Parinda 1989 [better]

Parinda (1989): Why Javed Sheikh’s Underrated Gem Deserves a Modern Audience

When film lovers discuss the golden eras of South Asian cinema, 1989 is often remembered for Maine Pyar Kiya (Bollywood) or Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Hollywood). But in Pakistan, 1989 brought us Parinda — a gritty, urban crime drama directed by Javed Sheikh, not to be confused with the famous Indian film of the same name (Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda, also 1989).

Javed Sheikh’s Parinda (Urdu: پَرِندَہ, meaning “The Bird”) is a stark, raw look at Karachi’s underworld, betrayal, and survival. Often overshadowed by its Indian namesake, this film is a cult classic in its own right. This article unpacks its plot, themes, cast, and why it remains relevant.

Critical Reception and Box Office (1989)

Upon release, Parinda 1989 was a risky proposition. Audiences in 1989 were used to Maine Pyar Kiya (romance) or Ram Lakhan (masala action). Parinda was dark, depressing, and violent. parinda 1989

Initially, it struggled in single-screen theaters. However, the urban multiplex crowds (though multiplexes didn't exist yet, the urban elite) and the critical fraternity went berserk. It was India’s official entry to the Academy Awards (Oscars) for Best Foreign Language Film that year.

While not the highest grosser, it achieved "cult status" instantly on VHS and later on satellite television. Today, it is considered a landmark film. Parinda (1989): Why Javed Sheikh’s Underrated Gem Deserves

If You Liked Parinda, Watch:

| Film | Why | |------|-----| | Satya (1998) | Grittier underworld saga by Ram Gopal Varma. | | Nayakan (1987, Tamil) | Similar brother-gangster tragedy, but more operatic. | | Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) | Sprawling, violent crime epic spanning generations. | | Once Upon a Time in Mumbai (2010) | Stylized take on similar era. |

4. Music and Sound

The soundtrack, composed by M. Ashraf, features melancholic ghazals and tense background scores. The title track “Parinda Parinda” (sung by A. Nayyar) uses bird imagery to symbolize lost freedom — a stark contrast to the caged, violent lives of the characters. Unlike the glossy songs of the era, the music here feels like a lament. If You Liked Parinda , Watch: | Film

5. Why It Failed at the Box Office (and Why It Endured)

Upon release in 1989, Parinda was a commercial disappointment. Reasons:

• Audience mismatch – Pakistani cinema in the late 80s was dominated by family melodramas and Punjabi action films. Parinda was too dark and slow-paced for mass crowds.
• No big “item” song – Every song serves the plot. There’s no dance number to relieve tension.
• The Indian Parinda – Released the same year, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda (starring Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, and Nana Patekar) became an international festival hit, completely overshadowing Javed Sheikh’s version.

However, over the decades, Parinda gained a cult following through VHS tapes and later YouTube uploads. Film students and critics praise its realistic dialogue, long takes, and refusal to offer a happy ending.

Characters

• Kishore Kumar Sharma (Jackie Shroff): The protagonist, a young man with a strong moral compass, who becomes embroiled in a world of crime and violence.
• Raja Haryan (Kumar Gaurav): Kishore's friend and partner in crime, who struggles with his own demons and relationships.
• Mumtaz Ali (Neelam Kher): A beautiful and innocent woman, who becomes the object of desire for both Kishore and Raja.
• Maya Sharma (Seema Kapoor): Kishore's sister, who becomes embroiled in the conflict between her brother and Raja.