Saudagar

Riding on their past reputations the two Kumar giants nullified what could have been an excellent film.The story is well contrived like most rip-offs of Romeo and Juilet.The script and photography is above average.The casting is the weak link.The director would have been better advised to cast younger actors for the roles of the young Veeru and Raju instead of two old men who do more justice as grandfathers later in the film.Manisha and Vivek resemble each other too much to be plausible as lovers!Raaj Kumar's appalling physical state berefts him of his usual commanding performance though his speech is great as ever.Dilip Kumar excels but the the thunder is stolen by one Amrish Puri!A very average film most suitable for hard core Kumar fans but overall nothing new.I always felt that after Gunga Jumna Dilip Kumar didn't do justice to his talents due to his youth fixation Saudagar is another case in point.