Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Arvind Desai: Bollywood’s Unmade, Privileged Angry Young Man
The film is about Arvind, a rich young man living in Mumbai.
He has money, comfort and many opportunities.
Even so, he feels lonely and unhappy.
He talks about changing society but does not want to give up his privileged life.
His friend Ranjan believes more strongly in Marxist ideas.
The film shows poverty and inequality without presenting poor people simply as victims.
Arvind also struggles with his father, family, love and future.
In the end, the film suggests that asking the right questions may be the most people can do.
Syed Akhtar Mirza’s 1978 film follows Arvind Desai, the wealthy son of a businessman.
The film examines Marxism, Maoism, class inequality and caste through an affluent protagonist.
Arvind discusses revolution while continuing to benefit from his family’s wealth and privilege.
His relationships with Marxist friend Ranjan, secretary Alice and his family reveal his confusion and emotional detachment.
The film failed commercially but later gained cult status for its political and social commentary.
- Who
- Arvind Desai, played by Dilip Dhawan, along with his Marxist friend Ranjan and members of his wealthy family.
- What
- A political drama examining privilege, capitalism, class, caste and the confusion of an affluent young man.
- When
- The film was released in 1978.
- Where
- Mumbai, with scenes involving Arvind’s family, his father’s business and a university.
- Why
- Syed Akhtar Mirza used Arvind’s life to explore social inequality and the contradictions of criticizing capitalism while benefiting from it.
- Film
- Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan
- Director
- Syed Akhtar Mirza
- Release year
- 1978
- Lead actor
- Dilip Dhawan
- Central themes
- Marxism, Maoism, capitalism, class and caste divisions
- Commercial outcome
- The film failed at the box office but later acquired cult status
- Music
- Bhaskar Chandavarkar composed a minimalist score reflecting Mumbai’s chaotic ambience