The tragic consequences of parental negligence on a child’s emotional well-being and development are portrayed in the film. The narrative, a story of father-son conflict, love, and eventual redemption, centers on a wealthy young man who spirals into alcoholism due to his father’s chronic emotional neglect. The 1984 film Sharabi (The Drunkard) is a super-hit Hindi drama-romance-action movie, distinguished by its powerful theme. Produced by Satyendra Pal, the film was written and directed by Prakash Mehra, with dialogues by Kader Khan, and became a massive musical hit thanks to the compositions of Bappi Lahiri.
The Conflict
Vicky Kapoor (Amitabh Bachchan) is the only son of the rich industrialist Amarnath Kapoor (Pran). Having lost his mother, Vicky is raised by his dedicated caretaker, Munshi Phoolchand (Om Prakash), while his father remains perpetually preoccupied with business. The lack of love and emotional bonding from his father leaves Vicky deeply lonely and emotionally neglected. Despite his inherently compassionate and generous nature, which he expresses by aiding the poor, orphans, and needy this neglect drives him to become an alcoholic from a young age.
The Romance and Opposition
Vicky meets Meena (Jaya Pradha), a dancer, after her agent/manager, the villain Natwar (Ranjeet), attempts to sell him tickets. Attracted by her photo, Vicky impulsively buys all the tickets for her show, intending to save Natwar time, but Meena is initially displeased, preferring a public audience. However, she performs for him, and when Vicky joins her on stage for a song, it becomes love at first sight. When Amarnath Kapoor plans to marry off Vicky, the son insists on marrying Meena. The father vehemently objects to the match, viewing her only as “just a dancer.” Amarnath tries to warn Meena away from his son, forcing her to leave the area.
The Climax and Redemption
While searching for Meena, Vicky attends the house-warming ceremony of an Inspector (Deepak Parashar). He is moved to learn the Inspector’s education was funded entirely by his own generosity. The Inspector reveals that to keep her safe, he has been sheltering Meena in his house, leading to an emotional reunion between the lovers. The situation worsens when Amarnath Kapoor’s opponents financially deceive and ruin the industrialist.
Key Turn of the Film
In a desperate bid to rescue his father, Vicky is grievously wounded in a fight and is near death. This moment of crisis finally brings Amarnath to his senses. He prays for his son’s survival and promises Meena he will perform their marriage and asks her to console Vicky, who survives. The film concludes on a happy ending of familial reconciliation and the union of the lovers, marking redemption for both father and son.
Musical Legacy
Sharabi is renowned for its iconic soundtrack, composed by Bappi Lahiri, with hit songs that remain popular classics like “De De Pyar De” (Kishore Kumar), “Log Kahate Hai Mai Sharabi Hu” (Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhonsle), “Imthihaan Ho Gayi Intezar Ki” (Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhonsle), “Jahan Chaar Yaar Mil Jaye” (Kishore Kumar). The film’s success solidified its place as a landmark movie in Hindi cinema.
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 highly emotional drama between father son. Oran and Amitabh both lived their characters. While watching the film you don’t feel that you are watching a film. You feel that it’s real happening. Bappi Da, what should I tell? Composed all super hit songs. I don’t know that how many times I watched this film.
It was a super hit blockbuster at the box office. This movie is considered a cult classic. Amitabh Bachchan’s most iconic role.
The film inspired by the 1981 movie Arthur (American movie) and was remade in Kannada in 1985.
Congratulations for your 50th movie review… wishing you many more
Regards
Thank You Sir.
Overall it’s a good movie to enjoy! the story runs around a neglected son of a father, pran as always busy with his business accumulating wealth. The forsaken son turns to the habit of boozing. His PA Munshiji acts timely in all his dire situations understands his love with meena. Altogether its a happy ending father realising his own mistake over time. “nasha sharab mein hota to nachti botal’ is int this line nice, the optimism despite the vice! Nice review.
Congratulations for 50th mark of reviews. Wish this should continue supplementing more. I think this is certainly a good opportunity for those who missed to watch first time to watch it again.
Sharabi movie was successful movie of its time, Amitabh Bachchan performed very well and Jayaprada looked very beautiful. Songs were superhit.
Congratulations annayya for completing 50 reviews 👏 great going.
Than You Aruna.
Thank You Aruna.
Half century scored sir. Carry on to higher scores in entertainment literature please.
Sharaabi shows liquor as family breaker and friends ‘ unifier.
In India blood is invariably thicker than water so no matter what the family sticks together through thick and thin. Only feeling was Munshiji could have tried to remove Vicky’s drinking habit at younger age rather than through his death.
Comedy was more rampant than the sob story so the movie was viewed with interest .
Thank You Sir.
Sharabi is a story of a rich mand
Son vikky
Vikky lost his mother
Because of very busy man could not show love and affection to wards son finally he was under care Taker still he. Could not get love and affection from his father
He than became drunk man loosing health
He came in contact with dancer he came in contact with her
He wanted to marry
Because she comes from poor family father refused asked her to leave
Due to somes he was bitten
He was on death bed for his survival he has to call dancer slowly
He survived and got her married
Director music songs melody
Film success fully ended.
Where
Sharabi is a good entertainment movie. Congratulations for completing fifty reviews.