Karz (meaning “debt” or “loan”) is a seminal 1980 Bollywood musical thriller and reincarnation drama that left a lasting impact on Hindi cinema. The film explores the profound debt of life and the obligation of revenge across lifetimes.
Storyline
The story begins with Ravi Varma (Raj Kiran), a wealthy man, who marries the deceptive Kamini (Simi Garewal). Driven by greed, Kamini murders Ravi shortly after their wedding to seize his vast property. Years later, Ravi Varma is reincarnated as Monty Oberoi (Rishi Kapoor), a wildly famous singer. Monty begins to experience vivid, disturbing visions and flashbacks, fragments of his past life as Ravi. As he pieces together the chilling truth of his former life and murder, Monty is compelled to seek justice and reclaim his rightful legacy by confronting the ruthless Kamini. This reincarnation-revenge plot proved highly influential, setting a major trend in subsequent Hindi films.
Cast and Crew
Rishi Kapoor as Monty Oberoi, Raj Kiran as Ravi Varma, Tina Munin as Tina, Simi Garewal as Kamini. The other roles acted by Premnath, Pran and Pinchoo Kapoor. In Supporting Roles Mac Mohan, Jalal Agha and Birbal acted.| Director as Subhash Ghai. | Producer-Babbar Subhash| Music | Laxmikant Pyarelal| | Lyrics| Anand Bakshi.
The Success of the Soundtrack
A crucial element in the film’s success was the exceptional music composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal with lyrics by Anand Bakshi. The soundtrack remains iconic, with all its songs achieving immense popularity:
“Om Shanti Om” (or “Meri Umar Ke Naujawano”) – Sung by Kishore Kumar “Paisa Ye Paisa” – Sung by Kishore Kumar, “Tu Kitne Baras Ki” – Sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar “Dard-e-Dil Dard-e-Jigar” – Sung by Mohammed Rafi. The film is lauded for its strong direction, compelling story, and tight screenplay, making it a classic musical thriller that redefined the reincarnation genre in Indian cinema.
Principal 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 was a different subject (Reincarnation) nicely directed by Subhash ghai with powerful performance by Rishi Kapoor and music composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal is a super hit.
Karz movie songs sung by Kishore kumar were very popular. Its background score was also
famous. Good review.
The story, title and the music are unique of its kind. The director Subhash gai is so brilliant to establish the myth of reincarnation storied with contrast of two character Rishi Kapoor and Raj kiran are none but the same. This is a validated script he elected giving a super hit movie comprsing the cast and haunting music a top notch that times. It is indeed a masterpiece.
During 1980 I happened togo to
My pharmaceutical company
To attend my conferance in
Jajpur Rajastan
I along with friends to watch KARZ
Movie in the famous theatre
RAAjMANDIR famous in jaipur pink city Tourists Attracted to see Theatre
At that time Teenager film pitcturised on Raj kapoor s son
Rishi Kapoor it is teenage movie
Beautiful and nice film
Kharz is the movie taken from English movie REINcarnation
Music is just good SONGS All are
Melodies story goes with Reincarnation due to accident Rishi Kapoor dies he recolets the past
Here simmi comes in picture
When he sees simmi
He recollect past
Inthis movie actors director. And
Music keeps film high in Industry
O very all Marvelousmovie
Even if They release
It’s box office Hit
No one can forget the song
Ham tum ak l kamre bandh ho
And chabi kho jaiea
Thank You Baabai.
There was a renewed interest
In the occult and rebirth providing divine retribution to crime after this film. Youthful Songs and Rishi Kapoor’s popularity held sway at the box office.