Dayavan (1988)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Sorry, this movie sucks

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

The acting in this movie is really good.

Feroz Khan as a filmmaker made some few decent films like Dharmatma & Qurbani, After JAANBAAZ he made this film which was a remake of Nayakan The film had ageing superstar Vinod Khanna with newbie Madhuri, Aditya Panscholi and of course Feroz Khan. The film is also claimed to be based on real life gangster Varadarajan Mudaliar, strangely even Amitabh seems to have copied his gruffy voice in Agneepath. The film starts off with Vinod and Feroz both slowly making into the world of crime after some atriocities. Then he becomes a Godfather type image, there are several twists and turns, In many ways it's different from Feroz's normal films, here the focus is more on drama less on style and himself. The film is well handled by Feroz Khan, I wont compare it to Mani Ratnam's Nayakan but yet its a good film Music is decent, Aaj Phir Tumpe is a superb song sung by Pankaj Uddhas and Anuradha Paudwal, other songs are good tooVinod Khanna is exceptional, he has always been superb as an actor, he gives it his all and is superb Feroz Khan is decent in his small role, Madhuri is okay, she gets less scope, Tinnu Anand is good, Amrish Puri is okay in a brief role Aditya Panscholi is okay

I saw Nagayan Hindi dubbed version, and now I can make a comparison between the two. I also recommend that you see this excellent Hindi dubbed version of Nayagan before you watch Dayavan. The main comparsion between the two films is that Nagayan is a more-to the-point film, whereas Dayavan like all Bollywood films has masala (spices) added to it to make it more appealing.If you ask me frankly, I would say that Nayagan is a better film in all respects and brilliantly acted and directed as well. I should advise you to see and own both Nagayan and Dayavan.(Everyone is entitled to his/hers own opinion.)Changes: the role which Kamal Hassan played as the main figure is now replaced by the excellent veteran actor Vinod Khana. This is one of his most famous roles. The film also stars the actor and director of the film, the late Bollywood Legend Feroz Khan whose loss is still deeply felt to me. Feroz Khan's career in Bollywood is legendary and his movies are all blockbusters. I like his style of direction and the way he introduces characters in the film. This film is also one of his biggest contributions to Bollywood.Maduri Dixit is stunning as always. And her acting is on a different level altogether. She still is the best actress in Bollywood and the pace-setter.The songs in the film are the highlight. "Aaj phir tum pe pyar aaya hai..." is my personal favorite. This song is sung by the Legendary Pankaj Udhas.Plot: After having witnessed the tragic death of his father by the local South Indian police, and being orphaned and homeless, Shakti Velhu develops a hate, and distrust of the police in India. He is befriended by another homeless boy named Shanker, who asks him to accompany him to Bombay's slumlands, where they live with a kind-hearted Muslim named Karim Baba, and his daughter, Shama. This is where Shakti and Shankar spend their childhood. When they mature, they take to petty crime. Here too, Shakti witnesses police brutality and atrocities, especially at the hands of Police Inspector Ratan Singh. When Karim Baba is arrested, jailed, and found dead in police custody, Shakti hunts down Ratan Singh. An investigation is launched, but no one comes forward as a witness. Thus Shakti gets his reputation as a Don with a good heart viz. Dayavan. Shakti marries Neelu, and has two children, Suraj and Sarita. He becomes even more powerful and influential all over Bombay, and his working partners are powerful criminal dons who have ruled over Bombay for eons. Shakti eventually replaces these dons, and becomes Bombay's only Don. This creates enemies for him and his family, but he believes since he has not really done any harm to anyone, he and his family will be safe. It is this belief that will take a heavy toll on his life and that of his family.Full 10/10: a must have film for all Hindi film lovers, and Feroz Khan and Vinod Khanna fans.

It's a great saga . The story of a hero among the poor and the exploited. It keeps you engrossed throughout. A fast paced movie, Superb screen play ,real depiction of life.The fight scenes are superbThe songs are just situational and not inserted just like that like in some movies.there are hardly 2 songs. It's nice that the director hasn't wasted time on songs and focused on the content. It's a complete story.It's not just a love story;it includes a love story as a part of the main plot.All other sub plots are equally interesting.You will find almost all situations in life here It shows all kinds of people.It is said to be based on Kamal Hassan's movie in Tamil. Kudos to Feroz Khan and Vinod Khanna for making this movie for Hindi audiences.

It is perhaps Vinod's best movie. Vinod was a talented and original actor but it was pity that he left the film industry for a long interval. This interruption caused much damage to his career otherwise he might be among great heroes. Dayavan is a good movie telling the crude realities of criminal and poor life. Perhaps it is a remake of Kamal Hassan's movie and Vinod is successful in recreating the character of Shakti. Film runs on pace and plot twists grip the movie-goer but the last part of the movies seems a bit weak. Perhaps discredit goes to Adita Pancholi's weak acting. Overall, movies is worthy to be collectd and a must see for those who want real life action and story.