Dushman (Hindi: meaning “Enemy”) is a super hit 1971 Hindi-language drama film directed by Dulal Guha and produced by Premji. The movie is celebrated for its compelling emotional narrative, powerful performances, and iconic music. The story is reportedly inspired by the classic Japanese film The Yellow Handkerchief (1977), though Dushman was released earlier.
Key Cast and Plot
The film features a stellar cast, led by Rajesh Khanna as Surjit Singh and Meena Kumari as Malti, in one of her last major roles. The supporting cast includes Mumtaz as Seema, Rehman, K. N. Singh, and an early appearance by Ranjeet.
The Story of Surjit and Malti
The plot centers on Surjit Singh (Rajesh Khanna), a reckless, alcoholic truck driver. While driving drunk one day, he tragically accidentally hits and kills a poor farmer named Ram Din. Surjit is arrested, but the judge delivers an unusual, restorative justice sentence: instead of serving a normal jail term, Surjit is ordered to live with the deceased man’s family and work for them until he has repaid their loss. Ram Din’s family, consisting of his widow Malti (Meena Kumari) and their children, are understandably consumed by grief and hatred for the man who killed their patriarch. They initially treat Surjit as their absolute ‘Dushman’ (enemy) and refuse his help.
Despite the animosity, Surjit, motivated by genuine guilt, commits to his punishment. He works honestly and diligently to meet the family’s needs, standing in as the head of the household and protecting them in all aspects. Over time, his selfless dedication, effort, and commitment to resolving their domestic problems gradually begin to win the hearts of the children and the extended family. The story climaxes with Malti finally overcoming her bitterness and forgiving Surjit, leading to his eventual acceptance by the entire family. The film masterfully explores universal themes of guilt, punishment, redemption, forgiveness, and human transformation.
Musical Success and Acclaim
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal with lyrics by Anand Bakshi, was a major commercial success and remains popular today. “Vaada Tera Vaada” (sung by Kishore Kumar), “Maine Dekha Tu Ne Dekha” (a duet by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar).
Dushman is considered one of Rajesh Khanna’s most acclaimed performance, showcasing his dramatic range. The intense, emotional scenes between Khanna and Meena Kumari were highly praised by critics and audiences alike, solidifying the film’s reputation as a timeless classic.
Principle Correspondent, Prime Post
Vidya Sagar Chaturvedula is a passionate film enthusiast whose four-decade career spans multiple sectors, including media and industry. Fluent in Telugu, Hindi, and English, he has a deep appreciation for cinema, particularly films in those three languages. His passion goes beyond simple viewing; he enjoys analyzing directional skill, the emotional depth of actors’ performances, and the profound meaning embedded in dialogue. Mr. Sagar is known for his ability to clearly articulate and narrate his insightful film analyses after watching a movie.
It’s a kaka super hit film with musical hit by Laxmikant Pyarelal. It’s an unusual story nicely directed by Dulal Guha.
Superb review.
Dushman. The story of Reckless drunken driver accidentally killed an aged man police’ arrested driver and produce before court court not sent sim for jail
Instead punishment was asked to work and to bring the sons and daughters
Initially people where not happy but
As the day s went on people were happy people loved him
All leading. Actor s music. And all song are good
The interpretation of law in case of ‘Dushman’ is exceptional by judge. The hero suffered bereaved reproaches silently and finally won their hearts and becomes their family member. Good story.
The title song depicts the range of personality transformation the hero undergoes before he gets pardon for his crime and is accepted in the society and the aggrieved family.
The kotha wala song “vaada tera vaada” is fantastic in its Urdu verse