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Rao Saheb(1986)

3.3/10
Hindi•123 mins•theatrical•

Rao Saheb is a 1986 Hindi-language period drama film directed by Vijaya Mehta. The film stars Dilip Kumar in the title role. It is adapted from Jaywant Dalvi's Marathi novel Andharachya Parambya. The story is set in an orthodox Brahmin household in Maharashtra. It follows the slow deterioration of the family as the men cling to tradition and the women struggle for freedom. The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of family conflict and its critique of patriarchal norms. It received critical acclaim for its performances and direction. The film is available on select streaming platforms and DVD.

Director:Vijaya Mehta
Mood:
darkemotionaldisturbing
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Where to watch:
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Quick Facts

Theatrical Release
31 December 1986
Director
Vijaya Mehta
Language
Hindi
Runtime
2h 3m
Rating
3.3/10

Storyline

Rao Saheb is the proud head of an orthodox Brahmin family. He refuses to accept the changing world around him. His daughter dreams of marrying for love. His son rebels against his strict rules. The women in the house are trapped and desperate. As the family crumbles, Rao Saheb must face the cost of his pride.

“Tradition can be a prison.”

Film Details

3.3Rating
123Minutes
HindiLanguage
UCertificate
Release Date31 December 1986
Release Typetheatrical
Original TitleRao Saheb

Parental Guide

Violence
Low
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Low

Vibe & Tags

Mood
darkemotionaldisturbing
Themes
familycorruptionidentitysurvival
Toneserious
Pacingslow-burn
Complexityrequires-attention
Audiencearthouse
Best Withalone
Violence2
Emotion5
Humor1
Rewatchability3

Cast & Crew

#1
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Tanvi AzmiRadhika
→#2
C
Chandrakant GokhaleActor
→#3
V
Vasant IngleActor
→#4
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Nilu PhuleActor
→#5
A
Arvind GadgilActor
→#6
Anupam Kher, Actor in Rao Saheb
Anupam KherRao Saheb
→
#7
A
Adeep TandonCrew
→
#8
V
Vijaya MehtaDirector
→

Reunion Meter

Frequent partnerships reunited for Rao Saheb

Cast reunions in this film: Anupam Kher & Tanvi Azmi (3 films together).

Anupam Kher
Anupam KherActor
3rd time
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Tanvi AzmiActor
Anupam Kher × Tanvi Azmi — 3 films together →

Trivia

  • The film is based on the Marathi novel 'Rao Saheb' by Jaywant Dalvi, who also wrote the screenplay.
  • It was director Vijaya Mehta's first and only Hindi feature film, as she primarily worked in Marathi theatre.
  • The film was shot in black and white to enhance its serious, literary mood and period feel.
  • It features veteran actor Shreeram Lagoo in a key role, known for his work in parallel Marathi and Hindi cinema.
  • The movie did not perform well commercially, as its slow-paced drama was not typical of popular 1980s Hindi films.
  • The story's focus on family decay and women's struggles was considered bold for its time in mainstream Hindi cinema.
  • Some critics noted its theatrical style, reflecting Mehta's strong background in stage direction.

Frequently Asked Questions