Viruddh... Family Comes First(2005)
Viruddh... Family Comes First is a 2005 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, John Abraham, and Sanjay Dutt. The story follows Vidhyadhar Patwardhan, a retired man whose only son is murdered. The police falsely label the son a drug smuggler to protect a politician's child. Vidhyadhar fights a corrupt legal system and eventually takes revenge. The film is notable for its serious tone and lack of songs. It received positive reviews for its performances and emotional depth. It was released on July 22, 2005.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2005
- Director
- Mahesh Manjrekar
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 12m
- Rating
- 6.7/10
Storyline
Vidhyadhar Patwardhan is a retired, loving father whose only son Amar returns home with a new wife. Their happiness shatters when Amar is murdered after witnessing a crime. The police call him a criminal to protect the real killer. Vidhyadhar must fight a corrupt system to clear his son's name and find justice.
“When the system fails, a father fights back.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Viruddh... Family Comes First
Cast reunions in this film: Prem Chopra & Amitabh Bachchan (14 films together), Sanjay Dutt & Mahesh Manjrekar (14 films together), Amitabh Bachchan & Sanjay Dutt (9 films together), Tom Alter & Prem Chopra (7 films together), Prem Chopra & Sharat Saxena (7 films together), and Amitabh Bachchan & John Abraham (4 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Viruddh' means 'against' or 'opposite' in Hindi, reflecting the family's struggle against injustice.
- Actor John Abraham, known for action roles, played a subdued character who dies early, a departure from his usual image.
- The movie was shot in just 35 days, a very short schedule for a Hindi drama of its scale.
- It marked one of the few times veteran actors Sharmila Tagore and Amitabh Bachchan played an elderly middle-class couple.
- Director Mahesh Manjrekar also played a small role as a police officer in the film.
- The film was not a major box office success but received critical praise for its performances and social message.
- Parts of the movie were filmed in real locations in Pune to give it a more authentic, non-glamorous feel.