Karz (1980) Poster

(1980)

User Reviews

Review this title
16 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
6/10
Get a life
Peter_Young22 May 2010
Karz is one of the most famous Subhash Ghai films, but according to me it is nowhere among his best. The execution is uneven and at places the film does not flow well. The story is very interesting, but the script lets it down. The film spans for a period of something like three decades (Monty's age was specified as almost 30 in the film), but the characters do not even age appropriately during this time. Some of the dialogues and the proceedings are overdone and some sequences are amateurishly done. Despite the flaws, Karz does have entertainment value, mainly due to the fantastic music and some successfully shot moments of suspense. Songs like "Dard-E-Dil", "Om Shanti Om" as well as the instrumental theme of the movie are beautiful. The entire reincarnation track could have been better done. Rishi Kapoor is Monty, a top singer who was named Ravi at his previous birth. Ravi was killed by his wife Kamini and eventually reborn as Monty, probably in order to take revenge. Kapoor did his part well, but at some points he overdid it. The vibrant Tina Munim played his love interest, and her overly childish attitude really got on my nerves. The show was stolen by the awesome Simi Garewal, and she played her elegant vicious Kamini with style. Karz is an okay film, quite watchable and enjoyable, but basically nothing particularly good.
5 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
I understand now
jen-122-6361604 October 2014
Please be aware, I watched Karz 2008 (which is a remake of this movie) before seeing this version of the story. And I enjoyed the 2008 version. But it also meant - I already knew the story and how it was going to play out. For me, viewing this movie was an exercise in seeing someone else's vision of this story play out. Which is always a fun geek experience - if you like the story, which I do.

The other thing you need to know is that the only Hindi language movie I own on blue ray is Om Shanti Om. Because I love that movie.

Why is this important? Because - Farah Khan - who directed Om Shanti Om - borrowed heavily from Karz 1980 for Om Shanti Om. In fact, Om Shanti Om is clearly Farah's reimagining of the story. And I had no idea until just now - having just finished watching Karz 1980. And now that I've seen the original Karz - I have a much better understanding of Farah's brilliance. Keep in mind, I already thought she was brilliant. This just seals the deal.

I tell you all this because it's impossible for me to review this movie without referencing the other 2 movies since they are all related. Om Shanti Om is basically a reimagining of Karz 1980 by Farah Khan. And ... I had no idea that Om Shanti Om had anything to do with Karz while I was watching Karz 2008.

So let's talk about this version of Karz (1980)

1st - The is the best thing I've seen Rishi Kapoor in. I don't like him that much. I like his wife and his son a lot. But him. meh. Like in Chandni - I found him really annoying even though I totally loved Sridevi and enjoyed the movie. I understood I was supposed to root for him in the love triangle, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Neither could my dad who saw it with me. I don't like how rough Rishi is with his dancing partners and he's not a very good dancer. Even in this movie - there were times when it looked painful how awkwardly and roughly he was pulling his partner into a spin. Granted, I did like Rishi in Kabhi Kabhie - but I still found him - odd. This movie - I was with him and rooting for him the whole time - and yes - his acting was so good in a pivotal scene - it made me cry.

2nd - the music. I own the soundtrack to Om Shanti Om - and LOVE that music. So - hearing the original songs that the writers for Om Shanti Om were stealing from - was awesome. Really enjoyed it. And again - it points to the artistry of the writers for Karz that they could write melodies that would be so haunting and so adaptable to a different style. And to the artists who wrote and sang the music for Om Shanti Om - for stealing from Karz directly - and yet creating something entirely new. Brilliant.

3rd - the cinematography. They made use of a lot of spinning and camera rotation throughout this film. From the record player in the Om Shanti Om sequence to the pivotal scene where they get Kamini to confess. I would have said it was a bit much - since it was everywhere. But ... it only happens when someone is experiencing a flashback moment where the present and the past are colliding. And it's surprisingly effective at conveying the confusion and mixed emotions of those moments. And again, it's really amazing to see how Farah adapted the rotation element into Om Shanti Om and more importantly why she did. It also helps me make sense of the climatic scene in Veer-Zaara where this same rotation occurs, melding past and present emotionally and physically in space.

4th - the ballad of Om Shanti Om. OK - in Karz - it's not called that. But it's basically the same scene and the base melody is the same AND the outfit our girl is wearing is echoed in what Farah did with that exact same scene in Om Shanti Om. I LOVED seeing the version in Karz 1980 as a result. It was just as powerful for me, probably because I could see the two movies (Karz and Om Shanti Om) juxtaposed on each other. It was seriously cool and again - speaks to the brilliance of Farah that she could steal so blatantly and make it her own and yet be so totally overt that she was stealing and what she was stealing from.

5th - the house. Yeah - the set where the ballad of Om Shanti Om is shot in Om Shanti Om - makes sense now. As does the fire element. Again - brilliance how Farah stole those from Karz and how she used the differently.

To summarize: I understand now more of what Farah was doing with Om Shanti Om. Is Karz 1980 worth watching on it's own? Yes! It is. Totally. It's a good story and Rishi is great it in and the music is great and its a very good movie. It's just all the more awesome when you have the added layers of film making future and past mixing in your head while you watch it.
3 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Once vanquished, he shall return!
HeadleyLamarr14 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Karz is a goosebumps inducing tale of revenge that spans lifetimes. Sir Juda (Prem Nath in an over the top villainous role) plots with a brother sister duo to trap and kill Ravi Verma (Raj Kiran) so he can take over the Verma family fortunes in Ooty. Who needs villains when you have Simi Garewal, playing the loving wife Kamini. She marries Ravi, there is joyous listening to his favorite guitar music, and then she crushes him to death with her jeep within days of the marriage! Then she ousts Ravi's mother (a suitably weepy Durga Khote) and sister, and sets out to rule the empire. Of course the strings are being pulled by Sir Juda (what a weird name but it was the 80s!). Cut to modern times where a young pop star Monty (Rishi Kapoor in a youthful avatar) begins to have hallucinations that seem to come from a past life and are associated with a musical guitar riff, yes that one. He is in love with Tina (the beauteous Tina Munim) and follows her to Ooty. Tina's uncle (Pran) knows part of Kamini's secret and Monty fills in the gaps. Then they hatch a scheme to terrorize her and scare her into confessing her crime. The final song sequence where Kamini finds out that all is known is the stuff of legends.

Subhas Ghai was still in his magical phase of film making pre-Khal Nayak, Taal and Kisna! The story is well written, the cinematography is quite innovative for its time, and he is able to get decent performance out of all concerned. Particularly noteworthy is Simi as the greedy Kamini - the role of a lifetime, beautifully done. She is sleek, beautiful and yet sinister. Rishi Kapoor does a decent job as Monty, at close to 30 he still manages to carry off the 21 year old Monty really well, without being handicapped by his short stature. Tina Munim sizzles in looks, is okay in acting and the role is that of a young ditzy girl - a bit silly. BTW - did anyone else worry about a 16 year old marrying a 21 year old man? I mean she was 16 - why was she getting married? Pran is great, Prem Nath is a caricature and he does it well. Raj Kiran is quite good as Ravi.

Karz is the film it is because of 2 outstanding music numbers by Laxmikant Pyarelal. The starting number Meri Umar Ke Naujawanon (Om Shanti Om) is flawless in the singing (dancing leaves much to be desired). Ek Haisna Thi - this is a goosebumps inducing number, amazingly sung and performed on stage. This song is the heart and soul of Karz. Forgettable are Paisa Yeh Paisa, Main Solah Baras Ki, and Kamal Hai (even Aruna Irani sizzling cannot save this atrocious number). Darde Dil Darde Jigar is very sweet but not that relevant to the story.

The bad - parts of the film are amateurish to the extreme, why are random people with scarred faces, or dressed as skeletons shown to be scaring Kamini. That stuff was laughable. Sir Juda and his cohort were quite silly. Tina Munim acting the super naive girl and then they get married - that was disturbing. No one really seemed to age appropriately in 21 years.

But overall Karz is more than a timepass film. It does reach out to the viewer and captures your imagination. The idea of revenge that can be had even past one life time is very empowering. It is sort of like a karmic wheel that got compressed by the wronged.
2 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
an absolute classic
sharankandhai25 June 2007
This movie is an absolute all time classic. It even had me stunned that Subhash Ghai was able to make a movie like this. He never even came close again. But this time he wasn't the self proclaimed showman, no, he had the help of the son of the ONLY showman Mr. raj Kapoor's son RISHI KAPOOR the best actor from all the Kapoors! Rishi really shows what acting is all about. You can feel his pain and confusion by just looking at his face. Really next to Amitabh one of the best actors Indian Cinema has ever had but never really appreciated. The film is loosely based on the movie THE REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUD only Indianised a bit of course. Simmi Garewal gives a good performance (again with Rishi after Mere Naam Joker) and Pran steals the show. Prem Nath as a gunga is different than usual. Even Tina Munim is likable. And i haven't even mentioned the music...Wow! Dard-e-dil, Om Sjanti Om, Tu Solah Baras Ki, Ek haseena thi- all smash hits. They don't make 'm like this anymore.
12 out of 14 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Music, Direction and a gripping plot.
aditya_trehan30 July 2003
A brilliant entertainer, which after two decades since its initial release still, has the potential to deliver its entertainment package.

Three hours of song, excellent music and a story revolving around re-incarnation and divine justice. The music is as great as the audience has come to expect from the team. The direction is snappy and the characters in the plot are all alive and vibrant with each and every one of them fitting in to the story line as vital pieces of the picture.

The guitar lead-in, which forms a prelude to the title song, is used effectively in a few instances in the movie and is instantly recognizable by anyone anywhere who has heard it just once.

The story is effective and easy for the Indian psyche to accept and appreciate since there has always been a feeling of mysticism and awe in the Indian mind when it comes to matters supernatural and the triumph of good over evil.
12 out of 14 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Memorable film
gurdeepmann593 July 2012
This movie is an Indianised version of THE REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUD (1975)

The movie follows a good plot line as THE REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUD while making the characters and incidents different

Rishi Kapoor and Raj Kiran look the same thats why the reincarnation bit looks really good The best scenes were shared by Rishi and Simi

The memorable songs include OM SHANTI OM, DARD-E-DIL and EK HASINA THI Rishi dances well to these songs and the picturization was brilliant

Rishi Kapoor is a really good actor and you can touch his feelings using his expressions Pran steals the show Premnath as a mute villain is different His name is quite strange but it was the 80s Simi Garewal was beautiful and sinister Tina Munim is OK
4 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
Interesting plot but miscast
gregorymaria-5155325 August 2022
Interesting plot, a few intense moments, and a little bit of comedy. This movie could have been much better with a different cast. With all respect to Rishi (may he rest in peace), the movie would be much better if Mithun played the main hero. And the girl he loves seems to be still in high school, while Rishi looks much older, way over 20.

Only the villain lady is in her perfect role. Kudos to her!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Om Shanti Om - Absolutely Fantastic
Pratik11218 November 2007
After almost 26 years, I watched this film again and it still had its charm. Tina Munim, now Mrs Anil Ambani, looked absolutely gorgeous as does Simi Garewall. Rishi Kapoor, who stunned his fans then, still has the same affect.

Karz, meaning in-debt, Directed by Subash Ghai, was originally released in the early 1980's. A poor maid servant falls in love with a man, Raj, who is from a very rich family. She's persuaded to do this further when her boss, Judah, explains to her that if he helps her to gain control of the wealth, which he had been denied in a court case, he would ensure that she will have some of the estate but that this would only be done on the basis that she marries him and that four days later she murders him. Judah also promises her that hew would ensure that she is not held responsible for this. She agrees and gets married to Raj, who decides to take her to visit his family. Enroute, as planned, he is murdered and a faithful servant, Kabbira, takes the blame Years pass and Monty a singer has nightmares - which he finds out may be related to his previous birth. But he doesn't believe it and decides that he wants to perform on stage as much as he can.

The movie stars Raj Kiran, Tina Munim, Rishi Kapoor, Simi Garewall, Pran, Premnath and Durga Khote.

One of the most remembered scenes in this movie are between Simi and Rishi Kapoor. Karz is a most memorable movie based on reincarnation and the songs are just memorable - "Om Shanti Om" by the late Kishore Kumar and "Darde Dil" by the late Mohd Rafi.

A worthwhile movie to watch and especially if you like good old movies.
5 out of 8 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
.
santoshini90817 February 2009
A cleverly made re-incarnation story. The music in the movie is very good, but the story seems to be an old one.A person who has been killed by his lover in his previous birth has taken a new birth to seek his past revenge. The movie is very similar to mehbooba(1976), which is starred by RajeshKhanna and HemaMalini.If the role of Premnath would have been done by PremChopra it would been better for the movie.You can watch the movie only for its music.I would give 4 out of 10 for this movie.RishiKapoor plays charming music in this movie and he is well good also in the emotional scenes. SimiGarewal has played her role in a cruel manner and she scores in the climax scenes.
0 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Karz
IPyaarCinema15 July 2021
Review By Kamal K

In my opinion the film Karz is a master piece, cult classic very well directed by Subhash ghai best movie as director, memorable music by the great LP and who can forget the performance of its entire Starcast, mind blowing performances by Rishi Kapoor, Simi Grewal, Raj Kiran, treat to watch again and again.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
One of the best ever
imdb-ikysmoviedatabase27 December 2020
One of the very best movies ever made. It was a time when rishi was going through a rough time in his career and he had alot of expectations from this movie. Sadly it was panned by the critics and flopped at that time cause of a rival mega budget movie Qurbani released a week after and took all of the box office by a storm. As time went on karz got the recognition it deserved as a cult classic. This is a gripping movie from the very beginning. Karz is inspired by an American psychological horror The Reincarnation of Perter Proud 1975. Karz is in deed one of the finest movies of all time. The theme of it the music and songs are still remembered today as some of the very best ever composed. It is well written. Every actor put there best efforts to portray the characters on screen. I dont think there will be anyone at my age who hasn't seen this film. It will surely be liked for many more generations to come.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Subhash Ghai's best!!
nadkarnisumeet21 June 2021
Karz review :

The Subhash Ghai directed Karz enjoys a cult status today with even a remake in the recent past. But do you know Karz bombed at the box office when released in June 1980 which greatly disappointed Rishi Kapoor who had pined a lot of hope on it. The audience of that time, fed generously with escapist actioners of Amitabh Bachchan, found this reincarnation drama a bit too elite for their taste. Karz was not only panned but also unfairly compared to Mehbooba (1976) and Kudrat (1981) - two box office duds dealing with the same reincarnation theme.

It is only in the '90s decade that Karz got its due recognition as the finest effort of showman Subhash Ghai. The film has a solid script (albeit plagarised from Hollywood's 'The Reincarnation of Peter Proud (1975)) with a taut narrative, breathtaking Ooty locales, excellent cinematography and super competent direction by Ghai.

Moreover, Laxmikant Pyarelal's music with the iconic song 'Om Shanti Om' and the mesmerizing signature tune elevates the film to an altogether different level. The song itself has a Farah Khan film as well as countless remixes as reference.

Rishi Kapoor was brilliant as pop star Monty while the ever gorgeous Simi Garewal was a class apart in the negative role of Kamini. It is her career best performance and seems Ghai had a tough time convincing her to sign on the villainous role. The mute Prem Nath as Sir Judah spoke volumes through his silence. Subhash Ghai had penchant for giving unique English name to his villains - Sir Judah, Sir John (Ram Lakhan) etc.

An underperformer when released, Karz will always be a blockbuster material for me!! A must see for those of you who havent, if at all there are any..

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Good movie
silvan-desouza13 October 2009
Subhash Ghai earlier made some very good films KARZ is his best, though VIDHAATA too was a good film

KARZ is a remake of REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUD(1975) and also has songs lifted from Italian songs.etc

The story may sound nothing special today but was terrific for 80's and the direction, screenplay, writing was topnotch

The initial reels on Rishi are good but the best part is when he realises he is Ravi Verma is scenes with Simi are splendid, first when he reaches her house wild and then their love story and the volatile climax

The film just keeps you on the tenterhooks throughout and the last speech by Rishi is awesome

Direction is very good by Subhash Ghai, sadly none of his today's films hold a similar impact Music is very good, EK HASEENA THI is the best and DARD E DIL OM SHANTI OM are too fab

Amongst actors Rishi is the life of the film and he excels, his expressions especially when he realises he is Ravi Verma, his breakdowns are simply magical His last speech is his best It's a shame that Himesh tried to play the role in the remake and he faltered Simi too is excellent in her part WHile the heroine too is good Amongst rest Pran is excellent Prem Nath is okay, Macmohan is good and rest are all good
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Karz is a must-watch Bollywood film for fans of the genre
disharma-2413115 July 2023
"Karz" is a classic Bollywood film directed by Subhash Ghai and released in 1980. It is a reincarnation drama with elements of mystery, romance, and revenge, and has been widely regarded as one of the most iconic films of its time.

The movie revolves around Monty (played by Rishi Kapoor), a talented musician who starts experiencing strange and haunting visions of a past life. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Monty discovers that he is the reincarnation of Ravi Verma, a wealthy man who was betrayed and murdered by his own wife, Kamini (played by Simi Garewal), in his previous life.

One of the highlights of "Karz" is its exceptional music composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, with chart-topping songs like "Ek Haseena Thi," "Om Shanti Om," and "Dard-E-Dil." These songs not only became popular but also played a significant role in the narrative, connecting the past and present lives of the characters.

The performances in "Karz" are top-notch. Rishi Kapoor delivers a memorable performance as both Monty and Ravi Verma, effectively portraying the stark differences between the two characters. Simi Garewal stands out with her portrayal of the sinister Kamini, who is both seductive and conniving.

The film's screenplay keeps the audience engaged with its mix of suspense, drama, and emotional moments. The reincarnation theme is handled well, with clever twists and turns that keep the mystery alive until the end. Subhash Ghai's direction brings together all the elements seamlessly, creating a visually stunning and emotionally gripping experience.

"Karz" received critical acclaim upon its release and became a commercial success. It is often considered one of Subhash Ghai's best works and a milestone in Rishi Kapoor's career. The film's legacy lives on, and it has inspired several remakes and adaptations over the years.

In conclusion, "Karz" is a must-watch Bollywood film for fans of the genre. It combines captivating storytelling, outstanding performances, memorable music, and an intriguing premise to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. Whether you're a fan of classic Indian cinema or simply looking for an entertaining film, "Karz" is definitely worth your time.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
One of the Best Of Rishi Kapoor
dwaparbuch25 April 2020
This is a excellent movie. One of the best musical in the history of Bollywood. Must Watch Available on Zee5....
0 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Great Classic
vjkaram23 September 2007
This is one of my favourites. When I was growing up, we had a video of this movie. I saw this movie countless times and never got tired of it. That song dard-e-dil is an amazing song. Tina Munim looked so beautiful in that song with a black scarf on her head.

Rishi Kapoor truly is one of the best actors. He did justice to the role. Durga Khote as Rishi Kapoor's mother played a very emotional role. Simi Grewal was stunning in her role as Rani Sahiba and a villain.

This is a must see movie. It's the best movie on reincarnation, I can think of. The only other movie that would come close is Kudrat.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed