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Chamatkar
Chamatkar
Chamatkar
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Chamatkar
Promotional Poster
Directed byRajiv Mehra
Screenplay byShaukat Baig
Rajiv Mehra
Dialogues byLilliput
Story byShaukat Baig
Produced byParvesh C. Mehra
StarringNaseeruddin Shah
Shah Rukh Khan
Urmila Matondkar
Shammi Kapoor
CinematographyCarlton D'Mello
Edited byM. S. Shinde
Music bySongs:
Anu Malik
Score:
Vanraj Bhatia
Production
company
Eagle Films
Release date
  • 8 July 1992 (1992-07-08)
Running time
171 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Chamatkar (transl. Miracle) is a 1992 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy fantasy film directed by Rajiv Mehra. The film stars Naseeruddin Shah, Shah Rukh Khan, and Urmila Matondkar in pivotal roles.[1] Film critic Sukanya Verma has described it as a "loose adaptation" of Blackbeard's Ghost (1968).[2] As of 2016, the rights of this film are owned by Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment.[3]

Plot

[edit]

Sunder Srivastava is a young graduate. His main ambition in life is to fulfill his father's dream of starting a school on his half-acre property in his village, though he has no funds to execute his plans. Sunder's childhood friend Prem, a seasoned conman in Mumbai, convinces the gullible Sunder to give him his money in return of mortgage. When Sunder arrives in Mumbai, he is first tricked into losing his luggage, then pick-pocketed and loses any remaining cash he has left. He then figure out that Prem tricked him and fled to Dubai with his money. Sunder is then forced to take shelter in a cemetery due to his circumstances. He sits down on a tombstone, and starts cursing all the troubles in his life and venting his anger. A voice suddenly responds to him and a scared Sunder asks the person to identify himself. The source of the voice, who cannot be seen, is surprised that Sunder is able to hear him. He then asks Sunder whether the latter can really hear him.

Sunder realizes that he has been talking with a ghost and panics. The ghost suddenly becomes visible to Sunder and introduces himself as Amar Kumar AKA Marco. Marco tells Sunder that only he can help Sunder, and since Sunder is the only one that can hear/see him, only Sunder can help Marco. Marco then tells Sunder his sad tale: Marco was an underworld gangster who fell in love with Savitri Kaul, daughter of Mr. Kaul. Savitri refused Marco's efforts to marry her unless he changed his ways. To show that he was serious, Marco resolved to give up his life of crime. This did not bode well for his protégé Kunta, who wanted to become as big as Marco himself. On his wedding night, Marco was kidnapped and killed by Kunta, after which he was buried in the cemetery. After revealing his story to Sunder, Marco discloses to him that many crimes taking place in the city under his name are actually done by Kunta and his minions.

Marco tells Sunder that due to his sins, he cannot attain redemption and go to heaven. Marco was foretold by God that only his savior would be able to see and hear him, making Sunder the chosen one to help him. Sunder, frightened, refuses to help, but Marco unexpectedly reminds him about his dream of building a school, which Sunder never revealed to Marco. Marco's reminder persuades Sunder to help Marco, as long as Marco keeps his end of the bargain. Marco tells him that he wants to see Savitri and Mr. Kaul. He reveals to Sunder that he cannot touch or harm anybody until the time is right. Marco manages to get Sunder a position as a cricket coach in Mr. Kaul's school. Marco soon becomes angered and devastated when he finds out that after his murder, Kunta and his goons went to the Kaul household and told Savitri that Marco was alive and well, had fled India forever, and used Savitri to sleep with her. Kunta had told Savitri and her father that Marco wanted them to hand over the ownership documents for his hotel to Kunta (which Savitri was in possession of), but Savitri refused to hand them over unless Marco himself came back to ask for them. Kunta, furious, then tried to rape Savitri, but was stopped when her father broke down in tears, promising to give them the documents. Hearing all of this, Marco became furious and vows revenge. He is grieved to learn that Savitri died soon after that, but quickly becomes overjoyed when he learns that he has a daughter with Savitri named Mala.

Sunder and Marco also find out that the school lacks funding and that Kunta is trying to usurp its land. With the aid and assistance of Marco, Mala and Sunder soon start falling in love. Marco uses his ghost-like abilities to keep Kunta's goons from meddling in Mala and Sunder's affairs. Later, Marco shows a secret room to Sunder where he had kept all his loot. The room was not known to Kunta or anybody else, so Marco proposes that the two of them make an anonymous donation, saving the school, and leaving enough money to help Sunder with his dream. However, due to their oversight, Kunta finds out the location of the room, and Marco's money is quickly stolen and used for evil activities. Marco, in a one-liner, refers to Kunta as "Woh Kunta saala" ("that rogue Kunta"). In a desperate bid to regain the lost money, Marco steals some money and bets to double the money. Sunder is held responsible for the theft, although no proof is present. Marco, hoping to solve this unfortunate event, tells the truth to Sunder about stealing the money, causing them to have an argument.

After being released from prison, Sunder agrees to a cricket match between his team and a team headed by Kunta's nephew. It is decided that if Sunder's team wins the game, they will win the funds to keep the school. Initially, Sunder's team is losing, but Marco then steps into the game (still invisible to everyone), sabotages the opponent team, which not only wins Sunder over again to his side, but also helps lead Sunder's team to a giant victory.

Although everything seems to be going well, Sunder accidentally slips up and reveals to IG Tripathi, the inspector who investigated Marco's life, the truth about Marco's ghost returning. Additionally, Sunder has a conversation with Kunta before the match, and mentions Marco's ghost, causing Kunta to become extremely suspicious. During the match, Kunta abducts Sunder and Mala and attempts to bury them alive in the very place he had buried Marco. Marco manages to lead the police to the cemetery to save Sunder and Mala, where Kunta and his goons fight against Marco, Mala, Sunder, and the police. After succeeding in beating up the goons, Marco starts to strangle Kunta with a rope while Sunder forces Kunta to confess his role in Marco's murder. Marco then pushes Kunta into the empty grave and as he is about to kill him with a large rock, Mala calls out for him to stop, calling him "father" and entreating not to kill and sully his hands with blood because of Kunta. On hearing this, Marco immediately relents and lets Kunta live.

Finally, Sunder succeeds in his mission of redeeming Marco's name. Sunder and Mala get married, with Marco attending the wedding. At the wedding, a ray of light falls upon Marco who then ascends to heaven, although not before asking for "a minute" to entreat the viewer to do the right thing while they are alive, because they may not have the chance to set things right after death.

Cast

[edit]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The music was composed by Anu Malik, with the lyrics being written by Anand Bakshi.

Track listing

[edit]
# Song Singer
1. "Is Pyar Se Meri Taraf Na Dekho" Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik
2. "O Meri Neendein Churane" Asha Bhosle, Kumar Sanu
3. "Yeh Hai Pyar Pyar" Asha Bhosle, Kumar Sanu
4. "Is Pyar Se Meri Taraf Na Dekho" (Male) Kumar Sanu
5. "Bichoo O Bichoo" Asha Bhosle
6. "Dekho Dekho Chamatkar" Kumar Sanu, Sukhwinder Singh, Nandu Bhende
7. "Jawani Deewani" Udit Narayan, Poornima

Legacy

[edit]

This film was one of Shah Rukh Khan and Urmila Matondkar's first films individually. Khan was earlier seen in his debut film Deewana as the secondary male lead after Rishi Kapoor, while Chamatkar marked his first lead role. Interestingly however, they did not pair in any film again together after this one, if you do not include her cameo in Om Shanti Om (2007). Rajiv Mehra then chose to work with Khan again in Ram Jaane (1995).

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Chamatkar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Chamatkar is a 1992 Indian Hindi-language directed by Rajiv Mehra. The story centers on Sunder Srivastava, a naive and klutzy schoolteacher portrayed by , who relocates to seeking better opportunities but is betrayed by his childhood friend, losing all his possessions. Desperate and penniless, Sunder seeks refuge in a graveyard, where he unexpectedly befriends the of Amar , a murdered man played by , leading to a series of adventures involving romance, revenge, and justice. The film also features as Mala, the love interest, and blends elements of fantasy with Bollywood tropes of friendship and redemption. Produced by Parvesh C. Mehra under the banner of Eagle Films, Chamatkar was released on 8 July 1992 and runs for approximately 171 minutes. The screenplay was penned by Shaukat Baig, with additional contributions from director Rajiv Mehra and others. The film's music, composed by with lyrics by , includes popular tracks such as "Is Pyar Se Meri Taraf Na Dekho" sung by and , contributing to its lighthearted and melodic appeal. Supporting cast members include , , and , adding depth to the ensemble. Chamatkar marked an early lead role for following his debut in Deewana (1992), showcasing his ability to portray innocent and comedic characters alongside established actors like . The film received a mixed reception, praised for its entertaining plot and performances but noted for its simplistic narrative. With an rating of 6.5/10 based on over 7,600 user votes, it remains a nostalgic entry in 1990s Bollywood fantasy comedies.

Synopsis

Plot

Sunder , a naive young graduate from a small village, dreams of fulfilling his father's lifelong ambition to establish a school on their half-acre plot of land. To raise the necessary funds, he mortgages the land and heads to Bombay in search of employment, carrying all his savings and hopes for a better future. Upon arriving in the bustling city, Sunder is warmly welcomed by his childhood friend Prem, who promises to help him find a job. However, Prem, revealed to be a cunning conman, betrays Sunder by drugging him and stealing all his money and belongings, leaving him penniless and stranded. Desperate and alone, Sunder wanders the streets until he seeks refuge in an abandoned graveyard, where he spends the night in fear and despair. In the graveyard, Sunder encounters the of Amar Kumar (a.k.a. Marco), an who was murdered by his treacherous protégé Kunta, who has since been committing crimes in Amar's name and grabbing land. Amar, unable to due to his unfinished business of redeeming his name and seeking justice, initially terrifies Sunder but soon realizes the young man's plight. Recognizing a potential ally in the honest and kind-hearted Sunder, Amar proposes an unlikely partnership: in exchange for helping Sunder regain his footing in life, Sunder must assist Amar in exposing Kunta's crimes and avenging his death. Their alliance leads to a series of comedic and interactions, as the guides Sunder through various mishaps. As the story progresses, Sunder secures a job as a teacher and falls in love with Mala, the daughter of Amar's former lover Savitri, who supports him amid his struggles. The central conflict intensifies as Sunder and Amar work together to uncover Kunta's corrupt operations, including land grabbing, while dealing with the aftermath of Prem's . They discover Amar's , which Kunta has stolen. To recover funds for the school, Sunder's team participates in a cricket match against Kunta's nephew as part of a bet. In the climax, through clever planning, winning the cricket match, and Amar's ghostly intervention revealing himself to Kunta, they force Kunta's confession, leading to the of the criminals and the exposure of the crimes, thereby resolving Amar's unfinished . Sunder also succeeds in saving the mortgaged land from foreclosure. The film concludes with a miraculous , where Amar's spirit finds peace and ascends, the deep between the human and celebrated in an emotional farewell. Sunder and Mala's romance blossoms into , and with the land secured and funds recovered, Sunder realizes his father's dream by starting the , bringing closure to all narrative threads.

Themes

The central theme of Chamatkar revolves around unlikely friendships and redemption, exemplified by the partnership between the naive village Sunder Srivastava and the Amar Kumar, who collaborate to overcome personal adversities, fostering mutual growth, , and a sense of purpose. This bond underscores how companionship can bridge the divide between the living and the dead, allowing both characters to confront their past mistakes and find resolution. The film explores miracles and fate through its title, Chamatkar, which translates to "" in , portraying intervention as a pivotal force that enables against and . Amar's ghostly assistance to Sunder serves as this miraculous catalyst, helping to expose deceit and restore fairness in the face of wrongful death and financial exploitation. Such elements highlight a in destiny's role in rectifying injustices, blending fantasy with moral equilibrium. Chamatkar offers on the contrast between and urban deceit, critiquing the exploitation of the innocent through Sunder's experiences as a rural newcomer swindled in the city, while evoking broader tensions like village simplicity versus metropolitan cunning and criminal land grabbing. This motif illustrates how societal structures prey on vulnerability, using the protagonists' struggles to advocate for integrity amid greed. Romantic and legacy form another key layer, with Sunder's unwavering pursuit of his late father's dream to establish a symbolizing perseverance, moral integrity, and the enduring value of familial bonds over material loss. His journey reinforces themes of idealistic love and legacy as anchors in a chaotic world, culminating in triumphs that honor personal and generational aspirations. The narrative employs comedic subversion of traditional tropes, infusing humor into encounters to deepen emotional explorations of loss and second chances, as seen in the graveyard alliance that lightens heavy topics like and without diminishing their impact. This blend creates a whimsical yet poignant commentary on renewal, where facilitates and unconventional alliances provide opportunities for atonement.

Cast and Production

Cast

The principal cast of Chamatkar features in his first solo lead role as Sunder Srivastava, a naive and optimistic young teacher who embodies earnest determination and vulnerability in his interactions with others. portrays Amar Kumar, also known as Marco, a witty and whose enables playful yet strategic interventions, marking a notable shift for Shah from his predominant dramatic roles into comedy-fantasy territory. plays Mala Kumar, the strong-willed love interest and fellow educator whose resilience and charm drive key relational dynamics, representing one of her early prominent romantic roles in , following her child artist work and lead debut in (1991). Supporting roles include as Moti, the scheming conman friend whose opportunistic traits add layers of comic tension to alliances. Malvika Tiwari appears as Savitri Kaul, providing through her exuberant and meddlesome personality. Deven Verma plays Inspector P.K. Sant, the antagonistic authority figure whose stern demeanor heightens conflicts, while Tinnu Anand's Kunta serves as a greedy antagonist influencing communal stakes. rounds out the as Mr. Kaul, the authoritative grandfather figure whose protective traits underscore familial bonds. These characters collectively form the central alliance that propels the film's whimsical narrative.

Development and Filming

Chamatkar was directed and co-written by Rajiv Mehra, with the screenplay and story credited to Shaukat Baig and additional dialogue by Lilliput. The project is a loose adaptation of the 1968 Disney film Blackbeard's Ghost, blending romantic comedy with supernatural fantasy elements, produced by Parvesh C. Mehra under the Eagle Films banner in the early 1990s, a period when Bollywood increasingly incorporated whimsical tropes to appeal to family audiences. During , was cast as the lead Sunder Srivastava, capitalizing on his emerging stardom following television work and prior to the release of his debut film Deewana; he had been signed for the role ahead of his other 1992 projects like . was brought on as composer to infuse the with playful, fantastical motifs that supported the film's lighthearted tone. The production navigated the typical logistical demands of mid-budget Bollywood at the time, including actor scheduling amid rising commitments for leads like Khan. Principal photography commenced in late 1991 and wrapped in early 1992, primarily at Studio and Studios in , with select outdoor and interior sequences filmed at Hotel Horizon in . Village and urban scenes were captured to achieve the film's 171-minute runtime, relying on practical sets to evoke rural contrasts without extensive location shoots. Technically, the film utilized rudimentary for key and sequences, such as optical tricks and matte work typical of early Indian cinema, avoiding complex CGI due to budgetary constraints. Costume designer Anna Singh crafted outfits that highlighted the narrative's urban-rural divide, with simple, era-appropriate attire for comedic emphasis. Editor handled to preserve the film's energetic pacing, ensuring seamless transitions between humorous and beats.

Music

Soundtrack Composition

The soundtrack of Chamatkar was composed by in 1992, blending romantic and playful elements to suit the film's fantasy-comedy tone. Malik's versatile style incorporated upbeat melodies for romantic sequences and whimsical tunes to highlight antics, enhancing the lighthearted vibe of the ghost-human interactions. Lyrics for all tracks were written by , with the album produced by Ltd. under Eagle Films. Recording occurred in 1992, featuring a roster of prominent vocalists including , , , , Poornima, , and Nandu Bhende, who delivered a combination of duets and solos across seven songs. The songs were integrated to advance the narrative, with romantic numbers underscoring key emotional beats like the protagonists' and comic tracks providing relief during fantastical moments. The total of seven tracks contributed significantly to the film's engaging atmosphere. Upon release, the soundtrack achieved popularity in Bollywood, with several melodies becoming radio staples and fan favorites for their catchy, hummable quality.

Track Listing

The soundtrack album for Chamatkar, composed by with lyrics penned by throughout, was issued by in 1992 on cassette and later CD, comprising seven tracks with a total runtime of 41 minutes.
No.Song TitleSingersLyricistComposerDuration
1Bichoo O Bichoo5:40
2Dekho Dekho Chamatkar, , Nandu Bhende5:50
3Is Pyar Se Meri Taraf Na Dekho (Duet Version), 5:23
4Is Pyar Se Meri Taraf Na Dekho (Male Version)5:18
5Jawani Deewani, Poornima6:32
6O Meri Neendein Churane, 7:39
7Yeh Hai Pyar Pyar, 4:54

Release

Theatrical Release

Chamatkar was released theatrically in on 8 1992, distributed by Eagle Films across major urban centers including and . The film received a UA certification from the (CBFC), indicating suitability for unrestricted public exhibition with parental guidance. Following edits to improve pacing, the final runtime was set at 171 minutes. Marketing efforts included the distribution of posters that highlighted the film's fantasy-comedy elements and the star pairing of and , though specific promotional events and tie-ins remain sparsely documented in contemporary records.

Box Office Performance

Detailed box office figures for Chamatkar are not available from primary tracking sources such as . Secondary estimates suggest an India nett gross of around 2.75 , classifying it as a below average or flop performer. The film benefited from Shah Rukh Khan's rising popularity following his debut in Deewana (1992). Overseas collections were minimal due to limited international distribution.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Upon its 1992 release, Chamatkar garnered mixed , with centered on the lead performances and their interplay. A contemporary profile noted Khan's portrayal of an "adorable nerd" as a standout in his early lead role, emphasizing how he "holds his own against the maestro" , highlighting their effective chemistry in the fantasy-comedy setup. Khan's energetic debut was lauded for its and innocent charm, while Shah's versatile turn as the brought depth and humor to the proceedings. received positive mentions for her poised romantic lead, and supporting actors like added levity through their comedic contributions. Director Rajiv Mehra's treatment of the fantasy elements was viewed as engaging yet formulaic, with some critiques pointing to pacing lapses in the romantic segments and a predictable storyline that followed familiar Bollywood tropes. In modern retrospectives, Chamatkar is often celebrated as a nostalgic '90s entertainer, evoking light-hearted fantasy fun despite its dated visual effects. The film holds an user rating of 6.5/10 from 7,618 votes, reflecting appreciation for its whimsical tone and lead duo's . On , it scores 53% from audience reviews, with audience reviews praising its whimsical tone and the lead duo's , though some noted the simple, unsurprising . A 2025 ranking by The Juggernaut (at #41) described it as "just pure fun," commending Khan and Shah for their campy chemistry in the ghost buddy comedy dynamic. The score by was frequently highlighted in user feedback for enhancing the film's playful vibe, particularly tracks like "Is Pyar Se Meri Taraf Na Dekho."

Cultural Impact

Chamatkar marked a key milestone in Khan's early career as his first lead role following his debut in Deewana, where he had played a secondary character, helping to establish him as a rising star in Bollywood romantic comedies. The film showcased Khan's versatility in lighthearted roles, blending innocence, comedy, and charm, which contributed to his burgeoning image as a . As a featuring a human-ghost buddy dynamic, Chamatkar exemplified the Bollywood trend of entertainers that mixed humor with emotional depth, influencing similar explorations in later films like Bhootnath. Its average performance nonetheless aided Khan's visibility, paving the way for his breakthrough successes. Among enthusiasts, the film holds cult appeal as an early entry in his , with clips and songs accumulating significant views on platforms like . It received a DVD release and has been available for streaming on since the , introducing the story to newer audiences. The , particularly tracks like "Is Pyar Se Meri Taraf Na Dekho," continues to enjoy popularity through remixes and inclusions in playlists, though the film garnered no major awards or nominations.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126234/
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/chamatkar
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126234/soundtrack/
  4. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/45002/cast?language=en-US
  5. https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/chamatkar
  6. https://moviebias.com/titles/tt0126234-chamatkar-1992
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126234/fullcredits/
  8. https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt0126234/
  9. https://en.kinorium.com/112809/production
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126234/locations/
  11. https://mubi.com/en/us/films/chamatkar
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126234/fullcredits
  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II4zPeok_7U
  14. https://music.apple.com/us/album/chamatkar-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1536512940
  15. https://www.hindigeetmala.net/movie/chamatkar.htm
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UTFq4XMYz0
  17. https://www.facebook.com/90sKeGaane/posts/chamatkar-1992-is-a-heartwarming-tale-of-friendship-justice-and-redemption-starr/739524609035962/
  18. https://gaana.com/album/chamatkar-hindi
  19. https://indiancine.ma/AGPT
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126234/releaseinfo/
  21. https://www.koimoi.com/what-to-watch/shah-rukh-khan-films-ranked-from-1992-1995-500-crore-box-office-blockbuster-ddlj-to-the-most-controversial-maya-memsaab-rated-5-4-where-to-watch-all-18-films/
  22. https://www.bollymoviereviewz.com/2013/10/shahrukh-khan-box-office-collection.html
  23. https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/from-the-india-today-archives-1992-the-rise-and-rise-of-shah-rukh-khan-2335173-2023-02-15
  24. https://www.thejuggernaut.com/all-shah-rukh-khan-movies-ranked-best-srk-films
  25. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/supermodel-who-made-his-debut-with-sridevi-and-played-her-husband-left-bollywood-and-changed-his-name-heres-why/articleshow/122855030.cms
  26. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shah-Rukh-Khan
  27. https://www.netflix.com/title/80157133
  28. https://www.amazon.com/Chamatkar-1992-Dvd/dp/B001EHO45A
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