Haathkadi (transl. “Handcuffs”) is a 1982 Indian Hindi‑language film directed by Surendra Mohan. Produced by Pahlaj Nihalani, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Sanjeev Kumar (in a triple role), Shatrughan Sinha, Reena Roy, Ranjeeta Kaur, Rakesh Roshan, and Prem Chopra. The musical score and songs were composed by Bappi Lahiri, with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Plot
Harimohan (Sanjeev Kumar) is a modest employee whose wife, Shanta, is subjected to sexual advances by his lecherous boss. When Harimohan intervenes, a struggle results in the boss’s death and Harimohan’s presumed demise after a car accident. Years later, Shanta lives as a widow while their son Sunil (Shatrughan Sinha) has become a police inspector. Sunil goes undercover and becomes entangled with the affluent but arrogant Baldev Mittal (Rakesh Roshan), the son of crime‑lord Gopaldas Mittal. After a young woman named Sunita is murdered, Sunil arrests Baldev, unaware that Gopaldas Mittal, who also uses the alias “Saakhia,” is a powerful gangster. The narrative culminates with the revelation that Saakhia is, in fact, Sunil’s biological father, Harimohan, who survived the earlier incident and turned to crime.
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Sanjeev Kumar | Harimohan / Rai Bahadur Gopaldas Mittal / Saakhia |
| Shatrughan Sinha | SP Sunil / Bholanath Banarasi |
| Rakesh Roshan | Baldev Mittal |
| Reena Roy | Rosy |
| Ranjeeta Kaur | Sunita |
| Prem Chopra | Dr. Ramesh |
| Jeevan | Suraj |
| Madan Puri | Harimohan’s boss |
| Simi Garewal | Pammi Mittal |
| Ramesh Deo | Ambernath |
| Seema Deo | Shanta |
| Mazhar Khan | Robert |
| Kanhaiyalal | Raghuveer |
Music
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Bappi Lahiri, includes songs such as “Disco Station Disco,” “Ek Baar Milke, Jaye Nahin Dil Se,” and “Kabhi Tum Aag Ho, Kabhi Tum Pani.” Playback singers feature Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar, with lyrics penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Production and Release
- Director: Surendra Mohan
- Producer: Pahlaj Nihalani
- Screenplay & Story: Ram Kelkar
- Music: Bappi Lahiri
- Cinematography: (not specified in source)
- Release Date: 15 January 1982
- Running Time: 135 minutes
- Country: India
- Language: Hindi
Reception
While detailed box‑office figures and critical analyses are limited, the film is noted for its dramatic narrative and the performance of Sanjeev Kumar in multiple roles. The soundtrack achieved modest popularity, particularly the disco‑influenced numbers reflecting early‑1980s Bollywood trends.
References
- Wikipedia entry “Haathkadi (1982 film)”.
- IMDb listing for Haathkadi (1982).
This summary reflects information available from reliable encyclopedic sources as of the latest update.
