Droh Kaal

"Droh Kaal" is by far another finest film ever made in Indian Parallel cinema. Its another Hard-Hitting Drama from Master Director Govind Nihalani.

To bring out a Script with thorough Practicality & Real-Life Approach of Rift between Police & Terrorits becomes very difficult task and possibly one may land up being conventional main stream cinema. This is not the case with this Film. May be Ardh Satya (earlier Nihalani's work) & Droh Kaal are the only Realistic Hardcore Police Stories ever told.

The Film is utmost Gripping & bears Hair Raising Moments. The Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhay Singh, played by Om Puri sends in "under-cover" squad amongst a terrorist group to reveal their complete conglomerate activities. The Top Secret operation is only known to him & his Colleague DCP Abbas Lodhi. Amongst the five terrorist groups, one of the group's commander, Bhadra played by Ashish Vidyarthi, gets caught and is in Police Custody. Even staying within the Custody the terrorist commander controls his terrorist force to threaten the DCP and plan an escapade. He is also aggravated by these Police officers' constant attempt to hamper their various activities. On his aggression, Commander Bhadra threatens DCP Abhay Singh by keeping his family on his target. The DCP had no option than just to work hand-in-hand with the Terrorist Group. He is forced to Shelter two terrorist in his home staying along his family. He is asked to provide all vital informations of Police operations. His Colleague, DCP Abbas Lodhi gets killed. Finally the film turns sharp in the end where there's an Opportunity, the DCP can get to destroy the enemies.

The Best thing in a Govind Nihalani Film, is conversations. He is the master of creating Hardcore Drama by vibrant human ideologies exhibited in true sense through perfectly-written Dialogues. The conversation between DCP Abhay Singh & Commander Bhadra in Interrogation Room & in Jungle are brilliant.

The End Part of the Film is as Gripping & Hair Raising like the end scene in "The Silence of the Lambs".

Naseeruddin Shah as DCP Lodhi is also fantastic. Finally the Film again belongs to Om Puri, who delivers a controlled & powerful performance.

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.

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 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.

If anybody finds a DVD of this movie, please post the link to the DVD sale.This is the best movie I have seen on a terrorist-police plot. Excellent direction, script, story and acting. I have not seen a movie so good in International cinema or in Hollywood. Govind Nihlani has done an excellent job. It is a little slow but engrossing, the ending is unexpected. This is Govind Nihlani's best work. This movie is way better than "Roja" in terms of content and character. Roja is more picturesque but Drohkaal has more character. Not to be missed, a jewel of Bollywood. Wish it was on DVD If anybody finds a DVD on this, please post the link to the DVD sale.