Satyakam   Producer: Sher Jeng Singh Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee Starring: Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Sanjeev Kumar, and Ashok Kumar Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal Lyrics: Kaifi Genre: Emotional Recommended Audience: General Reviewed by: Aniket Joshi  - Rating: 9.5 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review

Satyakam is the story of Satya Priya (Dharmendra), narrated by his best friend Naren (Sanjeev Kumar), through flashbacks and memoirs. Satya Priya is a man who would rather choose to die than tell a lie. He is born in a family whose tradition is to speak the truth and live with honesty and integrity. Every one of Satya Priya’s ancestor’s name begins with the word “satya.”

The story of Satya Priya starts in his college days where he is studying to become an engineer along with Naren. After their studies are over, Satya Priya and Naren settle in different cities and pursue their careers. They communicate frequently through letters. Naren is shocked and amazed every time he learns that Satya Priya gets fired or quits his job because he wouldn’t lie or bare the corruption in his office. Naren begins to understand Satya Priya’s self esteem and “laws” about living an honest life. If I wrote more about the film, it would take away from the pleasure of you viewing it. Such is the sweetness of this family drama, much unlike some of the fake films that would follow.

In the acting department, Dharmendra has given a usual flawless performance. He is brilliant. I think he was perfect in this role. Sharmila Tagore plays Satya Priya’s wife, Ranjana. She has lived up to her role, which turned out to be yet another milestone in her career. Even though Sanjeev Kumar has a “secondary” role he does steal a few scenes away from Dharmendra. He is one of the best actors ever in Hindi cinema in my opinion.

Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s direction is brilliant. He has handled the film very well. The last scene between Sharmila Tagore and Dharmendra in the hospital is one of the best scenes I’ve scene in a film. The dialogues and the script are also praiseworthy. In addition Laxmikant-Pyarelal have come with yet another one of their melodious scores. Not only does the music serve the film will, the soundtrack has several touching numbers.

If you want to watch a film which is serious and that excels in all departments, see Satyakam. It is undoubtedly one of Bollywood’s old classics, which is deserving of many watches.