring his 'S' logo prominently displayed. His henchmen all wear identical smart white suits, and later on his henchwomen are attired in silver miniskirts and fetching black blouson style shirts - always good to see a properly style-conscious villain!
Shakaal finally manages to dispose of Shiv although it takes him quite a few attempts and the stage is set for Ravi and Vijay to avenge his death. Naturally this involves infiltrating Shakaal's lair with a song and dance troupe (how else could you possibly sneak into an impenetrable hideaway?) which also features the inimitable Helen leading the way in this excellent song.
There is a lot going on in Shaan, but the plot follows a mostly logical and clear progression building up to the grand showdown in Shakaal's lair. The comedy works well, the romances are mainly just an excuse for a few songs, but the action sequences and special effects are first-rate. The camaraderie between the two brothers is one of the major assets to the film and Shashi and Amitabh have great chemistry together. Perhaps it's the enmity between Amitabh and Shatrughan Sinha, but even once Rakesh turns on Shakaal and joins the brothers, there is still just a frisson of tension which makes the shaky relationship between the marksman and the brothers that little bit more believable. Generally the addition of Rakesh halfway into the film is a masterstroke, adding uncertainty to the second half and also an opportunity for another good car chase and action scene. Rakhee Gulzar is also excellent as Shiv Kumar's wife, both in playing a steadying influence to the brothers and as the grieving and vengeful widow. She has a major part to play in the final proceedings too and she plays her role with grace and elegance throughout. Bindiya Goswami and Parveen Babi have rather less to do, but they get a chance to throw a few punches in the final scene and both do a good job with their rather limited roles.
Kulbhushan Kharbanda is fantastic as a rather different kind of villain; smiling and soft voiced one moment and angry the next. It's a definite departure from the more usual thuggishly violent criminals and the more subtle psychological approach works well here and enhances the cracking good story. Kulbhushan Kharbanda uses his smile to project chill and menace while his initially affable demeanour serves well to mislead both friends and foes alike. It's a great performance and Shaan is worth watching for his character alone, even without the good story, excellent action and R. D. Burman's memorable songs. I love every minute of Shaan and recommend viewing for a great all-round entertainer.
Felt short of expectations yet watchable
silvan-desouza5 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
After SHOLAY, Ramesh Sippy returned after 5 years with SHAAN(1980) with Amitabh, Shashi, Shatru(sources say that he wanted Dharam in lead role again but things didn't work out). The film has a decent story, starts off with Amitabh and Shashi who play conmen(in DO AUR DO PAANCH released same year too they played conmen) Sunil Dutt is their brother who is killed(in a stupid death scene) and then revenge starts. Similar to SHOLAY, here too Shakaal the main villain is given lot of prominence,SHAKAAL is based on James Bond type films, he has an island of his own and some weird gadgets(it was very expensive set of it's time). The first half is spent establishing characters and things take a turn when AB and Shashi alongwith Shatru seek to avenge death of Sunil Dutt. The problem with the film was it's comparisons with SHOLAY The film may not be as epic as it but yet its quite watchable. The film does get lengthy though. Also scriptwise it's not too tight yet it does seem entertaining The scenes are quite good like Amitabh bashing Goga Kapoor, the final showdown too is good, at times the film doesn't make sense too though it's forgiven for such a genre Direction by Ramesh SIppy is good Music by RD Burman is good, Yama Yama(RD BURMAN and Rafi) is exceptional, Pyaar Karnewala is a good song by Asha while Jaanu meri Jaan though oddly placed yet it's a good number with Kishore singing for Bachchan.
Amitabh Bachchan is as always charismatic and cool in his role, Shashi Kapoor compliments him well,though he looks tired and older, Shatrughan Sinha's role was reportedly not in the original script yet he does well, Raakhee is as usual(for once she ws cast as Amitabh's Bhabhi),Parveen Babi and Bindiya Goswami are okay. Khulbushan Kharbanda had done small roles before but this was his like a relaunch for him, he shaved his head bald and played his role superbly, he is simply perfect, sadly he never played roles of such calibre later Sunil Dutt is there for 1 hour in the film though he is credited as a special appearance and is okay, Amongst rest Mcmohan, Sudhir, Sudhir Pandey, Dalip Tahil, Goga Kapoor are okay, Mazhar Khan is good as Abdul Johny Walker is his usual self rest are okay
Amitabh Bachchan is as always charismatic and cool in his role, Shashi Kapoor compliments him well,though he looks tired and older, Shatrughan Sinha's role was reportedly not in the original script yet he does well, Raakhee is as usual(for once she ws cast as Amitabh's Bhabhi),Parveen Babi and Bindiya Goswami are okay. Khulbushan Kharbanda had done small roles before but this was his like a relaunch for him, he shaved his head bald and played his role superbly, he is simply perfect, sadly he never played roles of such calibre later Sunil Dutt is there for 1 hour in the film though he is credited as a special appearance and is okay, Amongst rest Mcmohan, Sudhir, Sudhir Pandey, Dalip Tahil, Goga Kapoor are okay, Mazhar Khan is good as Abdul Johny Walker is his usual self rest are okay
One of the best Indian films ever made!
Johal3 December 1999
I consider Shaan to be one of the best Indian films ever made. It looks like a very professionally made film, which is quite rare in Indian Cinema.
The fight sequences are very good. Mr Sippy (the director) wisely chose to use the same style as in his previous blockbuster, Sholay. This adds a touch of realism to the fights, as opposed to the norm in Indian films, where we get to see the hero beat-up about 20 guys on his own.
Another highlight of the film was the music. Sippy had an original music soundtrack created for this film, as opposed to stealing bits and pieces from other films. This really does help to increase your enjoyment of the movie. I don't generally like the songs in Indian films, but they were quite good in this film.
The cast is excellent, with everyone performing well in their roles. I find that a lot of films with all-star casts suffer problems as the director tries to give everyone equal screen-time to the detriment of the plot. However, in this film, the whole cast gels. Shatrughan Sinha's character is wisely introduced half-way through the story, thus avoiding trying to introduce too many lead-characters at the start od the film. Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor play well off each other as always. As usual, the female characters don't have much to do in the film, with the possible exception of Rakhee Gulzar.
The villain is brilliantly played by Kulbushan Kharbanda. It's blatantly obvious that this character (Shakal) is modelled on Blofeld from the James Bond movies, as is much of the film itself. One gets the feeling that the Sippy was trying to create a villain that would be remembered in Indian Cinematic history in the same way as his earlier creation, Gabbar Singh. Although Shakal is not remembered as fondly as Gabbar Singh by many people, he's still one of Indian Cinema's more memborable villains.
The plot of the movie is sometimes a bit silly (for example, we get the heroes dancing with their girlfriends in a bus soon after they discover that one their family members has been murdered). However, this is a minor criticism in an otherwise brilliant film.
If you like Indian films, Shaan is essential viewing. I'd give it 10 out of 10.
The fight sequences are very good. Mr Sippy (the director) wisely chose to use the same style as in his previous blockbuster, Sholay. This adds a touch of realism to the fights, as opposed to the norm in Indian films, where we get to see the hero beat-up about 20 guys on his own.
Another highlight of the film was the music. Sippy had an original music soundtrack created for this film, as opposed to stealing bits and pieces from other films. This really does help to increase your enjoyment of the movie. I don't generally like the songs in Indian films, but they were quite good in this film.
The cast is excellent, with everyone performing well in their roles. I find that a lot of films with all-star casts suffer problems as the director tries to give everyone equal screen-time to the detriment of the plot. However, in this film, the whole cast gels. Shatrughan Sinha's character is wisely introduced half-way through the story, thus avoiding trying to introduce too many lead-characters at the start od the film. Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor play well off each other as always. As usual, the female characters don't have much to do in the film, with the possible exception of Rakhee Gulzar.
The villain is brilliantly played by Kulbushan Kharbanda. It's blatantly obvious that this character (Shakal) is modelled on Blofeld from the James Bond movies, as is much of the film itself. One gets the feeling that the Sippy was trying to create a villain that would be remembered in Indian Cinematic history in the same way as his earlier creation, Gabbar Singh. Although Shakal is not remembered as fondly as Gabbar Singh by many people, he's still one of Indian Cinema's more memborable villains.
The plot of the movie is sometimes a bit silly (for example, we get the heroes dancing with their girlfriends in a bus soon after they discover that one their family members has been murdered). However, this is a minor criticism in an otherwise brilliant film.
If you like Indian films, Shaan is essential viewing. I'd give it 10 out of 10.
Shahkaal says - Its Shaantastic!
shahkaal21 July 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"If you have read my reviews for Elaan-e-Jung or Return of Jewel Thief, you already know that I survived the end of Shaan. Yes, Sippy and I had planned a sequel - Shahkaal vs Gabbar - but the box office put paid to our plans of world domination." - Shahkaal circa 2005.
Ramesh Sippy is among the best Indian directors of the 70's and 80's but has had a very sporadic output in the late 80s and 90s. Like many other directors of his time, he was caught in the downward spiral of Amitabh Bachchan's box office draw in the late 80s and 90s caused by the star's increasing desire to not allow himself to be overshadowed by other actors or a plot.
Shaan was the first film to be a victim of this phenomenon. Amitabh did not have a strong counterfoil to balance his antics in the film and the film did not do well as a result. Technically, it is among the most slickly filmed and edited films of its time, and has a very good case - Amitabh, Shatrugan, Sunil Dutt, Kulbhushan, etc. The film has an excellent soundtrack and the first hour is very good with Sunil Dutt subduing a desperado aptly named Durjan by his parents. However, the film is a little too long and Bindiya Goswami puts in a very cloying performance.
The most important flaw is that fans did not react well to Kulbhushan Kharbanda's breakout portrayal of the villain Shahkaal. On a personal note, I must admit that I did not appreciate his confused and tentative portrayal of Shahkaal either. It was a weak follow-up to Amjad's formidable Gabbar Singh, and really, the real Shahkaal is much more scary that Kulbhushan made him out to be. No nervous patting of a bald pate, no infinite chances for tricky opponents, no getting fooled by people masquerading as gypsy dancers, and most importantly, no rubber crocodiles in his den. On the other hand, they did get the attire and epaulets right, as well as the undersea lair with the sliding doors, and self-destructing island bit. Fans were also confused with how this Shahkaal fit in with Ajit's podiatrist plagued Shahkaal from the classic Yaadon ki Baraat (separately reviewed) Just fyi, these days, Shahkaal is semi-retired and living in the suburbs of Navi Mumbai in a modest 1-room chawl flat. The neighborhood kids laugh at his baldness and ironically shout "Shahkaal" behind his back and run away - not knowing that he is actually an aged super villain. The depreciation in the rupee and falling interest rates have hit his ill-gotten gains badly, and he should never have invested in the Harshad Mehta stocks. The same thing happened to Amitabh - but alas no TV comebacks for Shahkaal. There is no honesty among thieves any more. If anyone reads this, and is looking for a genuine super-villain, Shahkaal still has his chops. Send a telegram and he can help you plan something big. If nothing else, throw a few CIDs to ravenous marine life, sharpshoot at a ferris wheel, fry a few henchmen (MacMohan and Sudhir are available) in their round table seats, and catch up on old times. Fie on you - Kulbhushan for your craven performance!
Ramesh Sippy is among the best Indian directors of the 70's and 80's but has had a very sporadic output in the late 80s and 90s. Like many other directors of his time, he was caught in the downward spiral of Amitabh Bachchan's box office draw in the late 80s and 90s caused by the star's increasing desire to not allow himself to be overshadowed by other actors or a plot.
Shaan was the first film to be a victim of this phenomenon. Amitabh did not have a strong counterfoil to balance his antics in the film and the film did not do well as a result. Technically, it is among the most slickly filmed and edited films of its time, and has a very good case - Amitabh, Shatrugan, Sunil Dutt, Kulbhushan, etc. The film has an excellent soundtrack and the first hour is very good with Sunil Dutt subduing a desperado aptly named Durjan by his parents. However, the film is a little too long and Bindiya Goswami puts in a very cloying performance.
The most important flaw is that fans did not react well to Kulbhushan Kharbanda's breakout portrayal of the villain Shahkaal. On a personal note, I must admit that I did not appreciate his confused and tentative portrayal of Shahkaal either. It was a weak follow-up to Amjad's formidable Gabbar Singh, and really, the real Shahkaal is much more scary that Kulbhushan made him out to be. No nervous patting of a bald pate, no infinite chances for tricky opponents, no getting fooled by people masquerading as gypsy dancers, and most importantly, no rubber crocodiles in his den. On the other hand, they did get the attire and epaulets right, as well as the undersea lair with the sliding doors, and self-destructing island bit. Fans were also confused with how this Shahkaal fit in with Ajit's podiatrist plagued Shahkaal from the classic Yaadon ki Baraat (separately reviewed) Just fyi, these days, Shahkaal is semi-retired and living in the suburbs of Navi Mumbai in a modest 1-room chawl flat. The neighborhood kids laugh at his baldness and ironically shout "Shahkaal" behind his back and run away - not knowing that he is actually an aged super villain. The depreciation in the rupee and falling interest rates have hit his ill-gotten gains badly, and he should never have invested in the Harshad Mehta stocks. The same thing happened to Amitabh - but alas no TV comebacks for Shahkaal. There is no honesty among thieves any more. If anyone reads this, and is looking for a genuine super-villain, Shahkaal still has his chops. Send a telegram and he can help you plan something big. If nothing else, throw a few CIDs to ravenous marine life, sharpshoot at a ferris wheel, fry a few henchmen (MacMohan and Sudhir are available) in their round table seats, and catch up on old times. Fie on you - Kulbhushan for your craven performance!
One of the gem of India cinema
vivekchandra00711 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This is my first review on IMDb after being almost a decade long patron of it. I had seen Shaan a lot of times on TV, since my childhood. But it was very recently that it was again coming on TV that I realized its true worth.
Coming to the film, its a very well made, long, big-budgeted, multi-starer, total blockbuster entertainment-action movie, though not being a typical bollywood one. Its a movie of international standards (of that time). It was directed by Ramesh Sippy after basking in the super-success of Sholay. So, like "John Hammond", he "spared no expense" :) Even some very short scenes were made with an eye for detail. Its sets were humongous and like bond flick, specially the don's den. Its direction is brilliant and Ramesh Sippy has really shown his great filmmaking skills, which only could have been done, with ample budget and no creative restrictions.
Even the music is somewhat different than typical bollywood movie. It creates right atmosphere and tension, well suited to thriller genre. Sometimes,even silence is very well used to add to tension. Specially,I found one slow-mo scene and to my amazement they used right background score for it. Also, all the songs are great, specially Jaanu meri jaan and Yamma yamma, which are really evergreen. Well, of course there were a lot loopholes in script, scenes, etc but was a daring film of 1980, trying to match up with Bond flicks, and it surely reached up a great level.
Few exceptional scenes were Sunil Dutt's capture, chase and death (best), Abdul's death and the final climax.
Coming to the film, its a very well made, long, big-budgeted, multi-starer, total blockbuster entertainment-action movie, though not being a typical bollywood one. Its a movie of international standards (of that time). It was directed by Ramesh Sippy after basking in the super-success of Sholay. So, like "John Hammond", he "spared no expense" :) Even some very short scenes were made with an eye for detail. Its sets were humongous and like bond flick, specially the don's den. Its direction is brilliant and Ramesh Sippy has really shown his great filmmaking skills, which only could have been done, with ample budget and no creative restrictions.
Even the music is somewhat different than typical bollywood movie. It creates right atmosphere and tension, well suited to thriller genre. Sometimes,even silence is very well used to add to tension. Specially,I found one slow-mo scene and to my amazement they used right background score for it. Also, all the songs are great, specially Jaanu meri jaan and Yamma yamma, which are really evergreen. Well, of course there were a lot loopholes in script, scenes, etc but was a daring film of 1980, trying to match up with Bond flicks, and it surely reached up a great level.
Few exceptional scenes were Sunil Dutt's capture, chase and death (best), Abdul's death and the final climax.
A Great film to watch
jaheenahmed17 April 2019
Ramesh Sippy once again made another film where the antagonist is deadlier than the protagonist. Khulbushan khurbanda character Shaakal really steals the show and Amitabh and Shashi did a great performance together again after Deewar. Straughan sinha and other actors also did great performance too.
This movie is a great timepass film and a great entertaining movie
This movie is a great timepass film and a great entertaining movie
Not Worth Your Hard Earned Dollars !!!
hguy15 October 2018
A disaster of a movie despite having top talent. The only good thing about this movie is that it gave us Kulbhushan Kharbanda. Sadly, here he is the villain playing with his bald head.
Poor Ramesh Sippy tries every trick in the book but was never able to come even close to his 'Sholay (1975)' success.
Watch this movie if you like rubber crocodiles.
Watch this movie if you like rubber crocodiles.
The biggest Indian blockbuster film!!! Shaan
gavin_coolhgr25 November 2007
Shaan tells the story of an honest inspector named DCP Shiv Kumar (Sunil Dutt) who lives a very peaceful life with his wife (Rakhee Gulzar), daughter and two brothers Ravi & Vijay. However, upon, investigating about different crimes in his area, he is killed in his line of duty. However, later on his two brothers Ravi (Shashi Kapoor) & Vijay (Amitabh Batchchan) was persuade by a circus master and a marks man (Shatrughan Sinha) that a man called Shakal (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) who keeps a man-eating crocodile was responsible for his death. They, however, after fighting a prolong battle of great difficulty they manage to reach the island where Shakal is holed up and killed him and also have there brother's revenge taken.
Ramesh Sippy's biggest ever!!
nadkarnisumeet12 December 2021
Shaan review :
Following up a blockbuster like Sholay (1975) was never going to be an easy task. Nevertheless, Ramesh Sippy envisaged his next as an urban thriller set in a James Bond style milieu. His vision was grand, his starcast comprised half the film industry and his villain was modelled on Blofeld. He named it Shaan. His biggest venture ever.
Salim Javed's script, despite its excesses and loopholes, had the potential to become a complete commercial potboiler and Sippy ensured Shaan became just that!! The hype and hooplah surrounding the film was such that it released in practically every theatre in Mumbai including the Minerva where Sippy's Sholay was still running for five years since 1975. The all time biggest blockbuster was removed from Minerva just to accommodate Shaan. The first week tickets were sold out in advance in every cinema hall in India.
While Shaan as a standalone product made for an entertaining watch, the audience expected something bigger and better than Sholay. Although there was no connection between the two. After all, Sholay was set in a village called Ramgarh and dealt with a ferocious dacoit while Shaan's villain sat comfortably with his remote controlled gadgets on an island. But still, the comparison happened and Shakaal (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) though considered one of the best Bollywood villains today, was then derided for being nowhere close to Amjad Khan's Gabbar.
The box office collections slid in subsequent weeks and the trade was quick to label Shaan as a flop. Though its collections were not that bad at all. The film celebrated a silver jubilee (25 weeks) at the Minerva and other cinemas across India. But yes, it couldn't repeat the success of Sholay. Nor could any other film directed by Ramesh Sippy. Shaan actually did better in its multiple re-runs through the '80s and '90s.
Personally, I have lot of memories associated with Shaan. It was my first film as a four year old kid accompanying my parents at Badal Cinema at Matunga. I was happily playing on the staircase of the auditorium while my parents were enjoying the movie. Later, I caught it again in a re-run at Mahim's Citylight Cinema in a housefull Sunday afternoon show.
Amitabh's superstardom, RD Burman's outstanding score, brilliant production values and Ramesh Sippy's solid direction were the film's positives. But yea, a Sholay it wasn't!!
Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.
Following up a blockbuster like Sholay (1975) was never going to be an easy task. Nevertheless, Ramesh Sippy envisaged his next as an urban thriller set in a James Bond style milieu. His vision was grand, his starcast comprised half the film industry and his villain was modelled on Blofeld. He named it Shaan. His biggest venture ever.
Salim Javed's script, despite its excesses and loopholes, had the potential to become a complete commercial potboiler and Sippy ensured Shaan became just that!! The hype and hooplah surrounding the film was such that it released in practically every theatre in Mumbai including the Minerva where Sippy's Sholay was still running for five years since 1975. The all time biggest blockbuster was removed from Minerva just to accommodate Shaan. The first week tickets were sold out in advance in every cinema hall in India.
While Shaan as a standalone product made for an entertaining watch, the audience expected something bigger and better than Sholay. Although there was no connection between the two. After all, Sholay was set in a village called Ramgarh and dealt with a ferocious dacoit while Shaan's villain sat comfortably with his remote controlled gadgets on an island. But still, the comparison happened and Shakaal (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) though considered one of the best Bollywood villains today, was then derided for being nowhere close to Amjad Khan's Gabbar.
The box office collections slid in subsequent weeks and the trade was quick to label Shaan as a flop. Though its collections were not that bad at all. The film celebrated a silver jubilee (25 weeks) at the Minerva and other cinemas across India. But yes, it couldn't repeat the success of Sholay. Nor could any other film directed by Ramesh Sippy. Shaan actually did better in its multiple re-runs through the '80s and '90s.
Personally, I have lot of memories associated with Shaan. It was my first film as a four year old kid accompanying my parents at Badal Cinema at Matunga. I was happily playing on the staircase of the auditorium while my parents were enjoying the movie. Later, I caught it again in a re-run at Mahim's Citylight Cinema in a housefull Sunday afternoon show.
Amitabh's superstardom, RD Burman's outstanding score, brilliant production values and Ramesh Sippy's solid direction were the film's positives. But yea, a Sholay it wasn't!!
Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.
Underrated
rajashakaziz13 May 2022
Such a underrated movie, a Huge star cast and well written. Story of 3 brothers and a loner. 2 brothers are petty little thief's and older brother is a honest police officer. Their life's turn upside down when a big criminal decides to cross their paths. The soundtrack is amazing, with Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar. Well worth a watch.
Indian James Bond film!
bal_singh26 November 1999
Shakal's Island
applefocus24 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Salim and Javed were the masters of recycling of older plots and sometimes genres of classic superheats.
Shaan was supposed to bring alive the Bond style of film making to the Indian silver screen but Salim-Javed did not succeed in doing that.
Salim-Javed were too much into the success of Sholay, and their desperate attempts to emulate that success, shows and detracts from making Shaan a Bond style of film. Sunil Dutt as the inspector emulates Thakur's role as a policeman battling the main villain. Vijay and Ravi play small time crooks to emulate Jai and Veeru but their escapades are mainly in the city rather than in villages.
The script takes too long to develop the rather thin plot and Shatrughan Sinha's character has to be allowed to play the role of Jai he missed out on, in Sholay. So we have a needless 'bridge' as backdrop to an action sequence, and Sinha delivering Jai like dialogue about how he will not miss Shakal if he shoots.
Rakhee's emulation of Jaya's widow role thankfully is cut short.
Bachchan is not allowed to build up on his angry man image and his action sequences are kept too short.
The car chases and the helicopter rides have their impact as do the 'interiors' of Shakal's HQ on an island.
Only Kharbanda gives his all to his Shakal role. The rest of the cast just are too focused on starring in the next big success after Sholay.
An outdated Johnny Lever and a debutant Mazhar Khan clutter up the scene and the plot.
The songs are just so so. Helen is wasted in the final dance song.
The background in almost all scenes is too cheap, with a bus as the scene for a song between the two heroes and the two heroines.
A pity given the huge budget spent on the villain's HO.
Shaan was supposed to bring alive the Bond style of film making to the Indian silver screen but Salim-Javed did not succeed in doing that.
Salim-Javed were too much into the success of Sholay, and their desperate attempts to emulate that success, shows and detracts from making Shaan a Bond style of film. Sunil Dutt as the inspector emulates Thakur's role as a policeman battling the main villain. Vijay and Ravi play small time crooks to emulate Jai and Veeru but their escapades are mainly in the city rather than in villages.
The script takes too long to develop the rather thin plot and Shatrughan Sinha's character has to be allowed to play the role of Jai he missed out on, in Sholay. So we have a needless 'bridge' as backdrop to an action sequence, and Sinha delivering Jai like dialogue about how he will not miss Shakal if he shoots.
Rakhee's emulation of Jaya's widow role thankfully is cut short.
Bachchan is not allowed to build up on his angry man image and his action sequences are kept too short.
The car chases and the helicopter rides have their impact as do the 'interiors' of Shakal's HQ on an island.
Only Kharbanda gives his all to his Shakal role. The rest of the cast just are too focused on starring in the next big success after Sholay.
An outdated Johnny Lever and a debutant Mazhar Khan clutter up the scene and the plot.
The songs are just so so. Helen is wasted in the final dance song.
The background in almost all scenes is too cheap, with a bus as the scene for a song between the two heroes and the two heroines.
A pity given the huge budget spent on the villain's HO.
Classic
Internet_User_Forever14 February 2022
Amitabh and Shashi make the best duo with Shatrugan adding to it. The personality of Shakaal is unique compared to Gabbar with a soft but menacing tone. Songs, particularly "Janu meri jaan" are classical and better than todays nonsense. Crocodiles as the antagonist's weapon appeals to the audience and definitely adds to the villain's nastiness. Sunil Dutt is perfect to play the role of an honest polie officer. There is a lot of killing scenes but it's good.
Classic action-adventure Bollywood-style
coltras355 December 2021
Hardworking Police Officer Shiv Kumar (Sunil Dutt) lives with his wife, his son, and two wayward brothers. When he is killed, Ravi ( Shashi Kapoor) and Vijay(Amitabh Bachchan) renounce their waywardness to find their brother's killer, to avenge his death.
Shaan was penned by Salim-Javed duo and directed by Ramesh Sippy, the team that brought you the iconic Sholay, and, of course, with such a group of people there were high expectations to match the 1975 films success, and unfortunately Shaan didn't ignite the box office returns in the same manner, however that doesn't, in my eyes, blight the escapist delight which is Shaan, a James Bond meets Bollywood adventure that has enough thrills, comedy, intrigue and drama to keep you glued.
With a big star cast featuring here, you just can't go wrong, and they all play their parts very well. Amitabh Bachchan is cool and is at the top of his game, Shashi Kapoor is a great foil to his antics, Sunil Dutt is solid in a police role, Shatrughan Sinha is cool in a roguish assassin role, and Parveen Babi and Bindya Godswami add the glamour, but of course, the attention will be on Kulbhushan Karabanda who plays Shakaal with the right balance of charisma and menace. His James Bond lair is well-designed. His island was shot in UK.
The plot is tight, moves snappily, and engages you - but it's the action is what I like. It's exciting in an outlandish way, but it's still reined in with some slice of grittiness. Loved the hostage tower scene. The car chases and shootout featuring Shotgun Sinha are great too.
If you want a thrilling Bollywood action-adventure blockbuster whose sole intention is to entertain, then Shaan is perfect watch.
Shaan was penned by Salim-Javed duo and directed by Ramesh Sippy, the team that brought you the iconic Sholay, and, of course, with such a group of people there were high expectations to match the 1975 films success, and unfortunately Shaan didn't ignite the box office returns in the same manner, however that doesn't, in my eyes, blight the escapist delight which is Shaan, a James Bond meets Bollywood adventure that has enough thrills, comedy, intrigue and drama to keep you glued.
With a big star cast featuring here, you just can't go wrong, and they all play their parts very well. Amitabh Bachchan is cool and is at the top of his game, Shashi Kapoor is a great foil to his antics, Sunil Dutt is solid in a police role, Shatrughan Sinha is cool in a roguish assassin role, and Parveen Babi and Bindya Godswami add the glamour, but of course, the attention will be on Kulbhushan Karabanda who plays Shakaal with the right balance of charisma and menace. His James Bond lair is well-designed. His island was shot in UK.
The plot is tight, moves snappily, and engages you - but it's the action is what I like. It's exciting in an outlandish way, but it's still reined in with some slice of grittiness. Loved the hostage tower scene. The car chases and shootout featuring Shotgun Sinha are great too.
If you want a thrilling Bollywood action-adventure blockbuster whose sole intention is to entertain, then Shaan is perfect watch.
Film Length
vkdevgan-260-6335918 June 2021
Offers a good mix of action, comedy, and drama
disharma-2413115 July 2023
Shaan is a classic Bollywood film directed by Ramesh Sippy, released in 1980. It features an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Sunil Dutt, Shatrughan Sinha, Rakhee Gulzar, and Parveen Babi. Shaan is an action-packed thriller that revolves around a group of individuals who join forces to combat a notorious criminal.
The film showcases R. D. Burman's memorable soundtrack, with songs like "Yamma Yamma" and "Jaanu Meri Jaan" becoming huge hits and still popular today. The music adds a lively and entertaining element to the movie.
One of the standout aspects of Shaan is its stellar cast. Amitabh Bachchan delivers a remarkable performance as the charming and witty Vijay, while Shashi Kapoor portrays his loyal and sincere brother, Ravi. The chemistry between the two leads is one of the film's highlights. Shatrughan Sinha also impresses with his portrayal of a flamboyant and mischievous character.
The film combines elements of action, comedy, and drama to create an engaging storyline. The plot revolves around a master criminal named Shakal, played by Kulbhushan Kharbanda, who plans to steal a priceless diamond. Vijay and Ravi, along with a group of eclectic individuals, including a street performer played by Sunil Dutt and a police officer played by Rakhee Gulzar, unite to stop Shakal's evil intentions.
The action sequences in Shaan are well choreographed and provide an adrenaline-pumping experience for the viewers. The film's climax, featuring a high-stakes battle between the heroes and the villains, is particularly memorable.
However, one could argue that the film's narrative becomes somewhat convoluted at times, with certain plot points feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Despite this, Shaan manages to entertain with its engaging performances, memorable dialogues, and entertaining set pieces.
Overall, Shaan is a classic Bollywood film that has stood the test of time. It offers a good mix of action, comedy, and drama, complemented by a talented cast and memorable music. If you enjoy vintage Bollywood movies with a blend of entertainment and thrill, Shaan is definitely worth a watch.
The film showcases R. D. Burman's memorable soundtrack, with songs like "Yamma Yamma" and "Jaanu Meri Jaan" becoming huge hits and still popular today. The music adds a lively and entertaining element to the movie.
One of the standout aspects of Shaan is its stellar cast. Amitabh Bachchan delivers a remarkable performance as the charming and witty Vijay, while Shashi Kapoor portrays his loyal and sincere brother, Ravi. The chemistry between the two leads is one of the film's highlights. Shatrughan Sinha also impresses with his portrayal of a flamboyant and mischievous character.
The film combines elements of action, comedy, and drama to create an engaging storyline. The plot revolves around a master criminal named Shakal, played by Kulbhushan Kharbanda, who plans to steal a priceless diamond. Vijay and Ravi, along with a group of eclectic individuals, including a street performer played by Sunil Dutt and a police officer played by Rakhee Gulzar, unite to stop Shakal's evil intentions.
The action sequences in Shaan are well choreographed and provide an adrenaline-pumping experience for the viewers. The film's climax, featuring a high-stakes battle between the heroes and the villains, is particularly memorable.
However, one could argue that the film's narrative becomes somewhat convoluted at times, with certain plot points feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Despite this, Shaan manages to entertain with its engaging performances, memorable dialogues, and entertaining set pieces.
Overall, Shaan is a classic Bollywood film that has stood the test of time. It offers a good mix of action, comedy, and drama, complemented by a talented cast and memorable music. If you enjoy vintage Bollywood movies with a blend of entertainment and thrill, Shaan is definitely worth a watch.
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