Bhumika (1977)
DirectorShyam Benegal
StarringSmita Patil, Amol Palekar, Anant Nag, Sulabha Deshpande
Watch onShemarooMe
Best for: Viewers interested in 1970s Hindi parallel cinema and character-driven dramas about women in the film industry.
Where to watch Bhumika online in India
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ShemarooMeAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 24 October 2026.
Bhumika story (no spoilers)
Bhumika follows Usha, a successful Hindi film star whose life becomes increasingly difficult as she navigates a world that glamorizes and patronizes her. The pressure of the roles imposed upon her causes her to unravel, drifting between studios and her personal life. She spirals into an identity crisis, caught between the image others expect and her own sense of self. The film is a dramatic character study of an actress struggling to hold onto her identity.
Should you watch Bhumika?
Watch it for
- Smita Patil plays Usha, the actress at the centre of the story, with the film built around her performance.
- Shyam Benegal directs this 1977 Hindi drama, with music by Vanraj Bhatia.
- The supporting cast includes Amol Palekar as Keshav Dalvi, Anant Nag as Rajan, and Naseeruddin Shah as Sunil Verma.
- At 136 minutes, it is a focused drama about an actress's identity crisis, carrying an A certificate in India.
Skip it if
- You prefer light-hearted or fast-paced films; this is a 1977 Hindi drama about an actress's psychological unravelling.
- You want a family-friendly watch; the film carries an A certificate in India.
- You are looking for a plot-driven thriller; the focus here is on character and identity rather than action.
Bhumika cast
Smita Patilas Usha
Amol Palekaras Keshav Dalvi
Anant Nagas Rajan
Sulabha Deshpandeas Shanta
Amrish Purias Vinayak Kale
Naseeruddin Shahas Sunil Verma
Kulbhushan Kharbandaas Harilal
Kiran Vairaleas Sushma Dalvi
B.V. Karanthas Usha's Father
Dina Pathakas Mrs. KaleBhumika movie details
| Director | Shyam Benegal |
|---|---|
| Writer | Shyam Benegal, Girish Karnad, Satyadev Dubey |
| Music | Vanraj Bhatia |
| Producer | Lalit M. Bijlani, Freni M. Variava |
| Release date | 11 November 1977 |
| Runtime | 2h 16m (136 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | English, Hindi |
| Original title | भूमिका |
| Certificate (India) | A |
Parental guide: is Bhumika family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the film's A certificate and dramatic genre; it is not a scene-by-scene breakdown. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Our verdict
Bhumika is a 1977 Hindi drama directed by Shyam Benegal, with Smita Patil as Usha, an actress unravelling under the roles imposed on her. The film pairs a strong cast with a serious look at identity and the film industry. It remains a notable example of 1970s Indian parallel cinema.
More movies directed by Shyam Benegal
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Giddh: The VultureFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Bhumika online in India?
Bhumika is available to stream free in India on ShemarooMe.
What is the release date of Bhumika?
Bhumika was released in India on 11 November 1977.
Who is in the cast of Bhumika?
The cast includes Smita Patil as Usha, Amol Palekar as Keshav Dalvi, Anant Nag as Rajan, Sulabha Deshpande as Shanta, Amrish Puri as Vinayak Kale, Naseeruddin Shah as Sunil Verma, Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Harilal, and Baby Rukshana as Young Usha.
Who directed Bhumika?
Bhumika was directed by Shyam Benegal.
What is the runtime and certificate of Bhumika?
Bhumika runs for 136 minutes and has an A certificate in India.
Page last updated 24 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.