Bazaar (1982)

This movie is considered one of the greater achievements of Indian independent cinema. It is deemed as one of the classics. I got a chance to watch it recently. It was such a let down. The acting is theatrical at its best and terrible in general. All the big names disappoint in a big way. I guess director has to take a lot of blame. The script is so loose that whole thing falls through it. Why is Naseeruddin Shah in a hyperbolic state of mind all the time? I have not seen so much of Samita Patil, but I was left wondering why is she considered such a great actress? She never came close to delivering the pain and anguish of Najma, who is still hanging onto some hope. Farooq Shaikh otherwise a good actor, was a washout. Towards the end he becomes unbearable.

It does have some of the most loved musical score. But that is no accomplishment on director's or any of the actors' part. Khayyam does a great job, but the poetry of Mir has a music of its own. It is such a shame that Bazaar is considered gem of Indian cinema, when it fails so badly as a film.