36 years ago, director and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra created a film that went on to define realism in Hindi cinema. Released in 1989, Parinda was made on a modest budget of just Rs 12 lakh, yet it managed to capture the audience’s imagination, win multiple awards, and cement the careers of its lead actors.
Speaking in a past interview with Hindustan Times, Chopra revealed, “We made the entire film for only Rs 12 lakh, which was very low for a movie of this scale.” The low budget pushed the team to use real locations in Mumbai without artificial sets, giving the film a raw and realistic feel.
Who starred in Parinda?
The film featured a stellar cast including Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, and Madhuri Dixit. The story revolved around two brothers, one entangled in the criminal world and the other striving to lead a righteous life. The plot, combined with strong performances, helped Parinda achieve massive success at the box office and earned critical acclaim for bringing realism to mainstream Hindi films.
What happened on the set?
Parinda is famous not just for its story but also for a legendary on-set incident. During one scene, Jackie Shroff had to slap Anil Kapoor. But Chopra, a perfectionist, demanded multiple takes. Jackie revealed to Firstpost, “The first shot was okay, Anil’s expression was perfect, but the director said, ‘No, one more.’ I kept slapping until the 17th take. Fake slaps don’t work; real ones make the scene genuine.”
This dedication to authenticity became a defining moment for the film and is still remembered as an iconic instance in Bollywood history.
Did Vidhu Vinod Chopra take multiple roles?
Interestingly, Vidhu Vinod Chopra not only directed and produced the film but also wrote the script and was deeply involved in all creative aspects. His vision and multitasking played a crucial role in transforming a low-budget film into a cinematic masterpiece.
Awards and recognition
Parinda won critical acclaim, bagging two National Film Awards at the 37th National Film Awards. Nana Patekar won Best Supporting Actor, while Renu Saluja earned recognition for Best Editing. At Filmfare, the movie clinched five awards, proving that a strong story, dedication, and talented actors can make history even with a modest budget.
Why Parinda still matters
Decades later, Parinda remains a benchmark for realistic storytelling in Bollywood. Its gripping plot, memorable performances, and behind-the-scenes dedication remind filmmakers and audiences alike that creativity and hard work can triumph over financial constraints.
Highlights:
- Parinda was made on a shoestring budget of just Rs 12 lakh and became a box office hit.
- Jackie Shroff famously slapped Anil Kapoor 17 times to perfect a scene, adding to the film’s realism.
- The film won multiple awards, including two National Film Awards and five Filmfare Awards, setting a benchmark for low-budget storytelling.