Anjaam

I don't get it! Why is it that when "Bollywood" tries to offer something new, its rejected? Unless the ending is so sweet it gives you diabeties the film is quite often a FLOP! As so is the case with Anjaam.

A film like this goes against the typical Bollywood conventions and teaches us new ones. Maybe?!

I don't want to give a synopsis of this film, but to see Dixit in this is such a treat, even for her detractors!

This film is perhaps one of the better films to have come out of "Bollywood" in the mid 90s. Bearing in mind that Hum Aapke Hain Koun came out in the same year it showed the versatility of one of India's finest actresses... I am of course talking about Madhuri Dixit! So the plot may be a little far stretched and the sub plots may be a little distracting (referring to the transvestites) but all in all what a powerful film! "Bollywood" is accustomed to certain codes and conventions so lets not forget we are watching a film from a completely different arena (compared to Hollywood).

Now to the songs (a key feature of any "Bollywood" film)... Badi Mushkil Hai, Channe Ke Khet mein, Tu samne jab aata hai and Barson ki baad - all top notch! Maybe its become common knowledge now but Barson ki baad was taken in one single shot! That doesn't happen often now does it?! Madhuri is sensuous, alluring and enchanting in her seduction...nothing is vulgar about this - can't say that about the heroines of today!

I don't think you have to be a fan of either Shah Rukh or Madhuri to appreciate this unique film... However, one does ponder if their performances were the real pull for this film - I can't imagine anyone else in their place!

Final thought: if you are sick of the stuff "Bollywood" is churning out these days - go back to the 90's and make sure you pay Anjaam a visit!

Anjaam starts out as a possible, traditional love story between Vijay and Shivani, which, quite unexpectedly turns into a story of unrequited love followed by intense obsession, ego, sadism and revenge. The story develops at quite a fast pace, with one story twist preceding another, killing every possible trace of romance, much to the complete shock of an unprepared, awestruck audience. This is one of the several formula-defying films a young newcomer named Shahrukh Khan appeared in earlier on in his career, risking future career prospects as a leading actor in a film industry which very often resorts to typecasting and marking slots of villains and comedians.

But it wasn't the case this time around, and it only contributed to the image of this young, highly courageous and talented actor, whose efforts in films like Baazigar, Darr, and this time Anjaam, were applauded all over and only enhanced his stature as a credible star-actor. And one can see why. Khan is tremendous in this role. His Vijay is the nice romantic fool on the surface, but underneath lies the soul of a true monster. And the trick is that this time it's not a caricature, it's a real psycho - an eccentric, capricious brat, whose passion and ego drive him to pull out all the stops to have things done his way. The weird mannerisms, the body language, the delivery and the overall creation of this character are done brilliantly by Khan. No matter how real or unreal it could be, it is immensely entertaining and impressive.

The cynosure, the love interest, the victim, the avenger, and ultimately the leading lady of the film is Madhuri Dixit, a beautiful, principled young woman, whose honesty is but the thing that drives the obsessive antagonist nuts. Roles of avenging angels had by then already become almost a standard in Hindi films, with Rekha setting the bar with her unforgettable daredevil act in Khoon Bhari Maang. The character of Shivani is different in story and execution, and it is not as heroic. That said, Dixit is excellent in a performance that easily ranks amongst the best of her career. The transformation from a charming young lass to a woman hardened by what she had to endure is utterly convincing. One wishes she had accepted more roles like this one in better films.

Which brings me to the next point, and it is the film itself. Sadly Anjaam doesn't completely live up to the quality set by the acting. While the film is greatly entertaining, the execution is often faulty. The prison portions, though gripping at times, are for the most part embarrassingly exaggerated. There is a familiar portrayal of the corrupt law and juridical system, against which no man could ever resist if no money was found at their disposal. Anjaam is directed by Rahul Rawail, a famous director. It is his most eclectic work, and is an unusual Hindi film for its time. For the story it tried to tell, it did very well. A strong story development, a stronger second half (which is a good thing), and an ending which is totally overblown and unbelievable. But it's a good watch in spite of the flaws, and the two central performance make up for many of them anyway.

Anjaam is a Great underrated Movie with attitude. Shah Rukh Khan plays the obsessed phycho lover after Baazigar and Darr. Both were Great Films, Anjaam is another Hit added to his list. Shah Rukh Khan delivers a powerful and great performance. Madhuri Dixit gives another powerful and Superb acting as the women who goes through many bizarre incidents. She gets framed for murder and ends up in a brutal prison. The Prison is used like a brothel in nights, focusing in police corruption. One of the serious Scenes include, when a 9 Months Pregnant Madhuri gets beaten like crazy, she gets whacked in the stomach by the corrupt Police by a stick. Madhuri goes on a quest for revenge, Lots of Violence including the death of her brother in law. Madhuri bites his hand so badly, that his skin comes off.

I expected this to be a romantic movie, with a bad guy that likes a married women. Instead, i see a serious movie that kicks ass. Great acting and madness of a storyline. Worth the watch.

I see that there already a few reviews but I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in as well.

Given that the movie was done was in 1994, it's obvious to the viewer that Shah Rukh's star was on the rise. Despite the average hair cut and the negative nature of his role, he still delivers charisma and charm in the role.

Despite his immense success with romantic lead roles (Dil To Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai etc) it would be great to see SRK do more negative roles.

(The forthcoming Don will be a refreshing change).