Director: Shekhar Kapur
Starring: Anil Kapoor, Sridevi and Amrish Puri
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actors in Bollywood are as celebrated as Anil Kapoor. Ever since rise to stardom during the 1980’s’s, Kapoor has proven to be one of the greatest actors in the Indian film industry. Whether it’s lovers, rockstars or deaf men facing barriers, Kapoor has proven he can portray several characters. Kapoor’s greatest strength as an actor has always been his charisma. He’s proven to be one of those rare actors with the abilities to portray strong characters through charisma alone. Through his ability to play characters that are compelling, Kapoor has created an enduring legacy that’s lasting. A legendary figure in Indian Cinema, Kapoor has become one of those actors whose name commonly attracts audiences to the theatre. Through his long-lasting career, Kapoor has created many memorable movies that are definitely worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Kapoor and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Mr. India” definitely stands out as being his most iconic film. Released in 1987, Shekhar Kapur’s movie offered a spectacular portrait of superheroes. Packed with strong action, powerful storytelling and astonishing acting, it’s a spectacular Bollywood science fiction blockbuster. At the centre of it all is a strong performance from Anil Kapoor, who portrays a superhero seeking to save the world from a disaster. Although “Mr. India” is a riveting sci-fi blockbuster, it isn’t flawless. It builds to a predictable conclusion without a strong resolution. Nevertheless, it offers engaging entertainment which will satisfy fans of Anil Kapoor.
“Mr. India” tells the story of a superhero that strives to care for troubled orphans in India. Anil Kapoor portrays Arun Verma, a poor but large-hearted man with devotion toward his country of India. After he discovers evidence of a scientist father’s invisibility device, Arun becomes the superhero Mr. India. However, his dreams are shattered when his children are put in a state of grave danger. Rising to the occasion, Arun seeks to rescue children from a megalomaniac causing destruction (Amrish Puri). As all odds become stacked against his favour, Arun wonders whether it is possible for him to become a superhero in a country where he constantly experiences danger.
Shekhar Kapur is fascinated with the tales of orphans in danger. A fantastic Bollywood filmmaker, Kapur has often made engaging movies about orphans under pressure. His iconic movie “Masoom” offered a powerful portrait of orphans struggling to be raised in broken families that bloom. With “Mr. India”, however, Kapur made his first ever science fiction blockbuster. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of superheroes seeking to save children from catastrophes but he succeeded immensely. Using strong visuals, Kapur captures the life of a hero on a journey to discover identity. Inspired with Richard Donner’s “Superman”, Kapur uses montages to capture the life of a superhero with a plan. For instance, montages elevate superhero powers discovery scene. During this unforgettable scene, Arun is thrilled to discover his superpowers shaping identity. Using stunning montages, Kapur creates a portrait of superheroes which is compelling. Montages are complex techniques to use in most Bollywood movies. As Zoya Akhtar’s “Dil Dhadakne Do” proved, montages often elevate dysfunctional family dramas. That being said, it works immensely. Using bold visuals, Kapur conveys tension superheroes are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Mr. India” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the finest Bollywood sci-fi movies you will see. Kapur has always had a talent for staging musical numbers in films, and “Mr. India” exhibited his strengths as a filmmaker. Kapur expertly uses cross-cutting to build musical numbers about superheroes which are engaging. For instance, cross-cutting enhances the Kate Nahin Kat Te song. During this unforgettable song, Arun and Seema spend valuable time together showcasing their bond. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the movie an engaging atmosphere capturing a burden superheroes bear. Through stunning production, Kapur captures superheroes on a mission.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Mr. India” is a Bollywood blockbuster that is engaging. The movie is very well-written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture tensions that superheroes on a mission experience. Throughout the movie, Arun delivers emotional monologues which showcase his commitment toward heroism. For instance, monologues elevate the kids’ rescue scene. During this memorable scene, Mr. India delivers a speech expressing love for kids in a dangerous situation. Through engrossing monologues, Kapur creates a portrait of superheroes that audiences can relate to. Monologues are tricky techniques to use in Bollywood films. As Yash Chopra’s “Lamhe” suggested, monologues enhance Bollywood romantic dramas. Nevertheless, it works. Through an engaging screenplay, Kapur captures superheroes experiencing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Anil Kapoor delivers one of his best career performances as Arun Verma. Kapoor first earned appreciation for playing romantic heroes in classic Bollywood movies. With “Mr. India”, however, he took on his most courageous role. It isn’t simple to portray a superhero seeking to save the world from catastrophe but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and utterly vulnerable in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the anger, bravery and heroism of a superhero seeking to embark on missions. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most beloved actors in India today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Anil Kapoor, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of recognition. Sridevi is spectacular, capturing fierce personality of a woman falling in love with a superhero causing adversity. Amrish Puri is powerful, bringing cruelty to a menacing businessman that seeks to take advantage of children in an endangered country. Lastly, Sharat Saxena merits appreciation. As a heroic police officer, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Mr. India” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing superheroes that thrive in India. Unlike most Bollywood films made in the 1980’s that are outdated, it has aged beautifully. The film tackles engaging themes including bravery, mental health and family which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Mr. India” is one of those rare Bollywood superhero movies everyone will adore.
Fans of Anil Kapoor will definitely appreciate “Mr. India” and so would audiences seeking bold entertainment. A bold Bollywood sci-fi classic, it honours an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly 40 years following the release of an iconic Bollywood film about a large-hearted superhero seeking to save children from an evil danger that’s unexpected, it’s a brilliant reminder of a beloved Indian actor that has never lost his capability to leave audiences captivated by portraying strong characters in memorable movies throughout his career which definitely without a doubt deserve to be celebrated.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 