Hrishikesh Mukherjee after ANAND(1971) and BAWARCHI(1972) 2 superhits with Rajesh Khanna returned with NAMAK HARAAM(1973). When Anand(1971) had released Amitabh was a newcomer whose career was going through bad phase and RK was the king. But when NH released Amitabh had suddenly gained stardom with ZANJEER(1973) and Rajesh Khanna's career started going downhill. It seems that Rajesh Khanna was scared of Big B's career heights and it seems used his power to change the ending of the film and there were lot of clashes between the 2 personally and after this film the two never acted together, while Big B went on to become the numero uno superstar Rajesh Khanna's career never was the same ever more and went downhill. Back to the movie.... NAMAK HARAAM is based on capitalism versus common man, A superb concept which shows how the bureaucrats dominate over the poor common man. The film deals with issues of common labourers who work in a factory owned by Om Shivpuri. The main concept is on the friendship between Khanna and Big B. The film starts off in present time just like ANAND(1971) with a spectacled Big B in shawl coming out of jail and then we go into flashback mode when he sees Rajesh Khanna's frame. The first half has more of fun scenes like Amitabh and Khanna both wearing same clothes, the scene at the lawyer's office, The drunk scene between AB and RK is funny too, with Big B showing the spark of drunk scenes which he was going to be known for much later. The story takes a turn when Big B has a clash with Vipinlal(A K Hangal) which results in RK taking a job as a labourer. The scene where Big B asks for forgiveness is superb, The bonding between friends is superbly handled too. There are several touching scenes like Amitabh's scenes with Om Shivpuri, Raza Murad's scenes with RK, The manner in which Khanna starts feeling for the workers, The clash between Amitabh and Khanna. The climax is superb too Direction by Hrishida is superb, his penchant for dramatic and emotional scenes is evident Music by RD Burman is superb too, All songs were picturised on Rajesh Khanna and sung by Kishore Kumar except for Vote Na Usko Dena and their pairing together is superb, Diye Jalte Hai picturised on Khanna and Amitabh is a superb song on friendship, while Nadiya Se Dariya is superb too and also Main Shayar Badnaam which is very emotional Dialogues are superb Amongst actors In ANAND Rajesh Khanna was the main role and Big B had a smaller role, but here their screen space was almost equal though Rajesh Khanna still is in the lead, He does an awesome job, Hrishida always brought out the best in his actors and it's evident here too, He does a superb job Amitabh Bachchan too is superb as Vicky the spoilt brat, it seems Hrishida cast both as he wanted them to play opposite roles then ANAND where Khanna had the outspoken character and Big B was subdued, here Amitabh is shown as a hotheaded Angry Young Man, while Khanna is subdued. Amitabh Bachchan delivers a credible performance, and this was an indication of things to come,though he tends to get loud in the film but it suits the character Rekha is unrecognisable and does an average job in a small role Simi Garewal is superb Om Shivpuri is excellent, A K Hangal who was a regular in Hrishida films does a superb job too, Asrani another regular does a good job too Amongst rest Raza Murad in a distinct role of an alcoholic poet is awesome, Durga Khote is as usual, rest are okay
Strangely after this film which was an average at the box office, Hrishida worked more with Big B in CHUPKE CHUPKE, MILI, AlAAP.etc and did only one film with Khanna NAUKRI(1978) which flopped NAMAK HARAAM is a superb film to watch even today
Strangely after this film which was an average at the box office, Hrishida worked more with Big B in CHUPKE CHUPKE, MILI, AlAAP.etc and did only one film with Khanna NAUKRI(1978) which flopped NAMAK HARAAM is a superb film to watch even today