indian cinema heritage foundation

Dulha Bikta Hai (1982)

  • Release Date1982
  • GenreDrama
  • FormatColor
  • LanguageHindi
  • Run Time150 mins
  • Length4467.21 metres
  • Number of Reels17
  • Gauge35mm
  • Censor RatingU
  • Censor Certificate Number99416
  • Certificate Date09/12/1981
  • Shooting LocationFilmistan
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Of all the curses that plague the social fabric of our country, DOWRY is the worst. It is a cancer that is ruining human relationships, breaking hundreds of homes and destroying the lives of thousands of innocent girls.

The mother of this curse-Greed brings about humiliations and persecutions, forcing innocent, helpless young brides to burn themselves, jump into wells or take poison to end their miserable lives.

The law forbids the giving and taking of dowry, the leaders and social pundits shout themselves hoarse against this evil practice. But inspite of all he sanctions, the dowry market goes on flourishing. Bride-grooms are sold to the highest bidder.

"Dulha Bikta Hai" mirrors the viciousness of this evil.

Deepak Valia our hero is a handsome, young advertising man living happily with his rich father, mother and two young sisters. He is in love with Shaila Thakur a pretty press reporter and dreams of marrying her as soon as his sisters are married. The dream is short-lived.

The shock of his father's sudden death and the discovery that he died a pauper with all his assets mortgaged stuns Deepak. His dream world comes crashing down. His biggest responsibility is to get his sisters married as soon as possible. He meets prospective bridegrooms but every party he meets demands lakhs of rupees as dowry and he has no money to meet their demands. He is shaken to the bones. Will his sisters be never married? Will they grow old and remain spinsters all their lives? Unloved? Un-protected?

Cornered like a caged animal, Deepak retaliates with a well-planned ruse. It pays off, his sisters are married and strategy in their new homes. But soon, the trick that he had played is discovered and Deepak Valia finds himself in a sea of troubles. He is shocked to find that his sisters' lives are on the verge of being ruined.

Beaten by the cruel turn of fate, he plays the last gamble. In order to save his sisters, he decides to sacrifice his own happiness. How he wades through a sea of fire to attain his goal leading to a shattering showdown that will awaken you to a new reality.

(From the official press booklet)
 

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