Shalimar

Shalimar is a 1978 Bollywood film directed by Krishna Shah and starring Dharmendra, Zeenat Aman, and Rex Harrison in the lead roles. The movie is an action-thriller about a jewel thief named Blackstone who is hired by a rich industrialist to find the missing diamond called Shalimar.

The movie opens with a scene where Blackstone (Dharmendra) steals a diamond from a museum in Paris. He is pursued by the police but manages to escape. Back in India, he meets a wealthy industrialist named Seth Dharamdas (Rex Harrison) who hires him to steal the Shalimar diamond from the vault of the National Bank. Seth Dharamdas has a personal interest in the diamond as it belonged to his family and was stolen from them years ago.

Blackstone accepts the job and assembles a team of experts to help him with the heist. He also develops a romantic relationship with the industrialist's daughter, Sheila (Zeenat Aman). The team faces several challenges during the heist, including a rival gang who tries to steal the diamond, and a corrupt police officer who is also after it.

As Blackstone and his team carry out the heist, secrets of the past begin to unravel. The true story behind the theft of the diamond is revealed, and Blackstone's motives become clearer. The members of the team, who were initially only interested in the monetary rewards, begin to question their involvement in the heist.

Shalimar is a fast-paced movie with several twists and turns. The action sequences are well-executed, and the performances of the lead actors are commendable. Dharmendra, in particular, shines in his role as the suave and skilful thief. His chemistry with Zeenat Aman is palpable, and their romantic scenes bring a lighter touch to the movie.

Rex Harrison, who is known for his work in Hollywood, delivers a noteworthy performance as the wealthy industrialist who is consumed by his passion for the diamond. His British accent and distinguished presence add an air of sophistication to the movie.

The movie also has a strong soundtrack with memorable songs like "O Meri Sharmilee" and "Doston Ko Salaam". The music, combined with the striking visuals of India, gives the movie a distinct flavour and adds to its appeal.

The movie deals with themes of greed, betrayal, and redemption, making it a deeper and more reflective film than a typical action thriller. The characters are multidimensional, with their own motivations and flaws. The movie also explores the complexities of relationships, both romantic and familial.

Overall, Shalimar is an enjoyable movie that combines action, romance, and drama in an engaging way. The film is memorable for its cast, music, and story, and is a classic of its genre.