Amar Akbar Anthony - 1977

Amar Akbar Anthony, a 1977 Bollywood masterpiece, stands tall as an iconic film that transcends the boundaries of time and genre. Directed by the legendary filmmaker Manmohan Desai, this enchanting cinematic creation captured the hearts of millions and left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

Set against Mumbai's vibrant and diverse society, Amar Akbar Anthony creates a captivating tale of three brothers separated at birth and raised in different religious households. The film effortlessly blends elements of drama, comedy, and romance, creating a symphony of emotions that resonates with audiences even today.

The narrative revolves around Amar, Akbar, and Anthony, played by the charismatic trio of Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan, respectively. As fate brings them together as adults, they embark on a thrilling journey to reunite with their mother and seek justice against the evil forces that tore their family apart.

With its memorable dialogues, foot-tapping music, and exhilarating dance sequences, Amar Akbar Anthony offers a cinematic experience like no other. The film's iconic songs, composed by the legendary duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal and penned by Anand Bakshi, became anthems of the era, with tracks like "My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves" and "Parda Hai Parda" etching themselves into the collective memory of generations.

Amar Akbar Anthony stands as a testament to the power of unity, brotherhood, and love, showcasing the triumph of good over evil with a dash of humour and a whole lot of heart. Even after decades, its universal themes continue to resonate, making it an eternal classic and a true gem in the treasure trove of Indian cinema.

Table of Contents

• Details

• Plot

• Release

• Reviews

• Cast

• Crew

• Character Analysis

• Songs

• Behind the Scenes

• Box Office Collection

• Awards

• Interesting Facts

• Conclusion

Details

Plot

Play

On August 15, 1955, Kishanlal, a former driver, gets freed from jail after serving time for a tragic hit-and-run accident caused by Robert, the criminal boss for whom he used to serve. Kishanlal returns home to find his wife Bharati suffering from disease and his three sons malnourished, despite Robert's assurances that his family would be well cared for. 

Kishanlal begs Robert's assistance, but Robert instead humiliates him and instructs his thugs to kill him. Kishanlal escapes in one of Robert's cars, which is loaded with illegal gold bullion. Robert's henchmen pursue. Kishanlal returns home to find his sons orphaned by Bharati, who has left a suicide note. He hides the children in Borivali Park for safety and flees to avoid capture; in the following fiery car wreck, both mobsters and police assumed Kishanlal and his sons were killed. He escapes with the gold after surviving.

In the park, the eldest son follows Kishanlal, is hit by the chasing automobile, and is discovered by Hindu police Superintendent Khanna, who adopts him. The middle son goes in search of food for his screaming baby sibling; Muslim tailor Mr. Ilahabadi discovers and adopts the 'abandoned' infant. When the last brother returns to find himself alone, he falls asleep on the steps of a neighbouring Catholic church while holding Bharati's suicide note, and the local parish priest Father Gonsalves rescues him.

Meanwhile, Bharati is blinded by a falling branch after attempting suicide and is horrified when the police inform her that Kishanlal and her sons have died. Kishanlal comes to the park with the treasure only to discover that his sons disappeared. Kishanlal convinced that he has lost his entire family, swears vengeance on Robert for causing him to lose his family.

The three sons are seen as adults 22 years later, in 1977, with the names Amar Khanna, Akbar Ilahabadi, and Anthony Gonsalves. Amar Khanna is a Hindu cop, Akbar Ilahabadi is a Muslim qawwali artist, and Anthony Gonsalves is a Christian alcohol store owner. The three meet and become friends while donating blood to Bharati, who was hit and run while selling flowers. 

Meanwhile, Kishanlal has amassed a fortune as a crime lord by forming his own syndicate and driving Robert out of business, forcing a broke Robert to work for him. Kishanlal also adopted Robert's daughter Jenny and sent her off to study overseas. 

During a police raid at their loading port, Kishanlal and his men are forced to leave, allowing Robert to flee with another consignment of illicit gold after shooting Superintendent Khanna. With the new gold, Robert reclaims his status as crime boss and employs new mobsters in order to reclaim Jenny and exact revenge on Kishanlal.

As the story progresses, each of the brothers falls in love: Amar falls in love with a small-time crook named Lakshmi after arresting her violent stepmother, Akbar falls in love with a doctor named Salma Ali, and Anthony falls in love with Jenny during an Easter Sunday church sermon. 

Bharati regains her sight at a ceremony honouring Shirdi's Sai Baba, which is hosted by Akbar, whom she recognises as her youngest son Raju. Simultaneously, Akbar saves Salma and her father, Taiyyab from a house fire, and Taiyyab graciously blesses Akbar and Salma's relationship. This occurrence taught Amar and Akbar that Kishanlal and Bharati are their parents and brothers.

However, things take a dramatic turn when one of Kishanlal's bodyguards, Zebisco, kidnaps Jenny and sells her to Robert in exchange for her hand in marriage. Father Gonsalves tries to save Jenny but is killed by Robert; even Lakshmi is taken by her nasty stepbrother Ranjeet, who also works for Robert. Anthony quickly discovers that Kishanlal and Bharati are his parents and that Amar and Akbar are his brothers after hearing what occurred to Father Gonsalves. 

With the knowledge that they are connected and the realisation of what has just occurred, the brothers are determined to hold Robert and his men accountable for their actions. As a result, Amar, Akbar, and Anthony disguise themselves and enter Robert's residence, accompanied by Salma, who assists Jenny and Lakshmi in escaping. After revealing themselves, the brothers defeat Robert and his men (including Ranjeet and Zebisco) and have them all imprisoned for their crimes. 

Bharati is upset to find that Kishanlal was also imprisoned for his previous crimes, but Kishanlal consoles Bharati by saying that the only thing that matters to him is that their family is reunited once more. To emphasise his point, Kishanlal is briefly released only to hug his sons. The film concludes with Amar, Akbar, and Anthony riding joyfully in the sunset with Lakshmi, Salma, and Jenny.

Release

During the Emergency Period, several of Manmohan Desai's films were not allowed to be released. As a direct consequence of this, four of Desai's films—namely Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Parvarish, and Amar Akbar Anthony—were made available to the public in the year 1977.

Amar Akbar Anthony hit the silver screens on May 27, 1977, and quickly became a massive success. It received widespread acclaim from both critics and the general public for its engaging storyline, memorable performances, and exceptional music.

Reviews

Amar Akbar Anthony, directed by the legendary filmmaker Manmohan Desai, is a masterpiece that continues to charm audiences even after several decades since its release in 1977. This iconic Bollywood film weaves together a captivating narrative, outstanding performances, and unforgettable music, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The strength of Amar Akbar Anthony lies in its engaging and creative storyline. The film flawlessly blends elements of comedy, drama, action, and romance, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish. As the brothers' paths converge, the story unfolds with unexpected twists, heartwarming reunions, and a quest for justice against the forces that tore their family apart. The narrative tackles themes of love, unity, and religious harmony, resonating with audiences across generations.

The performances in Amar Akbar Anthony are nothing short of exceptional. Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, and Rishi Kapoor deliver powerhouse performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their respective characters. Their chemistry on screen is notable, and their portrayal of the brothers' unique personalities is a testament to their versatility as actors. The supporting cast, including Parveen Babi, Shabana Azmi, and Pran, further elevates the film with their stellar performances.

One cannot discuss Amar Akbar Anthony without praising its unforgettable music. The film's soundtrack, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and penned by Anand Bakshi, is a true gem. From foot-tapping numbers like "My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves" to soulful melodies like "Parda Hai Parda," each song is a masterpiece that adds depth and emotion to the storytelling. The music continues to be cherished and celebrated, demonstrating its timeless appeal.

Director Manmohan Desai's masterful storytelling, coupled with brilliant cinematography and lively choreography, creates a visually stunning and entertaining spectacle. The film strikes a perfect balance between laughter and tears, capturing the essence of human emotions with finesse. Desai's direction showcases his prowess in seamlessly blending multiple genres, ensuring a delightful and engaging cinematic experience.

Its universal themes, exceptional performances, and unforgettable music have made it an everlasting classic. The film's ability to entertain and inspire audiences, transcending boundaries of time and culture, is a testament to its brilliance.

It is a cinematic gem that deserves its place in the pantheon of Bollywood classics. Its enduring appeal, captivating storytelling, and memorable performances continue to make it a must-watch for cinephiles and fans of Indian cinema worldwide. This timeless masterpiece is a testament to the magic of cinema and the legacy of the talented artists involved in its creation.

Cast

• Vinod Khanna as Amar Khanna

• Rishi Kapoor as Akbar Ilahabadi

• Amitabh Bachchan as Anthony Gonsalves

• Shabana Azmi as Lakshmi

• Neetu Kapoor as Salma

• Parveen Babi as Jenny

• Nirupa Roy as Bharati

• Pran as Kishanlal

• Jeevan as Robert

• Mukri as Taiyyab Ali (Salma's father)

• Ranjeet as Ranjeet (Lakshmi's stepbrother)

• Yusuf Khan as Zebisco (Jenny's bodyguard)

• Helen as Fake Jenny

• Kamal Kapoor as Superintendent Khanna (Amar's adoptive father)

• Shivraj as Mr. Ilahabadi (Akbar's adoptive father)

• Nazir Hussain as Father Gonsalves (Anthony's adoptive father)

• Prathima Devi as Lakshmi's grandmother

• Nadira as Lakshmi's stepmother

• Moolchand as Pedro (Robert's friend)

Crew

• Director(s) - Manmohan Desai

• Writer(s) - Kader Khan and K. K. Shukla

• Screenplay Write(s) - Prayag Raj

• Producer(s) - Manmohan Desai

• Cinematographer(s) - Peter Pereira

• Editor(s) - Kamlakar Karkhanis

• Musician(s) - Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Anand Bakshi

Character Analysis

• Amar - Amar, portrayed by Vinod Khanna, is the eldest of the three brothers. Raised by a Hindu policeman, he grows up to be a disciplined and honest police officer. Amar is courageous and dutiful, always striving to uphold the law and protect the innocent. His strong sense of justice drives him to fight against criminals and corruption.

• Akbar - Played by Rishi Kapoor, Akbar is the youngest brother who is raised by a Muslim tailor. He grows up to be a kind-hearted and compassionate man who believes in spreading love and harmony. Akbar is a talented singer and often uses his musical abilities to bring joy to others. 

• Anthony - Anthony, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, is the middle child raised by a Catholic priest. He is a cheerful, kind-hearted, and street-smart individual with a strong sense of justice. Anthony is a loyal friend and a fierce protector of those he cares for. His witty humour and unique mannerisms make him a memorable and endearing character. Anthony falls in love with Jenny, a woman he saves from the clutches of criminals, and their relationship is marked by passion and devotion.

• Kishanlal - Kishanlal, played by Pran, is the father of Amar, Akbar, and Anthony. He is a hardworking and loving father who wants the best for his family.After being wronged by the criminal Robert, Kishanlal decides to seek vengeance.

• Bharati - Bharati, portrayed by Nirupa Roy, is the mother of the three brothers. She is a strong, resilient, and loving woman who faces numerous challenges after being separated from her children. Her character symbolizes the unwavering strength and determination of a mother's love.

• Robert - Robert, played by Jeevan, is the primary antagonist of the film. He is a ruthless and cunning criminal who causes suffering to Kishanlal and his family. His character represents the darker side of humanity and serves as a catalyst for the events that unfold in the movie.

Songs

Behind the Scenes

Manmohan Desai's debut movie as an independent producer was Amar Akbar Anthony. A month was spent filming the movie in Mumbai's Ranjit Studios. At the Mount Mary Church in Bandra, Mumbai, and the Don Bosco School in Wadala, Mumbai, some exterior and interior shots, respectively, were shot.

The shooting plan was set up so that the whole cast didn't have to be in the same place at the same time, except for the climax and the title song, "Anhoni Ko Honi", where they all sing together. But the shooting took longer than planned, so Rishi Kapoor and Shabana Azmi had to shoot their parts separately so they could leave to work on other films at the end of the production.

Box Office Collection

The movie was the highest-grossing Bollywood picture at the Indian box office for the year 1977, earning ₹155 million (US$17.69 million). By 2023, after accounting for inflation, the movie had made about ₹423 Crores ($51 million).

It has come to be recognised as one of the most famous films in the history of Indian cinema.

Awards

Interesting Facts

• A heroine opposite Vinod Khanna was not what Manmohan Desai desired. It wouldn't fit him, he reasoned, because he had a serious personality. Vinod, however, insisted that if Amitabh and Rishi had leading females, his character would need to have one as well. He continued pressuring Desai to sign Shabana Azmi. Desai finally surrendered and hired her, giving her a part in the movie.

• The fascinating Amar Akbar Anthony plot came to director Manmohan Desai when he was reading a newspaper. He had read a news article about Jackson, a drunken guy who had decided to abandon his three children in the park because he was tired of his life. Similar to this, towards the start of the movie Pran brings his kids and leaves them in a park. The oldest child in the tale is taken in by a Hindu policeman, while the other two are adopted by a Muslim tailor and a Catholic priest.

• It might surprise you to learn that the movie has an amusing blooper. Rishi Kapoor's character, Akbar Illahabadi, addresses Neetu Singh's character, Dr. Salma, by her real name rather than by her character's name in their introduction sequence. Even though this mistake is obvious, no attempts were made to fix it in the film. In this scenario, Akbar visits Dr. Salma for a health checkup and addresses her as Neetu.

Conclusion

Decades after its release, Amar Akbar Anthony remains a beloved classic, reminding us of the enduring power of Indian cinema. Its universal themes, memorable characters, and timeless appeal continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.

In the vast landscape of Bollywood, Amar Akbar Anthony shines as a true gem. Its legacy lives on, reminding us of the magic that cinema can create when talented artists come together to weave a story that transcends boundaries and leaves a lasting impact on our hearts and minds.