Mandi (1983) Review: We Have So Many Films On Prostitution, But None Quite Match This Shyam Benegal Classic

RATING – ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4/5*

Mandi Review Movie Talkies:

One must give Shyam Benegal immense credit for his casting choices. He didn’t rely on stars; he brought together a galaxy of actors—true performers—and elevated the viewing experience to an entirely different level. Mandi boasts a phenomenal ensemble: Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Saeed Jaffrey, Amrish Puri, Neena Gupta, Pankaj Kapur, Ila Arun, Harish Patel, and several others. You rarely get to see so many extraordinary actors in a single, thoroughly acting-driven film.

Mandi is not just a classic cinematic experience; it is also highly entertaining. One usually expects a Shyam Benegal film to be serious, intense, and hard-hitting, but this one stands out because it is a satire built around an extremely brutal subject. Sanjay Leela Bhansali may spend crores on lavish sets for a film like Gangubai Kathiawadi, but matching Benegal’s genius as a filmmaker is something he can only dream about.

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There have been several great films on prostitution in Hollywood and world cinema, and Mandi is more than capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with most of them, despite being an Indian film made on a small budget. The story follows prostitutes working in a brothel and explores how modern civilisation and urban development affect their lives and livelihood. The film operates on multiple layers—human drama, sharp social commentary, and biting political satire wrapped in black comedy.

That recent viral Bads of Bollywood climax? It was already done here—yes, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Every single actor delivers a remarkable performance. Shabana Azmi is nothing short of legendary. Naseeruddin Shah is sheer brilliance. Smita Patil is simply beautiful. Om Puri, Saeed Jaffrey, Satish Kaushik, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Soni Razdan, Anita Kanwar, Ila Arun, Neena Gupta—each one looks incredibly natural and utterly real in their respective roles.

Mandi Movie Review:

And must I bow down to Shyam Benegal? Absolutely. He was a master—hands down one of the greatest Indian filmmakers ever born. What vision, what command, what craftsmanship! The term “absolute cinema” fits him perfectly, and perhaps only him. Watch Mandi and experience the enduring legacy of this masterwork. You’ll be stunned, for sure.

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