Is Salaam Bombay! Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1988)

📖 The Core Premise

Salaam Bombay! stands as a 1988 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Crime, Drama landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Young Krishna is abandoned at the Apollo Circus by his mother, who informs him that he can only return home when he can afford ₹500 for his brother's bicycle that he destroyed. The circus leaves Krishna behind and he travels to Bombay, where he works delivering tee and befriends a heroin addict named Chillum and a girl named Manju. Krishna dreams of saving ₹500 to return home, but Bombay street life isn't easy."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Shafiq Syed is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Crime. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Salaam Bombay! worth your time? If you appreciate Crime, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Salaam Bombay! is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 113 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.