Droh Kaal

When I first saw this movie I thought it was one of the best movies I'd ever seen. When I saw it again a couple of years ago, as a more experienced viewer, my opinion diminished significantly. Having said that, the movie has some good performances.

In spite of the presence of stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri, it is Ashish Vidyarthi who has the film's best performance.

In my opinion, Droh Kaal is one of Govind Nihalani's lesser films. I recommend Aakrosh as an example of one of his better ones. Ardh Satya isn't too bad either.

Govind Nihalani is a fine film-maker from India, and I recommend his films (especially his earlier films). At the same time, and without a great deal of effort, I can think of at least three other Indian film-makers who have consistently made significantly better films: Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, and Girish Karnad.

Droh Kaal (1994) : Brief Review -

Droh Kaal was almost a blunder while making a realistic Cop Drama but thankfully Intelligent Climax saved it, rather, made it overwhelming. Riveting suspense thriller about a dedicated cop who leads an under-cover squad against a group of terrorists. He manages to capture their leader, but finds himself and his family mentally and physically manipulated by the wily terrorist and his followers. He joins the evil side to lose his best friend and then takes revenge after realising his mistakes. An outdated story from 60s masala films but wait, there is more to it in the climax which no other Cop drama has managed to do in Bollywood. Droh Kaal examines the mental and psychological trauma that honest police officers go through in their fight against a group of ruthless terrorists. But while doing so, it goes with the characters. A honest and smart cop is threatened by a Terrorist and gives up so easily? Hadn't we seen better during 60s and 70s when the same cop would sacrifice his family for his duty? Then how the hell someone tried to make an entire film with this senseless thought? I might have even accepted his mental state if was an ordinary cop or constable but someone of high Calibre looking so helpless was not at all acceptable. Thankfully, the climax plays the best trick to bring together revenge and redemption at the same time and the film looks fine, very fine. Droh Kaal is very realistic film and it's very slow too. 170 minutes without songs.. I even had a nap for 5 mins during the watch. Govind Nihlani has made a real-toned and intense Crime drama that becomes even more watchable because of brilliant performances of Om Puri, Naseerudin Shah, Ashish Vidyarthi, Milind Gunaji and Mita Vashishth. The entire acting unit has lifted the film. Overall, very good attempt but has its shortcomings.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

This movie was another tale passionately written by Govind Nihalani and other scriptwriters this movie shows that Govind Nihalani is a dialogue master Atul Tiwari did write the dialogues and Govind Nihalani added additional dialogues to the film with G.P Deshpande this movie is tough to watch because it is very slow paced but it does have moments in there that make up for the slow scenes the action by Amin Ghani is great if only Nihalani could have made it a little better for the camera scenery then it will be more fun to watch overall great performance by all actors especially Nasseudin Shah he's my favorite actor definitely powerful performance by Om Puri as the main character caught under a terrorist struggle pretty good drama to watch Nihalani delivers once again a tale on how to be fair as a human and be fair to life and those around you

One of the best given the topic 'Terrorism'. Remember, this movie was made in 1994, much before 9/11 and yet, one can see the similarities between 9/11 plot and this movie. For example, 9/11 hijackers hid among us, just as the terrorists in this movie wore the mask of a common man. 9/11 hijackers were known to be soft spoken and polite, yet extremely secretive. Same with the terrorists in this movie. Anyway, everything from the plot to characters were excellent. Even the music (by Jaidev) is extraordinary. Only the far-fetched bravado by Abhay Singh (Om Puri) seemed unreal, but then, it takes extraordinary courage and deeds to counter the 'cancer' of terrorism. In that respect, Abhay Singh's bravado also seems appropriate. As usual, Naseer puts the 'sher' in the character of Abbas Lodhi.

I remember, I was in Bombay during the film festival in Dec. 1994. This powerful movie made me cry and repeat it the very next day. Thanks to Govind Nihalani, who personally let me in his special movie, I could enjoy to the full. No wonder I am his fan and Thank you Govind!

If you are a Govind Nihalani or a Naseer or an Om Puri or a Amrish Puri fan, this movie is a MUST SEE.

Droh Kal was undoubtedly ahead of its time. Released in 1994, it emerged during an era when terrorism was beginning to show its brutal face, peaking in 1996. The Tamil remake, 'Kuruthipunal,' featuring Kamal Hassan, is equally compelling. While the climax may not appeal to everyone, this is one film that truly deserves a sequel. Though some scenes might seem exaggerated, however the storyline is captivating and keeps you engrossed throughout. Most of the movie being churned out these days tend show a one sided affair with the hero having an upper hand through out the movie. Interestingly, A R Rehman was supposed to compose for the film but his computer crashed losing his work.