The first and only Dilip-Dev multistarrer. This is the movie that Amitabh Bachchan wanted to watch as a kid, but was considered too much of an entertainer by his parents. SS Vasan was remaking this film from his Tamil/Telugu multistarrer versions. It was a huge hit, but not as good as one would expect from the big stars involved. In fact, the real star of the movie was an imported chimp, and Agha playing his owner. Dev Anand plays a dacoit who turns good after being slapped by Bina Rai (that seems to work pretty well in Bollywood). Teams up with Dilip to fight off his boss Jayant and his gang. Of course, since the only heroine is Bina, Dilip has to sacrifice his love so that Dev can get her. C Ramchandra's music fails to impress. In hindsight, Dilip and Dev represent two totally different kinds of Indian cinema, and it would have taken an extraordinary script and direction to make a film that would suit each's trademark style. While Insaniyat did not cast Dilip in his typical Devdas-like role, it did give him free rein to mouth bombastic dialogue (why are monologues always called dialogues in India?). Poor Dev was cast against type and seemed distinctly uncomfortable playing a mustachioed dacoit/villager, rather than a suave, urban conman. Worth seeing for the novelty of Dilip & Dev together, a talented chimpanzee, and the fast-paced adventure.
