Trishul (1978) Directed by Yash Chopra, written by the acclaimed screenwriting duo Salim–Javed, and produced by Gulshan Rai, the film remains one of the defining action dramas of Hindi cinema. The film features an ensemble cast comprising Shashi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Rakhee Gulzar, Poonam Dhillon, Prem Chopra, and Sachin, with Waheeda Rehman in a special appearance. Most members of the principal cast had previously appeared together in Chopra's Kabhi Kabhie (1976). The film's music was composed by Mohammed Zahur Khayyam, while the lyrics were written by the eminent poet Sahir Ludhianvi. Trishul emerged as the second highest-grossing Indian film of 1978, surpassed only by Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), and was subsequently remade in Tamil and Telugu as Mr. Bharath (!986).
Set against the backdrop of post-independence India, the narrative begins in 1953 when the ambitious architect R. K. Gupta (Sanjeev Kumar) abandons his pregnant lover, Shanti (Waheeda Rehman), to marry a wealthy heiress for financial advancement. Shanti single-handedly raises their son Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan), instilling in him resilience despite hardship. Following his mother's death, Vijay travels to Delhi with a singular determination to avenge the injustice inflicted upon her. Rather than pursuing direct confrontation, he strategically establishes a rival construction enterprise, financed through a loan from Gupta himself, and gradually dismantles his father's business empire. In the process, Vijay's quest for revenge inadvertently entangles his unsuspecting half-siblings, Shekhar (Shashi Kapoor) and Kusum (Poonam Dhillon), thereby intensifying the emotional complexity of the narrative. The role of Ravi was initially offered to Rishi Kapoor, who declined the project; the character was ultimately portrayed by Sachin.
The soundtrack of Trishul significantly enhances the film's emotional and thematic depth. Khayyam's evocative compositions, combined with Sahir Ludhianvi's poetic lyrics, produced several memorable songs, including Mohabbat Bade Kaam Ki Cheez Hai, Gapoochi Gapoochi Gam Gam, Aapki Mehki Huyi Zulf Ko, Ja Ri Bahena Ja, Janeman Tum Kamaal Karte Ho, and Tu Mere Saath Rahega Munne. Rendered by distinguished playback singers such as Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, K. J. Yesudas, Nitin Mukesh, and Pamela Chopra, these compositions remain enduring classics of Hindi film music.
Commercially, Trishul grossed approximately ₹11 crore in India, earning the status of a super hit. Internationally, the film achieved extraordinary popularity in the Soviet Union, where it sold nearly 29.7 million tickets. Combined with an estimated 43 million admissions in India, the film recorded approximately 72.7 million ticket sales worldwide, firmly establishing its enduring domestic and international legacy.