This movie was very contemporary in its theme at the time of its production. People might not identify with it now, but it is a very good representation of the middle class society of the Eighties. Resources were scarce, ambitions were big and everyone in the family needed to adjust to the conditions often giving up on their dreams. I think this movie is a must watch for today's generation who have grown up after the economic reforms. It gives a very accurate and detailed picture of our past and is a cue to understanding the generation before us.
The performances are Top notch. Utpal Dutt has portrayed the helplessness and hurt with a dignity that only he could manage. Rakhi has again given one of those performances in which silence and actions speaks louder than words. This was one of Anil Kapoor's earlier movies and he was still not a star. But his potential was well noticed in this movie.
Script and editing are also good although I can understand that things have been a bit over-dramatized and there are a few unwanted song sequences. But again 80s were not really good times for the Indian cinema. And for once the movie was about a real Indian family. Not the Super rich, cash abundant, Ferrari driving, Personal jet owner NRIs who have so much money that the only thing they can think about is love and marriage. This was real cinema not a dreamland. So on a scale adjusted for trends in different times, I would still give it an 8.