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Sadma (Sadma) (1983) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 16 Jul 2026

Sadma (Sadma)
SUPER HIT

Sadma (Sadma)(1983)

Hindi · Drama, Romance

2h 21m · 8 Jul 1983

DOP: Balu Mahendra | Writer: Gulzar, Balu Mahendra

DramaRomance

Ratings

IMDbIMDb8.3
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.7
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB72
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience94

Our Rating

3.5

📖 Story

Sadma tells the poignant story of a young woman, Nehalata, who suffers retrograde amnesia after a traumatic accident, regressing to a childlike mental state. She is cared for by Somu, a kind-hearted man who forms a deep bond with her. The narrative explores themes of innocence, love, and loss as Somu tries to protect Nehalata from the harsh realities of the world while grappling with his own feelings. The story is a delicate portrayal of emotional vulnerability and the complexities of human relationships.

🔍 Analysis

Sadma is a deeply emotional and sensitively crafted film that stands out for its compelling narrative and nuanced screenplay. The story unfolds at a measured pace, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the evolving relationship between the protagonists. The first half effectively establishes the innocence and vulnerability of Nehalata’s character, while the second half intensifies the emotional stakes, leading to a heartrending climax.

Balu Mahendra’s direction and cinematography beautifully capture the melancholic mood of the film, using subtle visual storytelling to enhance the narrative’s emotional depth. The screenplay is tight and avoids unnecessary subplots, focusing instead on the core emotional journey.

Though the film does not rely heavily on songs, the background score complements the mood perfectly, underscoring the tenderness and tragedy without overwhelming the scenes. The music, sparse yet effective, supports the film’s somber tone and adds to the immersive experience.

Overall, Sadma is a poignant exploration of love and loss, elevated by strong performances and sensitive filmmaking, making it a memorable classic in Indian cinema.

🎭 Performances

Sridevi: Delivering one of her career-best performances, Sridevi convincingly portrays a woman trapped in a childlike mental state with innocence and vulnerability that deeply resonates.

Kamal Haasan: Kamal Haasan brings warmth and subtlety to the role of Somu, effectively conveying compassion and inner turmoil without melodrama.

Silk Smitha: Silk Smitha plays a supporting role with grace, adding depth to the narrative without overshadowing the leads.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Powerful and sensitive storytelling
  • Outstanding performances by Sridevi and Kamal Haasan
  • Balu Mahendra’s direction and cinematography
  • Emotional depth and mature handling of delicate themes
  • Effective use of background score to enhance mood

Weaknesses

  • Lack of prominent songs may affect audience expecting musical entertainment
  • Slow pacing might not appeal to viewers preferring fast narratives

🎬 Direction & Writing

Balu Mahendra’s direction is masterful, blending visual poetry with emotional storytelling. His writing is restrained yet impactful, focusing on character-driven narrative and subtle emotional cues rather than overt dramatics.

📰 Ratings Sources

No rating sources available.

Our Rating

3.5/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive85%
Neutral10%
Negative5%

Critics

Critics have consistently praised Sadma for its heartfelt narrative and exceptional performances. It is regarded as a classic that sensitively portrays complex emotional states and human relationships. The film is often highlighted for its realistic treatment and avoidance of melodrama.

Final Box-Office Result

SUPER HIT

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Sadma (Sadma) release in theatres?

Sadma (Sadma) released on 8 July 1983 (1983).

Is Sadma (Sadma) a hit or flop?

Sadma (Sadma) is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.

Where to watch Sadma (Sadma) online? OTT release date?

Sadma (Sadma) OTT release date not announced yet.

Who directed Sadma (Sadma)?

Sadma (Sadma) directed by Balu Mahendra. Produced by Raj N. Sippy, Romu N. Sippy.

Who are the main cast members of Sadma (Sadma)?

Sadma (Sadma) stars Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, Silk Smitha, Gulshan Grover, Kanwarjeet Paintal.

What is the Tollybo rating for Sadma (Sadma)?

Tollybo rates Sadma (Sadma) 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.

What is the genre and runtime of Sadma (Sadma)?

Sadma (Sadma) — Genre: Drama, Romance, Runtime: 141 minutes, Language: Hindi.

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