The Rise of Amitabh Bachchan: Comparison with Vinod Khanna in Masala Action Films

In the golden era of Indian cinema, the realm of masala action films saw an exciting competition between two rising stars, Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna. This article delves into their on-screen dynamics, highlighting their roles, performances, and the impact they had on the industry.

Pre-1976: Early Clash of Titans

In 1976, both Amitabh and Vinod played pivotal roles in the film Hera Pheri. The film marked a close collaboration between the two stars, with director Prakash Mehra initially planning to cast Feroz Khan alongside Amitabh. However, this was rejected when Feroz Khan insisted on not working on Sundays. Thus, Vinod Khanna agreed to the role provided he got an equally important part, leading to the creation of a perfect ensemble cast.

The roles of Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay and Vinod Khanna as Ajay were well-balanced. Both actors brought their signature qualities to the screen, with Amitabh showcasing a strong physique and an 'angry young man' image, while Vinod Khanna exuded confidence. This film was a delightful combination of entertaining action and good comedy, with both actors delivering noteworthy performances. Notably, Vinod Khanna was even nominated for the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.

1977: The Turning Point

Manmohan Desai's 1977 film Amar Akbar Anthony brought both actors' acting prowess under the spotlight. Although they shared screen space equally, Amitabh's performance stole the show with his versatile acting. His character, Anthony, left a lasting impression on the audience and fetched him the coveted Filmfare Best Actor Award. This brought a significant shift in the industry dynamics, paving the way for Amitabh Bachchan's predominance.

1970s: Shadows and Heroes

Desai's Parvarish in 1977 provided another platform for Amitabh and Vinod to showcase their talent. In another collaboration, Amitabh played the role of a police inspector while Vinod took on a more grey character. While both actors had equal screen time, Vinod's portrayal added depth to the plot, unlike his character in Parvarish.

Special Appearances and Hits

Despite being smaller roles, their special appearances in films like Zameer (1974) and Kunwara Baap (1974) demonstrated their versatility. In Khoon Pasina (1974), Amitabh had a more prominent role compared to Vinod, with both actors delivering memorable performances in this commercial hit. The success of the film led to cinematic remakes in Telugu as Tiger (1979) and in Tamil with Rajnikant as Siva (1989).

Muqaddar Ka Sikandar - The Blockbuster!

The year 1978 saw perhaps their most memorable collaboration in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, where Amitabh Bachchan played the titular role of Sikander, an orphan raised in the slums of Bombay. This film was an instant blockbuster, setting the stage for their final joint appearance in 1978. Both actors were nominated for the Filmfare Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor Awards, marking the end of an era for their on-screen partnership.

Above the Screen: Preparation and Bond

Their journey in the industry was marked by numerous joint ventures. Amitabh and Vinod had appeared together in films like Reshma Aur Shera, Khoon Pasina, Parvarish, Zameer, Mukhadar Ka Sikandar, and even in the music film Guddi. Their roles in Reshma Aur Shera (1971) were supporting, yet their dynamic on-screen chemistry and personal bond was evident throughout the shoot.

Postscript

The collaboration between Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna in masala action films left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry. Both actors' performances in films like Hera Pheri, Amar Akbar Anthony, and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar not only established their individual identities but also showcased their immense talent and effectiveness as leading men in Indian cinema.