Thodisi Bewafaii (1980)

This film is about an accidental separation of a young couple. The general portrayal of the story is fine, but the film is marred by several problems of credibility and overblown emotions. How can Rajesh Khanna's and Shabana's son be so mature at 14, fighting with other guys like a superman (my least favourite scene in the film shortly before the end of the film), romancing a young girl and singing a song with her (the voice of the singer who sings for him is way ahead of the boy's age).

There are scenes which are realistic and charming, but there are such which are overdone and unconvincing. The character of Urmila Bhatt is an extremely irritating one, and she is plastic with her cliché dialogues and victimising attitude.

Otherwise the film is nice. Rajesh Khanna and Shabana Azmi act well and some of their scenes together are pure magic. Azmi in particular is interesting; considering the fact that she is known for her realistic films, it's a pleasant paradox watching her in an unrestrained melodramatic mainstream film (she did many such films, but it's still engaging).

The music is good, the cinematography is fine, the locations and the urban settings are well chosen.

Watch it, but be prepared to get mixed feelings about it.