Bandie

Bandie is a 1978 Indian film directed by Ajoy Biswas and starring Uttam Kumar, Sulakshana Pandit, and Utpal Dutt. The movie tells the story of a young man named Bandie who becomes a thief to support his family.

Bandie lives with his mother, two sisters, and brother in a small village in India. His father was a freedom fighter who died during the struggle for independence, leaving the family in dire straits. Bandie has always been a resourceful and enterprising young man, and he uses his skills to support his family.

One day, Bandie meets a beautiful young woman named Bijli while traveling to the city to sell some stolen goods. Bijli is a dancer and a thief, and the two quickly become partners in crime. Together, they rob wealthy people in the city and share the spoils with the poor.

However, their luck runs out when they attempt to rob a wealthy businessman named Din Dayal. Din Dayal is not only wealthy but powerful and influential as well, and he decides to teach Bandie and Bijli a lesson. He has them arrested and thrown in jail, where they languish for several years.

When Bandie and Bijli are finally released from jail, they are determined to get revenge on Din Dayal. They plot a complex scheme to rob him of his wealth and humiliate him in public, but their plan is complicated by the appearance of Din Dayal's daughter, who falls in love with Bandie.

The movie is notable for its excellent performances by the lead actors, especially by Uttam Kumar, who was a popular Bengali actor but had never played a role like Bandie before. He brings a fresh energy and charisma to the character, making him a lovable rogue who the audience can't help but root for. Sulakshana Pandit is also excellent as Bijli, playing a strong and independent woman who refuses to be defined by her past.

The movie is set against the backdrop of post-independence India, a time of great change and uncertainty, and it captures the spirit of the era beautifully. The director uses the iconic locations of Delhi and its surroundings as his canvas, painting a vivid picture of the conflicts and challenges that the country was facing in the aftermath of independence.

Overall, Bandie is a highly entertaining movie that blends elements of action, romance, and drama to create a compelling narrative. It is a classic Bollywood film that will appeal to fans of the genre as well as those who are new to Indian cinema.