One of Priyadarshan's viciously underrated films...and in my opinion, Gardish is one of the most well acted Indian films ever. The story is of an aspiring policeman (Jackie Shroff) who gets caught in a web of hooliganism and the fight of his father (mesmerisingly played by Amrish Puri) to keep his son from becoming corrupt. The story may sound tried and tested but the results on screen are nothing short of amazing. Excellent direction by Priyadrashan, where he more than capably manages to portray the emotions of both father and son. The film never bores or loses the audience's attention because the screenplay is so flowing and relevant. I think Amrish Puri deserved a National Award for his performance and this is one of Jackie Shroff's most praiseworthy performances. The star of the show though, once again, is Amrish Puri (surely the most underrated actor to work in Bollywood). His performance rivals that of Amitabh Bachchan's in some of his classics such as Sholay and Silsila. If you like to be entertained by watching well acted, well directed and stimulating films, then you must watch this!
11 Reviews
Bold and Disturbing...
namashi_19 December 2010
Priyadarshan's 'Gardish' is a Bold and Disturbing film, that tells the story of a common man gone angry. Priyadarshan, now known to be making Comedies, has actually made one of his finest films in 'Gardish'.
'Gardish' tells the story of how the Evil can turn even the Holy, on the wrong side. A common man is caught in a gruesome atmosphere where he has no chance to survive. It's the story of each and everyone.
Let this writer inform you this very clearly: 'Gardish' is not for the faint-hearted. The overdose of gruesome violence is sure to put the illy-livered disturbed. And even the intense & tension build sequences are sure to appear dark and gritty to many. But for me, the violence and tension shown in the film appeared so justified, so well-written, that the grip just doesn't go away.
Priyadarshan is truly in terrific form here. 'Gardish' easily ranks amongst his finest efforts to date. The Cinematography is excellent. Even the Soundtrack, is impressive.
Performance-Wise: Dimple Kapadia is absolutely amazing in a strong supporting role. Dimple is one of the most talented performers Hindi Cinema has witnessed! Jackie Shroff delivers a performance that can silence even his worst critics. Amrish Puri, like always, is marvelous. Raj Babbar leaves a mark. Farida Jalal is very sincere. Mukesh Rishi, however, delivers his finest performance in here. He plays the twisted villain with such command, that you begin to hate him. Bravo, Indeed! Annu Kapoor does a fair job.
On the whole, 'Gardish' is gruesome, disturbing, but an amazing watch nevertheless. One of the finest films from the 1990's. Strongly Recommended!
'Gardish' tells the story of how the Evil can turn even the Holy, on the wrong side. A common man is caught in a gruesome atmosphere where he has no chance to survive. It's the story of each and everyone.
Let this writer inform you this very clearly: 'Gardish' is not for the faint-hearted. The overdose of gruesome violence is sure to put the illy-livered disturbed. And even the intense & tension build sequences are sure to appear dark and gritty to many. But for me, the violence and tension shown in the film appeared so justified, so well-written, that the grip just doesn't go away.
Priyadarshan is truly in terrific form here. 'Gardish' easily ranks amongst his finest efforts to date. The Cinematography is excellent. Even the Soundtrack, is impressive.
Performance-Wise: Dimple Kapadia is absolutely amazing in a strong supporting role. Dimple is one of the most talented performers Hindi Cinema has witnessed! Jackie Shroff delivers a performance that can silence even his worst critics. Amrish Puri, like always, is marvelous. Raj Babbar leaves a mark. Farida Jalal is very sincere. Mukesh Rishi, however, delivers his finest performance in here. He plays the twisted villain with such command, that you begin to hate him. Bravo, Indeed! Annu Kapoor does a fair job.
On the whole, 'Gardish' is gruesome, disturbing, but an amazing watch nevertheless. One of the finest films from the 1990's. Strongly Recommended!
Scintillating performance by Jackie Shroff and Amrish Puri
ghoshdebdeep06 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
When you finish watching the Priyadarshan blockbuster, it leaves an impact upon the viewers how a film could be made in a different and stylish way. The making is praiseworthy. Perhaps, it is the best performance by the whole casting crew at a time when Bollywood films seemed a bit stereo-typed and melodramatic. But in this film the drama is held at par with the script. Kudos to Priyadarshan for penning such a script which brings out outstanding scenes between the father (Amrish Puri)and his son, Shiva(Jackie Shroff), highlighting the emotional ups and downs between the two. The breath taking fighting sequences between Shiva (Jackie Shroff) and local goon Billa (Mukesh Rishi) look much more real. The song "Hum na samjhe the baat itni si " is the appropriate and most melodious song as the script demands.
South Indian actress Aishwarya in the role of Shiva's fiancée looks simple and sweet. Others like Dimple, Mukesh Rishi, Annu Kapoor have done justice to their screen presence. Cinematography is awesome and it lenses Mumbai from a different viewpoint never presented before in any other Hindi film. It has also hilarious comic scenes to relieve the audiences from the tension which is predominant in the movie. Music by R.D. Burman and lyrics by Javed Akhtar act as a super combo.
South Indian actress Aishwarya in the role of Shiva's fiancée looks simple and sweet. Others like Dimple, Mukesh Rishi, Annu Kapoor have done justice to their screen presence. Cinematography is awesome and it lenses Mumbai from a different viewpoint never presented before in any other Hindi film. It has also hilarious comic scenes to relieve the audiences from the tension which is predominant in the movie. Music by R.D. Burman and lyrics by Javed Akhtar act as a super combo.
One of the GREAT movies
Anupam2 December 1999
I strongly feel, this is one of the GREAT movies of Indian Cinema (better say World Cinema). It has the heart-prints-story of emotions between the father and son. Full marks goes to its Director - Priyadarshan who has beautifully characterize and picturize this movie. Normally I like to write shortcomings of the movies rather than appreciation. But here I am confused. Excellent acting by Jackie, Amrish, Dimple, superb cinematography, very well written story. A VERY NATURAL MOVIE.
Exceptionally good!
jahangirhussain747 January 2014
Gardish is a relief from the usual Bollywood masala movies where the plot is just an excuse for the hero to take on the bad guys and beat them black and blue. This film has a strong plot, good music, slick editing and good cinematography.
The story revolves around Shiva (Jackie Shroff) whose father's (Amrish Puri)dream is to see him become a police officer. However, circumstances compel Shiva to cross paths with a local thug Billa Jilani (Mukesh Rishi). One day while Billa beats up Shiva's father, Shiva decides to take matters into his own hands and beats up Billa severely, sending him to the hospital. While in the hospital, Billa contemplates taking revenge against Shiva and once he gets out of the hospital, he begins to terrorize the whole village and Shiva's family. Will Shiva take a stand against Billa or will he act according to his father's principles, putting his dreams of becoming a police officer to the fore?
The story is very well told and Priyadarshan did a really good job of keeping the viewer involved. I didn't know that Priyadarshan can direct an action film and that too with a good story and acting.
Jackie Shroff unquestionably gives the best performance of his career after Parinda. He proves that he is a director's actor and Priyadarshan succeeds in bringing the best out of him. Amrish Puri is excellent as Jackie's confused father and he proves yet again that he can carry off not just the negative but also the positive roles with aplomb. He has very large, expressive eyes conveying anger, sadness and fear painstakingly. Dimple Kapadia is also good as the prostitute and her last scene is heart wrenching. Raj Babbar succeeds in creating an impression in just a guest appearance.
Overall, Gardish is a good and thoughtful film. If you like meaningful cinemas, then this movie is for you to watch.
The story revolves around Shiva (Jackie Shroff) whose father's (Amrish Puri)dream is to see him become a police officer. However, circumstances compel Shiva to cross paths with a local thug Billa Jilani (Mukesh Rishi). One day while Billa beats up Shiva's father, Shiva decides to take matters into his own hands and beats up Billa severely, sending him to the hospital. While in the hospital, Billa contemplates taking revenge against Shiva and once he gets out of the hospital, he begins to terrorize the whole village and Shiva's family. Will Shiva take a stand against Billa or will he act according to his father's principles, putting his dreams of becoming a police officer to the fore?
The story is very well told and Priyadarshan did a really good job of keeping the viewer involved. I didn't know that Priyadarshan can direct an action film and that too with a good story and acting.
Jackie Shroff unquestionably gives the best performance of his career after Parinda. He proves that he is a director's actor and Priyadarshan succeeds in bringing the best out of him. Amrish Puri is excellent as Jackie's confused father and he proves yet again that he can carry off not just the negative but also the positive roles with aplomb. He has very large, expressive eyes conveying anger, sadness and fear painstakingly. Dimple Kapadia is also good as the prostitute and her last scene is heart wrenching. Raj Babbar succeeds in creating an impression in just a guest appearance.
Overall, Gardish is a good and thoughtful film. If you like meaningful cinemas, then this movie is for you to watch.
One of Jackie and Priyadarshan's best
silvan-desouza26 March 2009
Priyadarshan made some good serious films earlier before HERA PHERI
This is one of his best films ever
The story is well handled and the turn of events are well handled Amrish- Jackie scenes are a highlight and the way the film moves it keeps you on the edge till the end
The film may seem dry for some people but the way it is handled deserves kudos
Priyadarshan's direction is at it's best Music is okay
Jackie Shroff excels, this is one of his best performances Sadly we don't get to see such roles from him now Amrish Puri is another highlight, the veteran always gave his best in Priyan films Dimple is good Suresh Oberoi is likable Mukesh Rishi is okay rest are okay
This is one of his best films ever
The story is well handled and the turn of events are well handled Amrish- Jackie scenes are a highlight and the way the film moves it keeps you on the edge till the end
The film may seem dry for some people but the way it is handled deserves kudos
Priyadarshan's direction is at it's best Music is okay
Jackie Shroff excels, this is one of his best performances Sadly we don't get to see such roles from him now Amrish Puri is another highlight, the veteran always gave his best in Priyan films Dimple is good Suresh Oberoi is likable Mukesh Rishi is okay rest are okay
The greatest fight scene ever witnessed in a Hindi filming history. .
Vivekmaru457 May 2010
The fight scenes and cinematography and an excellent screenplay mark this great Priyadarshan directed blockbuster.
Oustanding acting performance by Amrish Puri, Jacki Shroff, Mukesh Rishi, Dimple Kapadia, Asrani and Annu Kapoor.
The plot is this: Purshotam Kashinath Sathe (Amrish Puri) confiscates the van of the son of a Member Of Legislative Assembly (M.L.A).
In revenge the M.L.A transfers him to to the dangerous district of Kala Chowk where a thug known as Billa Jalani terrorizes the populous.
One day it so happens that P.K. Sathe is caught in a fight with Billa. Shiva P. Sathe, P.K Sathe's son (played by Jackie Shroff) intervenes, and strikes Billa's head with first a steel pail and then a metal rod. It seems that Billa has not died of that beating, but apparently recovering at a local hospital and plotting his full and final revenge against Shiva.
Who will prevail at the end, Billa or Shiva?
Oustanding acting performance by Amrish Puri, Jacki Shroff, Mukesh Rishi, Dimple Kapadia, Asrani and Annu Kapoor.
The plot is this: Purshotam Kashinath Sathe (Amrish Puri) confiscates the van of the son of a Member Of Legislative Assembly (M.L.A).
In revenge the M.L.A transfers him to to the dangerous district of Kala Chowk where a thug known as Billa Jalani terrorizes the populous.
One day it so happens that P.K. Sathe is caught in a fight with Billa. Shiva P. Sathe, P.K Sathe's son (played by Jackie Shroff) intervenes, and strikes Billa's head with first a steel pail and then a metal rod. It seems that Billa has not died of that beating, but apparently recovering at a local hospital and plotting his full and final revenge against Shiva.
Who will prevail at the end, Billa or Shiva?
Good movie, great performances and soothing music
anupn-790971 November 2019
Gardish is a remake of the acclaimed Malayalam film Kireedam by Sibi Malayil, a versatile director who has directed many critically and commercially successful films in Malayalam.
Kireedam (the Crown, in Malayalam) among the Keralite population belongs to the folklore, a film unmatched and always among the top 15 or 20 brilliant films in Malayalam. No discussion on Malayalam films or its star Mohanlal is ever complete without mentioning Kireedom. The movie is also famous for catapulting Mohanlal (who was already a superstar then) to unimagined heights among the malayalees. The movie is also famous for winning the National award - Special mention to its lead actor. The climax scene in Kireedam where Mohanlal depicts a range of emotions of agony and pain which his character is going through, in a single take is unmatched till now, and I have read many discussions on the performance even among non-keralite and international audience, who have seen the movie. You can even google many articles on this performance.
Coming to its Hindi remake, Priyadarshan (another popular and accomplished director in Malayalam films) makes his second Hindi film and he does well by staying true to the script of Kireedam. I think this is the first movie which had the great Amrish Puri in a character role (long before DDLJ), a change from his villainous characters.
Probably Gardish will be remembered as one of the few films (along with Parinda), which had Jackie Shroff showing his acting skills and getting a Filmfare Best Actor nomination. Amrish Puri is excellent as the father, Dimple Kapadia is good and so is the cameo of Aishwariya (daughter of yesteryear actress Lakshmi, who played the lead in Hindi movie Julie). Suresh Oberoi and Mukesh Rishi also play their roles well.
How can the review of Gardish be complete without mentioning its music by the one and only RD Burman. 'Badal jo barsein tho', 'hum na samjhe the baat itni si' 'tum jho mile humko, tum jho mile ho', 'ye mera dil, tho pagal hain' are some of the popular tracks and can they ever be matched?
Overall, Gardish is a must watch.
Kireedam (the Crown, in Malayalam) among the Keralite population belongs to the folklore, a film unmatched and always among the top 15 or 20 brilliant films in Malayalam. No discussion on Malayalam films or its star Mohanlal is ever complete without mentioning Kireedom. The movie is also famous for catapulting Mohanlal (who was already a superstar then) to unimagined heights among the malayalees. The movie is also famous for winning the National award - Special mention to its lead actor. The climax scene in Kireedam where Mohanlal depicts a range of emotions of agony and pain which his character is going through, in a single take is unmatched till now, and I have read many discussions on the performance even among non-keralite and international audience, who have seen the movie. You can even google many articles on this performance.
Coming to its Hindi remake, Priyadarshan (another popular and accomplished director in Malayalam films) makes his second Hindi film and he does well by staying true to the script of Kireedam. I think this is the first movie which had the great Amrish Puri in a character role (long before DDLJ), a change from his villainous characters.
Probably Gardish will be remembered as one of the few films (along with Parinda), which had Jackie Shroff showing his acting skills and getting a Filmfare Best Actor nomination. Amrish Puri is excellent as the father, Dimple Kapadia is good and so is the cameo of Aishwariya (daughter of yesteryear actress Lakshmi, who played the lead in Hindi movie Julie). Suresh Oberoi and Mukesh Rishi also play their roles well.
How can the review of Gardish be complete without mentioning its music by the one and only RD Burman. 'Badal jo barsein tho', 'hum na samjhe the baat itni si' 'tum jho mile humko, tum jho mile ho', 'ye mera dil, tho pagal hain' are some of the popular tracks and can they ever be matched?
Overall, Gardish is a must watch.
Great movie
smr-988899 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A wonderful film depicting the father-son relationship, and the business of beggars depicting the conditions of that time in Mumbai, has also been shown well, Priyadarshan's direction is brilliant.
It was great to see Amrish Puri sahab.ham na samjhe the that singing creates a motivation to do something in life, when Amrish picks up Jackie from the pavement, he realizes a father's dream is broken.
Such a story that can happen to a normal human being, when the watcher of the film sees this film by connecting with himself, then understanding the film and the feeling of watching it is something else.
It was great to see Amrish Puri sahab.ham na samjhe the that singing creates a motivation to do something in life, when Amrish picks up Jackie from the pavement, he realizes a father's dream is broken.
Such a story that can happen to a normal human being, when the watcher of the film sees this film by connecting with himself, then understanding the film and the feeling of watching it is something else.
A below average Action movie with Poor storyline
abhinavmanojs12 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
(Warning: This review contains spoilers)
Film: Gardish (1993)
I watched this film and now I think that I wasted My Time in this
This Movie is about A Police Officer Purshottam (Amrish Puri) who wants His Son to become a Police Officer like Him but His Son becomes a criminal. One Day Shiva (Jackie Shroff) is surrounded by bandits and He hits them in defence and they get knocked down but then nonsense strikes! His Father scolds him for attacking the Bandits! Rather than praising him!
Okay then another scene Shiva (Jackie Shroff) finds out that some bandits are taking Money from People on His name. He gets aggressive because they were ruining His reputation by calling him "Leader of bandits" and He fights and knocks them down One by One and then His Father (Amrish Puri) not let Him into Home. Then next Day he forgives him.
Another Day Shiva (Jackie Shroff) goes out for some reason and He gets attacked by bandits and He have to attack in defence to save His Life and he gets involved in another fight and the bandits get critically injured he hits a bandit with an iron rod and punches brutally. He then gets arrested by his father (Amrish Puri) and he also punches him for attacking bandits! Rather than praising him for saving People from bandits! I become very angry at this point and I feel like I am losing My mind by watching this.
In the climax scene his father hands over his Son to The Villain! And then he starts punching him and when he gets badly injured then his father tells him to finish The Villain and then He brutally kills him. Later he gets arrested by Police and is declared "A Criminal" for killing A "Bad Guy" rather than rewarding him.
Conclusion: "Very weird film in which The Father hates his own Son for fighting some Bad Guys to save People"
This film is not suitable for Audience under 15 Years, contains strong violence and some coarse language.
Okay then another scene Shiva (Jackie Shroff) finds out that some bandits are taking Money from People on His name. He gets aggressive because they were ruining His reputation by calling him "Leader of bandits" and He fights and knocks them down One by One and then His Father (Amrish Puri) not let Him into Home. Then next Day he forgives him.
Another Day Shiva (Jackie Shroff) goes out for some reason and He gets attacked by bandits and He have to attack in defence to save His Life and he gets involved in another fight and the bandits get critically injured he hits a bandit with an iron rod and punches brutally. He then gets arrested by his father (Amrish Puri) and he also punches him for attacking bandits! Rather than praising him for saving People from bandits! I become very angry at this point and I feel like I am losing My mind by watching this.
In the climax scene his father hands over his Son to The Villain! And then he starts punching him and when he gets badly injured then his father tells him to finish The Villain and then He brutally kills him. Later he gets arrested by Police and is declared "A Criminal" for killing A "Bad Guy" rather than rewarding him.
Conclusion: "Very weird film in which The Father hates his own Son for fighting some Bad Guys to save People"
This film is not suitable for Audience under 15 Years, contains strong violence and some coarse language.
Straight-Forward Movie
nachiket020 October 2012
The movie was released in 1993 and I am now watching it in 2012. It still leaves a deep impact; a very straight-forward movie. The movie appears to be a silent one but the Action scenes are carried out really well. In a movie which shows some light on System Errors; it is always difficult to show the importance / effect on personal relations. But the movie balances it really well. Star-cast matches very well and it is difficult for one to catch a point where the actor does not fit for the role or character. Cruelty is shown in movie but it does not disturbs the plot but helps in making the villain infamous. Emotions, acting, plot does not fail at any point. The song "Hum Na Samjhe The" is a really good one! Over-all music is above average.
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