Namak Haraam

A leftist rant on the infiltration of the better class among the workers. Or how rich son Amitabh Bachchan took his penniless friend Rajesh Khanna under his wing. Amit and Raj play Vicky and Somu, brothers in arms, divided only by social differences and Raj's realization that even working people have a right to a decent life. To some extent, of course, the pretty girl Rekha as Shyama is to blame for this progress. The film has its moments. Amit has incredible charisma and great hair, and he comes across as a demi-god compared to those regular Indians just by his dazzling physique, but I know very well why I consume Bollywood only after the year 2000. This is simply too archaic of a trip into history. (22.11.2013)