Aakrosh

You can write a thesis on this movie but less said is more. What I liked the most is the story, screenplay and characterization because Smita Patil, being in only one scene of a 2+ hours long movie, overshadowed stellar performances by Late Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah. I am speechless about Om Puri as he was in this movie. The movie left me wondering why today's film makers and STARS, shout so much so, about their products?

This is one of the best movies ever made in India. It is unfortunate that the world associates films in India exclusively with bollywood (atleast post-Ray), and so, films like Aakrosh do not get their due. The film pits the idealism of a young lawyer, Bhaskar (Naseer), who is the public defendent for a tribal man, Lahanya (Om Puri), against the inhumanity of the very milieu he has grown up in and is a part of, and which exploits tribals off their labor, life, and dignity with abandon. Especially poignant is Bhaskar's relationship with his mentor (Amrish Puri) who is the public prosecutor in this case. The two share an extremely cordial relationship in personal life but are gulfs apart when it comes to their work and professional ideals.

But probably most important point of the movie is what social theorist Gayatri Spivak asked some years later (in the context of women though)-- 'can the subaltern speak?'. Aakrosh is a forceful reminder that in our capitalist and bureaucratic postcolonial set-up, they indeed cannot.

Nearly all performances in the film are brilliant. Naseer, as the idealist lawyer is completely immersed in his character, to the degree that one forgets that it is Naseer you see on the screen, so good is he as Bhaskar. Something, however, that cannot be said about any of the mainstream 'heroes' in Bollywood. The film, I think, is worth watching for Naseer's method acting alone. Om Puri is remarkable as a tribal man framed in the murder of his wife (Smita Patil in a brief appearance), who, as we discover in some painful shots, loves her a lot. The agony on his face is haunting. And Amreesh Puri is extremely effective as the public prosecutor. The best scenes for me, personally, were Naseer's incessant, and ineffective, pleas to Om Puri to speak up and his cross examination of the witnesses and monologues in court. If anyone needs a great exposition of method acting, then the song 'sans mein dard' is the place to start. Following Naseer's movements in it are extremely educative.

Aakrosh is perhaps the only movie after Sholey in which everything just is perfect. All actors are completely immersed in their roles. Unfortunately, in bollywood such movies don't get recognized and are often forgotten quickly. Although, Aakrosh managed to get 6 awards in film fare but that was it. TO my understanding Aakrosh is brilliantly directed movie. Naseeruddin's acting was in particular very impressive, but I do not discount other minor/major actors-they were are all perfect. Watch a distrust in the law at a tribal's face (Om Puri), watch a frustration of young idealist lawyer (Naseer), watch a confidence on seasoned lawyer (Ambrish Puri), watch a pain on destitute father and a sister. The movie ends in a very realistic manner and with a great message: in the land of law the truth is only what can be supported by evidence--rest are all lies or just words. Aakrosh has a only three songs and see the real street corner nautanki dance (Tu Aisa Mard...)--brilliantly done. A must watch movie and a text book for those who are learning to act or direct.

Another masterpiece from Govind Sir. Superbly directed and greatly performed by all too. Govind Nihalini's realistic naration will make you seated. Om Puri, Naser Sir, Amrish Puri are the brightest point in the film esp Om puri. The movie progresses in a serene mood exposing the cruelty of capitalism and fuedalism combined. The film has an unpredictable story though better than most of the blind hyped movies of today. Presence of songs too get along fine with the depiction of reality, nothing sort of nonsensical. A brilliantly executed film in summary.

The decade of 1980s was the era of Om Puri and Naseeruddin shah. This movie is the outstanding example of thier duet. Both of them gave thier best in it. Om puri hardly speak a paragraph in it. His silent response as the exploited labour is a maestro's job. It will grip you until the end. Om puri shows here how to be in a character without saying much words. I feel this is his best performance. Naseeruddin shah on the other hand tries hard to bring to light the injustice that was done to his client Lahaniya (Om Puri). During the attempt he discovers a harsh reality of the fuedal injustices prevalent in the society. A portrayal of hidden world behind fuedalism and too in a suggestive way which makes it interesting through all the way. The portrayal of fear, falsehood, corrupted minds will connect you to reality. Amrish puri in it plays a govt servant who blindly succumb to the faulty administration irrespective of his own morality. The true depiction of decent antagonism who wears masks and refrains from being violent, exploiting others are believable. The climax is the shocking part and thought provoking implying social injustices. Its a must watch movie in Bollywood not to be missed. A really great experience.

Movies like this are out of IMDb top 250, really is a shame. This should be rated at least 8.5 with a million votes at minimum. One of the best representation of Indian social issues, from 80s. It needs to be popularized and revoting should be done. People shouldn't neglect this, rather see it as one of the best movies made in India.

I personally like optimistic movies with positive vibes in it. But if I have to make a list of pessimistic movies, this is going to be in it along with 'Ardh Satya'. 10/10. A straight 99/100.

Extremely powerful, intense with almost unbearable realism, this is a true classic that speaks truth to the power of the caste system, even four decades after its release.

Naseeruddin Shah is brilliant. He gives the performance of his life as the lawyer who wants to break social norms and to go to every length to help the defendant. Om Puri has fewer than 10 lines in this 2 hour long film. He still manages to outshine a truly brilliant Shah by projecting the range of suppressed emotions through his facial expressions and is the show stopper.

Vijay Tendulkar's script has hints of Marxism and class conflict. It is hard hitting, gritty and climaxes in a stunner.

Highly recommended for the socially aware. You would be stunned into silence. Streaming on Prime.