Deewar is a story of two brothers ending up on opposing sides of the law. The title, Deewar acts as a powerful metaphor for the ideological, moral and emotional chasm that grows between them.
Salim-Javed’s suggested title, Deewar acts as a clash of values between the brothers Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) and Ravi (Shashi Kapoor).
One going on the wrong side of the law due to his anger and disillusionment with society while the other becomes a police officer who stands for duty and law.
Their childhood bond is gradually destroyed by this metaphorical wall which leads to a tragic ending where the two brothers confront each other.
Also, Deewar (the wall) represents the ideological crisis of the 70s. The wall symbolises the barriers built by poverty and class equality. A frustrated working class losing faith in justice versus a bureaucratic system that often fails to protect the vulnerable.
A wall between right and wrong, duty and morality, honesty and corruption.
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