Nakhuda(1981)
Nakhuda is a 1981 Hindi drama film directed by Dilip Naik and produced by Yash Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner. The film stars Raj Kiran, Swaroop Sampat, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Madan Puri. The story follows Ravi Shankar, a successful young man raised by his mentor Sheikhu Dada. After marrying Sonia, the daughter of wealthy Jagannath Gupta, Ravi is pressured to abandon his mentor. The film explores the conflict between loyalty to a father figure and the demands of a new family. It is a small-budget, character-driven film with a strong moral message. The film was released on March 6, 1981, in India.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Netflix
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1981
- Director
- Dilip Naik
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 57m
- Rating
- 5.8/10
Storyline
Ravi Shankar owes everything to Sheikhu Dada, the man who raised him from poverty. When Ravi marries into a wealthy family, his new father-in-law demands he cut ties with his mentor. Ravi must choose between the man who made him and the family he now loves.
“Loyalty is the only true wealth.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Nakhuda
Cast reunions in this film: Kulbhushan Kharbanda & Javed Khan (4 films together), Yash Chopra & Vikas Anand (3 films together), Kulbhushan Kharbanda & Raj Kiran (3 films together), Raj Kiran & Mac Mohan (3 films together), Raj Kiran & Madan Puri (3 films together), and Javed Khan & Mac Mohan (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Nakhuda' means 'captain' or 'helmsman' in Urdu, symbolizing the guiding role Sheikhu Dada plays in the protagonist's life.
- This was one of the few films where actor Rakesh Roshan, known for his heroic roles, played a character from a modest, struggling background.
- The movie features music by Kalyanji-Anandji, but its songs did not achieve the same popularity as the duo's hits from other films in that era.
- Director Dilip Naik was primarily known as a cinematographer; this film was one of his rare directorial ventures in Hindi cinema.
- The film's setting in a hotel called 'Allah Belli' reflects a blend of cultural influences, with 'Allah' being an Arabic word and 'Belli' suggesting a local touch.
- Despite starring Rakesh Roshan and veteran actor Pran, the film did not perform well commercially and is not widely remembered today.
- The conflict between family loyalty and mentorship central to the plot was a common theme in Indian cinema of the early 1980s.