Yash Chopra and Salim Javed gave great films in 1970s starting from DEEWAAR(1975), KABHIE KABHIE(1976), TRISHUL(1978) and KPKaala Patthar depicts a story about the people working in coal mines, the film starts off straight away in the mines. We are first introduced to Vijay(played by Bachchan, who else) who is a grim guy but very daredevilry, He saves the life of Satyen Kapuu and as all the people cheer for him, his face goes sad and he remembers his past wherein people want to stone him and call him a coward. This scene itself speaks brilliance of Yash Chopra, Big B and SJ. The film then introduces Shashi Kapoor a funloving guy who works in the mine for a high post of Engineer, His entry is with a Kishore classic song EK RAASTA HAI ZINDAGI on a bike. Then we are introduced to Shatrughan Sinha a thief/goon who runs from the jail and enters the mine. There are several interesting characters like Raakhee who comes as a women doctor, Sanjeev Kumar in a 1 scene role as the depressed doctor who resigns, Mcmohan who is fond of playing cards and cheats, Parikshit Sahini as the singing Jatt. Neetu Singh as Channo who sells women ornaments and many more. Parveen Babi the fierce journalist The villain played by Prem Chopra who doesn't care about the workers but only about profits. Amitabh's AYM persona too is used to the fullest and his scenes make a great impact The story moves gradually but picks up at a crescendo towards the climax. There are several subplots too and some few songs thrown in and some masala too The clash between Big B and Shatru(real life rivals of 70s) is superb especially their fight scene. The second half gets more absorbing, AB confronting Prem Chopra and his flashback is superb, while the entire climax is brilliantly filmed and is superb, The climax was actually based on a real coal mine tragedy Though it's depicted in a filmy manner with superificial sacrifices yet it's superb Direction by Yash Chopra is superb, after this film sadly he made mostly romantic films like SILSILA(1981) and his films never where like this anymore Writing by SJ is superb yet again Music is good, The best song is Ek Raasta, Dhoom Mache Dhoom and all songs, Again no song on Big B just one background love song sung by Parikshit Sahini showing Big B and Raakhee under an umbrella. Dialogues are awesome, esp those mouthed by Big B and Shatru Amitabh's dialogue PAIN IS MY DESTINY is superb while Shatru's teesre baadhshah hum hai aur The Onga Ponga waala dialogueAmitabh Bachchan is matchless as the angry, depressed Vijay yet again Yash chopra + SJ and Big B together work beautifully and his role is yet another memorable one His outbursts, his emotions are all simply outstanding. Shatrughan Sinha does well in his role in his own style. Shashi Kapoor is superb in his role though he does play second fiddle Sanjeev Kumar is wasted yet he does the most of it in just 1 scene Raakhee is superb, She starred in Yash Chopra's film before in Kabhie Kabhie and TRISHUL and here too does a great job Parveen Babi and Neetu Singh are superb in their roles, though PB does get sidelined towards the end Amongst rest Parikshit Sahini is superb, Sharat Saxena is superb, Prem Chopra is good as the villain, Macmohan is superb, Iftekar, Suresh Oberoi have guest roles Satyen Kapoo and rest lend good support

Great movie! Wonderful performances from all the characters. It amazingly describes a coal miner's life. I do feel Yash Chopra could've made the movie a little more entertaining. Chopra's other movies are fantastic. Amitabh Bachchan has the best performance, but I feel that this movie belongs to Shatrughan Sinha. He did a marvelous job. The most sad part was when Shatrughan dies at the end.During these times Shatrughan had a rivalry with Amitabh which is why I think he was able to do such a great job in the movie. Shashi Kapoor and Parveen Babi were romantic as always.Wonderful songs with great lyrics. Everything else is just OK

This film has an amazingly ambitious story for its time. a story about poorly treated coal mine workers and a deeply powerfull hero destined to a life of pain and suffering for his mistakes in his past. this film boasts some powerfull performances from Amithab Bachan and Shatrugan sinha. Rakhee plays the soulful doctor destined to help the unfortunate wherever they may be thus on of the most famous lines in bollywood history when Rakhee is trying help The injured Amithab. "please why dont you try uderstand" "Pain is my destiny doctor and I can't avoid it!" Shashi kapoor plays the Dashing young romantic engineer together with Parveen Bhabi the news reporter who plays his girlfriend in the film. The story works well on a whole though technically the film leaves a lot to be desired. Though the scenes in the coal mines are well done. The rest is a bit shoddy in places, but some brilliant acting is what takes this film beyond its rather dull appearance. This film comes with a soulful soundtrack that really works well and some fantastic songs to be rememderd forever... they just don't make stories like this anymore.....shame really

An ambitious film that suffers, unfortunately, from what might be the worst cinematography in the history of film. Even an American special effects team could not save the film from somtimes sloppy editing and shoddy camera work. However, the film is worth seeing for the issues it brings up regarding worker/management relations. A good story and great acting soften the blow of the weak cinematography. Yash Chopra is a very good director, but this film makes him seem like a hack.