The story is set in the world of feudal landlords - zamindars - whose word is law for the villagers who work on their land. The central plot goes like this: After the zamindar brothers who rule after the death of their parents are told by a holy man that their sister will bring disgrace on them by her marriage, they set out to shield her from even being seen by men, let alone touched by any of them. A village simpleton is employed as her bodyguard. But when he saves her life, she falls in love and gets him to tie a necklace around her neck. What he doesn't realize is that it is a wedding chain (mangalsutra) and that in the eyes of God they are now married. The brothers react with violence when they realize what has happened...
There are some fascinating dialogue lines and cultural references in the movie, that were once common in Hindi movies but have been dropped from those made in the last few years. Thus Karisma Kapoor - in a very strong performance - is the ideal of the devoted wife, telling her husband that it is her duty as a wife to worship and serve him, the man who has protected her. She puts the dust from under his feet in her hair parting, and considers it an honour to fast for him and to eat the leavings from his plate.
The movie in addition boasts a fine soundtrack with strong songs.
Overall this is a movie which blends the elements of masala (romance, comedy, action, songs) in a gripping way, set in a landscape that is recognizably Indian, both physically and culturally. If you have had enough of Bollywood movies set in New York, Bangkok or London featuring the fabulously wealthy, and want to see a quality old-style masala movie set in a village with feudal power relations and traditional lifestyles, you might enjoy it. For me the three hours passed quickly, and I was sorry when it ended.
There are some fascinating dialogue lines and cultural references in the movie, that were once common in Hindi movies but have been dropped from those made in the last few years. Thus Karisma Kapoor - in a very strong performance - is the ideal of the devoted wife, telling her husband that it is her duty as a wife to worship and serve him, the man who has protected her. She puts the dust from under his feet in her hair parting, and considers it an honour to fast for him and to eat the leavings from his plate.
The movie in addition boasts a fine soundtrack with strong songs.
Overall this is a movie which blends the elements of masala (romance, comedy, action, songs) in a gripping way, set in a landscape that is recognizably Indian, both physically and culturally. If you have had enough of Bollywood movies set in New York, Bangkok or London featuring the fabulously wealthy, and want to see a quality old-style masala movie set in a village with feudal power relations and traditional lifestyles, you might enjoy it. For me the three hours passed quickly, and I was sorry when it ended.