Mrityudata

About the film

Mrityudaata (transl.: Angel of Death) is a 1997 Indian Hindi-language action film directed by Mehul Kumar with music by Anand Milind. Loosely adapted from the 1991 Bengali film Proshno, the film is considered to be a comeback role for Amitabh Bachchan, who temporarily left the industry in 1992. This film was produced by his own production company called Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL). It marked Bachchan's comeback after five years but was a box-office bomb. One of the songs in the film picturized on Amitabh and Daler Mehndi was very popular when released.

Plot

Dr. Ram Prasad Ghayal is a renowned doctor who has been successful in all operations in his career and has skillfully operated many delicate surgeries. He lives with his wife Janki and brother Bharat (Arbaaz Ali Khan). Bharat is in love with Renu, the daughter of Umeshchan Jain. At the same time, Raja Tunga, the brother of Rana Tunga has a longing for Renu. The miscreant Raja with his mob severely assaults Bharat when Bharat resists Raja's advances toward Renu.

A corrupt minister Mohanlal wants to execute a disastrous scheme called the "Pawanghat Power Project" at the expense of the lives and property of the tribes living at the project site. He coaxes and later threatens Bharat, the concerned engineer to sign his approval for the project, whereas Bharat refuses to endorse such a scheme. On the other hand, Rana devises an evil plot against Bharat to wipe the latter out eventually leading to his brother Raja winning Renu. Bharat is framed for murdering a woman and Inspector Danapani, a subordinate of Rana, arrests him and puts him behind bars. Woefully, Bharat dies in jail presumably by committing suicide. The agony of Bharat's death claims the life of Janki as well. With the death of his beloved wife and brother, Dr. Ram becomes desolate and alcoholic. Renu marries Raja, without any regret for the death of her former lover.

Now that Bharat is dead, Mohanlal conspires with Rana for the implementation of the power project. However, they end up becoming enemies of each other. Mohanlal plans to kill Raja. His henchmen attack Raja who is critically injured. Raja is admitted to the hospital where Dr. Ram is to conduct his operation. Renu fears that Dr. Ram may kill Raja to take vengeance for the death of his brother. She refuses to sign the operation papers, but Dr. Ram, who considers it his moral duty to save the life of a patient regardless of them being his friend or foe, conducts the operation. His expertise pays off as Raja is saved. He goes out to convey the news to Renu but returns to find Raja dead, beyond all his expectations. Renu files an F.I.R. against Dr. Ram, who is arrested and imprisoned.

Reception

The film opened well with cinemas at 95% capacity however, attendance dropped in the second week falling to 45% capacity with disappointing grosses.

Soundtrack

Music composed by Anand–Milind, their only film with Amitabh Bachchan. Lyrics by Sameer.

3 million audio cassettes were sold. The soundtrack was a successful release for ABCL.

Key details