How One Film Ended Amitabh-Dharmendra Duo, Altered Fate of Two Movies

• Ram Balram's four-year turbulent production fractured the Amitabh Bachchan-Dharmendra friendship and impacted other films.
• Initially, Dharmendra was the bigger star, but Bachchan's meteoric rise during the delays shifted industry dynamics.
• Producer Tito Juneja started Mr Natwarlal with Bachchan while Ram Balram was stalled; Mr Natwarlal released earlier in 1979.
• Tensions mounted on Ram Balram sets due to delays and perceived lack of focus, leading to a permanent rift between the stars.
• Delays also strained Bachchan's relationship with Yash Chopra over Silsila, which underperformed after its release.

Why It Matters: Ram Balram's chaotic production ended a legendary pairing and created lasting professional rifts.