There’s a film called Mounto (1975) starring Saira Banu and Navin Nischol. Nothing to do with Saadat Hasan Manto.
It’s a small, nondescript film, as formulaic as Hindi films of that period were.
There’s Mohan (Nischol), an honest BA-pass unemployed guy, desperate to get his sick mother (surprise! Nirupa Roy) treated.
Angry and disillusioned with his hopeless situation, Mohan promises never to experience this misery again.
A change in attitude, wardrobe, and a pencil moustache later—Mohan becomes Mounto—a dreaded name in the world of crime.
(Nischol looks very much like he has stolen his co-star Saira Banu’s disguise from their 1972 film Victoria No. 203.)
Soon our hero is enlisted in the Indian intelligence agency’s crusade to thwart a gang working against the nation.
The rest of the story is predictable with the usual elements of romance, drama, action, and even a lost father-son angle to it.
However, the one time Mounto surprises is with its choice of enemy gang’s top boss.
Her.
This dangerous mastermind is played by veteran actress Pratima Devi.
During the ’60s and ’70s, Pratima Devi would routinely be seen playing the old, frail, long-suffering mother or grandmother.
On her deathbed in Saathi (1968)
As the ailing granny in Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
As a poor, blind woman in Maha Chor (1976)
So, excuse me for getting super excited to see her as this evil boss lady ordering missiles to fire and shooting at police officers.
I mean, look at her sporting fatigues over saree and being Gran the Terrible.
Too bad her character’s intentions are never revealed and receives very little screen time, especially when she is the best thing about the movie.
Flashback Bollywood 