In its first scene, set at the Funkytown Disco in Bombay — year: 1983 — “Himmatwala” loads on the period markers, with quick nods to Michael Jackson, Madonna and, of course, the reign of disco in a song-and-dance number (called “Thank God It’s Friday,” no less) full of flashing lights and silver-clad hoofers. But the 1983 that really interests the director, Sajid Khan, is the Bollywood one. Remaking a B-movie hit from that year, he embraces broad comedy, broad melodrama and broad strokes of good and evil. To that he adds a halfhearted wink and the occasional 2013 touch (360-degree pans!) but not much more. (Farah Khan got it right with the 2007 “Om Shanti Om,” her smart, loving spoof of that period and the film business.)

“Himmatwala” has plenty of story of course. Post-discotheque, the action takes place in one of those Bollywood villages held captive by a superrich villain. Enter a redeemer (Ajay Devgn), equipped with mother love, morals and muscles. (Mr. Devgn played a similar, better role in the 2011 “Singham,” another old-fashioned yarn.) This movie has a few interesting things: a deus ex machina tiger, an intermittent concern for the vulnerability of women. And a few enjoyable ones: the outfits of Rekha (Tamannah), the villain’s daughter, who undergoes a split-second conversion from awful — “I hate the poor,” she declares early and often — to heroine. (Sons here replicate their fathers’ morals, but daughters can break free.)

Mostly, though, “Himmatwala” feels timid and overeager. Except when it’s terrible. What’s worse than dropping a crab down a villain’s pajama pants? Doing it again, to his simpering pal. Opened on Friday nationwide. Directed by Sajid Khan; written by Mr. Khan and Farhad; director of photography, Manoj Soni; edited by Nitin Rokade; music by Sajid and Wajid Ali; production design by Sabu Cyril; produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Vashu Bhagnani; released by UTV Motion Pictures. In Manhattan at the AMC Empire 25, 234 West 42nd Street at Eighth Avenue. In Hindi, with English subtitles. Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes. This film is not rated.