Watch Nishaant

Nishaant is a 1975 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Shyam Benegal. The film stars Girish Karnad, Shabana Azmi, Anant Nag, Amrish Puri, and Smita Patil in pivotal roles. The story of Nishaant revolves around a small village in rural India called Vishrampur. The village is ruled by a powerful zamindar, who exploits the poor and weak in the village. He has a private army that terrorizes the villagers, and anyone who dares to speak up against him disappears mysteriously.

The protagonist of the film is a young school teacher named Vishwam (Girish Karnad). He is an idealistic man who believes in fighting for the rights of the downtrodden. He is the only person in the village who is ready to stand up against the zamindar and his tyranny. Vishwam is married to a beautiful and intelligent woman, Rukmini (Shabana Azmi), who supports him in his fight against injustice.

One day, a young boy goes missing from the school where Vishwam teaches. Vishwam suspects that the zamindar's private army is responsible for the boy's disappearance. He decides to investigate the matter, and in the process, he uncovers a conspiracy that involves the zamindar, the local police, and the corrupt government officials.

As Vishwam tries to expose the corrupt system and fight for justice, he faces many obstacles. He is threatened, intimidated, and even physically assaulted. But he doesn't give up. He realizes that he can't fight the system alone, and he seeks the help of his fellow villagers. Together, they embark on a journey to bring down the corrupt zamindar and his accomplices.

Nishaant is a powerful film that exposes the corruption and injustice that prevails in rural India. It is a scathing commentary on the feudal system that still exists in many parts of the country. The film is a classic example of parallel cinema, which emerged in India in the 1970s. It is a genre of filmmaking that focuses on social and political issues and challenges the mainstream Hindi cinema.

The film is beautifully shot, and the performances of the actors are superb. Girish Karnad shines as the idealistic school teacher who stands up against a corrupt system. Shabana Azmi is brilliant as his supportive wife, who is also a victim of the system. Anant Nag is convincing as the zamindar's cunning brother, who is a part of the conspiracy.

The film's music, composed by Vanraj Bhatia, is haunting and adds to the overall mood of the film. The film's theme song, "Maine Tere Liye Hi Saat Rang Ke Sapne Chune," sung by Lata Mangeshkar, has become a classic.

In conclusion, Nishaant is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian cinema that addresses social and political issues. It is a powerful film that still holds relevance today, as corruption and injustice continue to plague the country. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to challenge the status quo and inspire change.