Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) User Reviews (52)

A fast-paced, highly entertaining action-packed romance

[Peter_Young · 8/10 · 21 September 2021]

Indeed, Gadar is pulp history, and it's not the best picture in its presentation of the warring sides. Set during the 1947 India-Pakistan Partition, the film tells the love story between Tara Singh, a Sikh truck driver, and Sakina, a girl coming from an aristocratic Muslim family. The film presents the atrocities of war during Partition, with particular emphasis on the Punjab riots, where Hindus and Muslims kill each other on each group's migration to their destined country (India/Pakistan). Tara, aiming to kill Muslims, is shocked to find Sakina, whom he used to know years before Partition. He takes her under his protection and gives her shelter in gratitude of her kindness to him before.

Gadar is not a historical film, but it's quite a remarkable epic film in its extraordinary entertainment value. The film is thoroughly watchable and interesting, and it keeps the viewers (well it kept me, for sure) on the edge of their seats for its entire duration. The proceedings move at a fast pace, and even more so as the story unfolds. The romantic portions are beautiful and actually quite subtly done (note the scene where Sakeena helps Tara wear his turban, or the scene where she confesses to him - wonderful). The action that follows is excellent, and their escape later on is one of the most thrilling, entertaining and well-shot sequences of its kind.

The production values in this regard are fantastic. The sets and costumes are excellently chosen to create the desired atmosphere of that era. The film's huge tonal shift from brutal riots to pure romance and marital bliss to action-packed thriller makes the entire experience into quite an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. The traditional music is wonderful, and Uttam Singh can always be counted on to deliver beautiful melodies. Yes, some of the later parts get overblown both emotionally and in terms of the portrayal of the animosity between the two sides which is really a little childish and hard to believe, but it's a movie, and it's all within the context of a mainstream Hindi film.

Sunny Deol is tremendous in the lead role. I've liked him ever since his debut back in 1983 with Betaab, and here he gives a passionate, intense performance both in the early portions where he brilliantly plays Tara's innocent shyness and wholesome personality and in the later parts where he turns into the fierce action star he is known to be. His leading lady, Amisha Patel is luminous in a beautiful performance that remains her best work to this day. I wish she made more use of her tremendous potential. Amrish Puri is excellent because he always is although his part veers into caricature, and Lillete Dubey is very good, too. Tu sum it up, Gadar is a true cinematic experience fulfilling exactly what cinema is all about in the end: entertainment. There's plenty of it here.

WOW - thats it!

[Mushtaq_Ahmd · 8/10 · 29 March 2003]

The movie apart from having a good story, good performances and good direction also has reflected upon reality.

I was not expecting much from this movie. But that turned out to be the best part.

Pakistan was a part India before 1947. It was created on the basis of religion and hatred. That hatred has not settled down still (and probably never will). It was at its peak immediately after the Britishers left.

How do the Pakistan politicians exploit the religion and hatred against India to their own advantage is shown in the movie for real. Even educated and open-minded Pakistanis have accepted and appreciated this. Apart from the "reality" point of view, this movie has some visually great scenes like the one where Tara escapes to India from Pakistan in a goods-train. Nice work by the team as a whole.

The story starts with how there was hatred and killings on both the sides during partition. And how the girl Sakeena (Ameesha Patel) is separated from her family in the chaos of so many people moving from either sides to the other. She being left alone in the "opposite" side results in the people trying to molest her. Tara (Sunny Deol) stops people from doing that to a girl separated from her family. He has to bear the brunt of opposing his own people for someone whose people have killed and tortured women of his (sunny's) own. But he sticks to his.

Love blooms between this uneducated poor truck driver and the educated rich girl and they get married and have a son. After years of Sakeena living in the ignorance that her parents are dead, she sees a picture in a local daily newspaper that shows her father to have become a prominent political figure in Pakistan. She has a desire to go meet her parent and Tara has no objection to it. But once she reaches her parents, they use her to earn political mileage by projecting her as a brave girl who fought against India's tortures for years and finally returned to her homeland.

She is shocked to know that she is not allowed to return to her husband and son. Even Tara Singh, the husband, is denied visa to Pakistan.

The movie then shows how a insignificant truck driver Tara has to fight the powerful bureaucracy/political figures to get his wife back to his home. His trauma and bravery are very nicely shown.

The well-known loud verbal-exchanges between Sunny Deol-Amrish Puri in this movie are too good to miss.

A must see for all those who don't have a clue as to what happened during the partition era.

I give it 8 out of 10.

One of the Best Indian (Hindi) movies

[Herag · 8/10 · 15 June 2003]

If there is one movie that I would pick as one of the best movies that the Indian Film Industry has produced, it has to be-"Gadar-Ek Prem Katha." It is very sweeping statement to make, but I make it with conviction. The best movies are either fiction (Shawshank Redemption,) or portrayal of an event that left indelible scars and memories that is left for generations to cope. There were two people who put this masterpiece of a movie together, Anil Sharma and Nitin Keni, not necessarily popular names like Satyajit Ray and Raj Kapoor, but the sheer brilliance of the production, the reconstruction of the authenticity of the period, reminds me of David Lean production. It is difficult to relive part of the history that should be long forgotten, but to recreate this history is the genius of the director, in this case Anil Sharma. Sunny Deol, as (Tara Singh) is a performance of a life time for this actor whose talent has been under estimated and then we have Non Indian and idiot actors like Aamir Khan have been over estimated and put on a pedestal by morons of Mumbai media and these imbeciles for a cup of garam chai will worship anyone like pied pipers. Very few (Hrithik Roshan, Abishek Bachchan) can portray the raw emotions and bring a certain velocity to the character as Sunny Deol does here. He is matched by another thespian Amrish Puri, who is just an "Volcano" of talent. A new comer by the name of Amisha Patel, who gives a soulful, sobbing, stellar performance. She has subtlety and depth to her gaze and a femininity of emotion she brings to this character. Over-all, this is a masterpiece, that will be tough to be outdone.

This is THE MOVIE OF THE DECADE, reviewing 2 decades later

[dhirajsiitk9 · 10/10 · 16 November 2020]

No one, I mean no one could have played Tara Singh better than Sunny Deol. He plays an innocent monster. Sunny was born to play this role.

Unbalanced!

[keval_singh · 2 March 2006]

i found this film to be biased in its portrayal of the Partition and thus cannot agree that this one can give an insight to someone who has no clue of the events of 1947.

Anil Sharma seems to have been boosting the ego of the Indian populace, or that section rather, which thinks they are so much better than their neighbor. Indeed, this film seems to suggest that the Sikhs (and by extension, perhaps the Hindus as well), are more benevolent compared to the evil Pakistanis who kill without question. then again, Tara saves Sakina only because he knew her from an earlier period and had developed feelings for her. For all its biasness, perhaps a silver lining is a scene where Sakina asks Tara why he saved her when he was out on a hunt for Muslims like the other men who were trying to capture her. On the whole, however, this film seems skewed at a time when other filmmakers are painstakingly trying to convey a notion of amity between the two warring countries.

one such film is Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi's film, Pinjar (2003). this film gives a more balanced perspective of the partition and suggests that the blame cannot be pushed to just one actor. if one needs to get a better understanding of this cataclysmic event, watch Pinjar. if one prefers to rejoice in bashing the Pakistanis for being "evil", then Gadar is something for you. But do not for one moment think that this is the story to believe. It is only a biased account which seeks to poison minds more than mend ties between people who never knew what was coming their way when they bought the national interests of their leaders.

Good movie but overrated

[silvan-desouza · 6/10 · 7 January 2010]

The film is a big blockbuster and was Amisha's 2nd blockbuster after her debut KNPH

The film depicts the partition period but more on the love story actually and also mixes Sunny standard dishoom dishoom and anti Pakistani dialogues

The film has several good emotional scenes and also the escape of Sunny- Amisha and the kid is well handled but there are too many loud and OTT scenes and Sunny removing a handpump and bashing 20000 goons at once or making people run away just with a shout The film also takes too many cinematic liberties like many scenes don't look like a period film and too modern In fact one doesn't feel they r watching a period film many times Also the KEY SERA SERA song was actually composed in 1956(the film depicts 1947) The climax is clichéd and too prolonged Direction by Anil Sharma is good Music is good

Sunny does his role in his own style but is superb in emotional scenes which he was criticised before Amisha is too good in her part though at times her voice is a problem Amrish Puri does his usual villainy act but leaves a mark Vivek Shauq is decent , Lilette Dubey is good so are the rest

Second biggest blockbuster after 'SHOLAY' till date in the history of Indian Cinema.

[truetigerking · 10/10 · 30 August 2012]

Outstanding movie. Sunny Deol is completely unparallel and no other actor can play the role of Tara Singh except sunny.This movie is meant for Sunny and he proves it why he is called Action King of Bolywood.But other than action Gadar has solid plot of India-Pakistan Partition tale and a love story. Brilliant work by rest of the starcast too including Ameesha patel,Vivek Shauq,Lillete Dubey and above all Amrish Puri. And what to say about the massive craze of this movie outside cinema halls all over the India when it was released on 15th june 2001.No dabang or 3 idiots can come even near the shadow of Gadar's poularity.I still remember when i watched movie ,it was a housefull show in PARAS cinema,Kurukshetra even on the 50th day after the release and audience reaction whenever Sunny Deol uttered any dialogue,Absolutely matchless. Gadar is a landmark fim in the history of Indian cinema in terms of gross collection when adjusted to inflation. Yes It is superior to 3 idiots,ETT, Dabang etc.Its has footfalls of more than 4 crores, which is a record till date.

Haunting love story marred by over the top action

[wildlife-ptech · 6/10 · 10 October 2019]

Rating

6/10

Huge crowd pleasing blockbuster which cemented Deol's he-man persona as he fought an entire army single-handedly. However it's the first half which impresses with a touching love story between Deol and Patel. The action starts in the second half and goes on far too long with several over the top scenes. Action fans get their money's worth (watch out for that hand pump!) but the interminable shouting and fights go into cartoon territory.

Watchable.

Brilliant!

[Asbohra · 10/10 · 24 January 2007]

This is definitely one of Sunny Deol's best action movies ever, as simply gives a complex character the performance of a life-time. Watch this action movie with an open mind, and you will realize the realistic bravery and power that he exudes on the silver screen. Only Sunny Deol could pull this one off with total élan. This is a novel plot (based on the painful partition after independence in the late 40's). It looks so realistic to the point that no other current hero could have aced this role like Sunny Deol did. It is NOT aimed at running down Pakistan because Sunny Deol's Sardarji character is married to a Pakistani girl after he saves her from attacks as he believes in humanity. All he wants to do is keep his family together as one. Sunny Deol brilliantly fights hard to save the day and cow down his in-laws. People should understand that like his dad, Dharmendra, Sunny Deol has that fire, intensity, and command (unlike that overrated SRK)! Anyways, watch this and enjoy it! 12/10!

Gadar 1 was better than 2

[devarshi-39387 · 1/10 · 22 August 2023]

Gadar one was very good and classic.gadar2 is totally fighting with less emotion of son and father.were as Indian and Pakistan story goes on in showing everytime Muslims are enemies I too have friends i feel all Muslim are not enemies.

Were as movie part love story Cook in 10min no chemistry at all.story script writer was very poor.

Son got job as biryani person and many more loss the originality overally.

Amisha Patel looks very old though make up.

Love song dance is like pappu boy no link though song is good We miss amrish puri awesome actor.

Lastly overall take up n screen play also not as expected.

Sunny's best in a long time!

[prabhjot · 10/10 · 8 March 2003]

The issue the story tries to tackle is essential because from a historical standpoint, this really happened. The acting from Sunny Deol, Amita Patel, and Amrish Puri are awesome. The film deserved an award. The director Anil Sharma did a great job in creating different moods at appropriate times in the movie. I recommend it to everybody.

An average movie playing with sectarian hatred

[majidbhurgri-1 · 3/10 · 23 June 2023]

A very average movie which has been grossly overrated by the viewers that share the film maker's biased and lopsided views. Those giving it top rating of 10 have done so mainly as a duty to support a political and religious viewpoint. The lacks substance, style and sense of fairness.

If you for a moment ignore the religious and political overtones, you would find hardly anything likable about the movie let alone rate it as best movie ever made in India. Only a pathetic sense of partisanism and a blind sense of duty to a particular viewpoint can drive anyone to heap such superlative praises for an ordinary movie playing on negative emotions of a particular class of viewers.

Master blaster

[saurabh-ranjalkar93 · 10/10 · 18 November 2021]

This is one movie I would recommend all Bhartiya people to watch & to be reminded of the horrors of partition...well made ... absolutely brilliant story line dialogues character arcs music songs start to end Goosebumps...jai ho Tara Singh.

A true patriotic Indian movie

[sameert · 10/10 · 28 August 2001]

Gadar is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Performances by Sunny & Amisha are superb. Sunny has delivered his best ever performance. He is equally matched by Amisha who looks very beautiful in the movie. The music is also superb. Gadar is a true story based on the partition of India.It is one of the biggest hits of bollywood and is a movie every Indian should see. Perhaps the only ones who wouldn't like this movie will be Pakistanis….

Great film

[allthechampyouneed · 10/10 · 19 January 2006]

A warm film and essentially a love story.

Great music, comedy, acting, classic Sunny D action, cinematography, and an engaging story - what more can you ask for. It's one of the few Hindi movies that isn't ripping off a Hollywood film. Consistently holds up to repeated viewings.

Look for yet another superb performance by the late great Amrish Puri, look for sexy, buxom Amisha Patel, and Punjab's own Sunny Deol. This film really put him on another level, unfortunately films like Jo Bole or Hero are higher budget, but much lesser in content. This film though is one of the greatest films I've ever seen from Hindi cinema.

Disaster...Worst movie of the year

[Li_85 · 1/10 · 14 June 2006]

Gadar is an example of one of Bollywood worst overrated movies ever. Directed by Anil Sharma, who prefers making period related movie gives a rubbish movie. The songs were boring and ain't the kind of song you want to listen to in your car, full volume. Sunny Deol is famous for making daft movies, where he beats up a 100 bad guys on his own. He even kicks a metal jail door (Indian) and kicks a moving car far away (Teesri Aankh). I can give another 50 examples of disgraceful action by Sunny Deol. But I'm sure most people know this already. Sunny gives a pathetic performance once again repeating the same type of role. A guy claiming to be fighting for his countries piece, by using violence. Amisha Patel is hands down dead sexy with an amazing body that i would love to bone. But even she couldn't save the film from being a disaster. Instead of wearing sexy clothes like she usually does, in this movie she doesn't. Maybe cos she was playing a Muslim, but she doesn't act like one in the movie. Overall, this is a poor show all the way, I'm sure it will appeal to some people, who love seeing the Bollywood actor beat up 100 guys. Give me a break.

must watch bollywood movie!

[gurdeep-sabarwal · 10/10 · 18 October 2019]

Best action hero of all time,bets dialog delivery. action, drama,comedy all in one..

bad Movie with lots of Flaws

[underworld_don007 · 1/10 · 26 January 2009]

Gadar is a really dumb movie because it tells a fake story.It's too unrealistic and is a typical sunny deol movie that is aimed to bash Pakistan.The movie's aim is to misguide the viewers so they can think that Pakistan and it's government is bad but trying to hide their own flaws won't work.And all the songs and music of the movie are all bad.Most likely the Sikhs will love th movie cause they are being misguided.The movie sucks and sucks with power. I think only Amisha Patel was good in the movie. If i can give 0 out of 10 I would but the lowest is 1.Please save 3 hours of your life and do not watch this stupid boring movie .Disaster.

One of the greatest movie ever made in Indian Cinema !

[alokranjanstpauls · 10/10 · 26 June 2020]

This movie is not just another show, It's an Emotion for we Indians. The greatest movie ever made on the emotions and pain on Partition of India and separation of loved ones. A beautiful love story depicted to the core. A must watch for every movie lover. Sunny Pajji 100/100. Full cast and crew 100/100 !

Highest grosser of india

[dhananjayjadhav-39578 · 10/10 · 29 August 2020]

There few indian movies which had different record ,there are few different records of gadar are there 1)Gadar is the movie which has theatre shows staring from midnight Only rajnikant has that ability ,sunny has done it very early 2000 2) gadar has a record of selling highest tickets till date after that comes bahubali, sholay, ddlj. 3) from this movie new award category is presented outstanding performance award to sunny

must watch for all indians

[tanmay_bhargava · 10/10 · 15 July 2001]

after a very long time we see a period film attempted in India on such a large scale.Sunny Deol had a lot at stake and man did it pay off.Its being declared as the biggest hit of all times.Sunny and Amisha deliver performances of a life time.National award and other awards belong to him..no doubt. If you are an Indian and love your country then there is no way you would'nt like the movie.Its the best and a must watch for all true Indians.DON'T MISS THIS ONE.

Gadar tries to be a historical drama/thriller but fails to deliver

[sunnydude234 · 1/10 · 29 January 2011]

Gadar tries to be a historical drama/thriller but fails to deliver Anil Sharma does it again, tries to create Macbeth but creates blunder instead. As Always Muslim bashing movie, yet you can't say that only one sect was persecuted during the partition, but the wounds of partition were inflicted on all. While the Koreas are talking and trying repartition , works like Gadar always try to rekindle those savage days of 47. Awful Direction. Awful Cast. And as usual Sunny Deol in his trademark shouting Dialogue spree.(which is by the way good only for movies like Border). Ameesha Patel awful. Amreesh Puri: as always classy. Vivek Shaq & Mushtaq Khan as always awesome. Bet the success it enjoyed, because of the song only i.e. Mai Nikla Gaddi Leke. and would someone tell Ms. Lillete Dubey to take some Vicks to cure the cacophony in her throat!

BIGGEST SUPER DUPER HIT BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE EVER IN INDIAN CINEMA

[rajputshri · 10/10 · 16 April 2021]

ANIL SHARMA DIRECTED MOVIE GADAR 2001 this years and all time great super duper Hit blockbuster movie at all time this movie sale 10cr tickets record named on it , indias top movies count not exception of Gadar ek prem katha movie , 1) awara1955 2) shri 420 3) Mughal e azam 4) Mother india 5) aaradhana 1969 6) sholay 1975 7) Gadar ek prem katha 8) DDLJ 1995 9) hum aapke he kaun 1994 10) Mr india 1987on basis of india and pakistan partiation and then 1 indian Hindu sikh fight against wrong pakistani muslims for his wife and proud to be indian movie starer SUNNY DEOL , AMISHA PATEL , I think sunny deol made for this role in this movie outstanding performance and story based movie.

An epic love story

[rishabhdevvasu · 10/10 · 25 February 2022]

The biggest blockbuster in hindi cinema.

A milestone movie.

It's a love story on the back drop of 47 partition.

Sunny deol gives a performance of life time.

Amersham, vivek Shaun, Amish puri all were at their best.

The most successful movie of Indian cinema ever!

[anupam-71432 · 10/10 · 28 August 2022]

Indian story from late 1940s and early 1950s when the global disease called Islam divided India into three geographical parts and gulped the sanctity of enumerable Indian daughters while creating one of the most horrible majhab induced human tragedies with the watch of those blue eyed white skinned and probably white blooded cowards called English. During such desperate times, a brave sanatani sikh protected the daughter of a muslim traitor who betrayed India and left to Pakistan- once from rioters and second time from her own fanatic father. The film depicts the superiority of values of Sanatana Dharma and is full of emotions: patriotism, romance, bravery, deceit and jihadi fanaticism. A footfall of 4 crore in cinemas for the movie speakes volumes. Very nice action, amazing loyalty between husband and wife.. The dialogues leave a deep impact on both sides of the border. Hindustan Zindabad tha, Zindabad hai, aur Zindabad rahega... Superb direction. Worth watching a thousand times!