Haji Mastan | A Template For Indian Gangster | Under Lens

It’s difficult to tell how many films Haji Mastan influenced. One can always count a few at the top of his mind, the number and popularity in reality would be close to Al Capone’s influences. May be a less or a more. Haji Mastan, a controversial figure of Bombay of 70s and 80s, has been a template for on-screen gangsters; especially the one with Anti-hero touch. Two films which proudly claim influences are – Deewar and OUATIM – critically acclaimed blockbusters made in different eras.

Deewar is among the best performances of Amitabh Bachc

han. Many iconic scenes from this movie still define the 70s of Bollywood. ‘Mere paas Maa hai’ must have been referenced more than ‘Kitne aadmi they’. The USP of Deewar was the rise and poetic fall of a smuggler. With tragedy in heart and abuse tattooed on wrist,  Amitabh Bachchan literally spoke with his eyes in many scenes. Haji Mastan was not only referenced in mannerism, he was paid a tribute of sorts. Amitabh Bachchan made note of this numerous times in different interviews.

Ajay Devgan playing Sultan in OUTIM is very close to real Haji Mastan story, more than any other film. Not only rise and fall of Mastan is shown (except the death part) in a dramatic way, film highlights the larger than life persona of Mastan in real life that earned him friends in all circles. His relationship with Sona and empathy for downtrodden is also underlined in bold. 

Many films like Agneepath, Company, D, took subtle references from life of Haji Mastan. Some of them were inspired by lives of other gangsters of that era but took the liberty to take cues from life of Haji Mastan to make character more benevolent. One fine example is Nayagan. Nayagan was based on life of Varadarajan Mudaliar however some references can be attributed to Haji Mastan. Interestingly, Varadarajan and Mastan were very good friends. Well, that’s a long story.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh