Maachis

Made on the pathetic political situation in Punjab state of India, this is an excellent movie to watch. Though hampered by Sensor boards narrowmindedness, it is an almost cruel depiction of the reality of Punjab.

... noone gains anything out of terrorism! And no better movie to portray this stark reality than Maachis! It truly depicts the circumstances that have forced many-an-innocent and ordinary men and women into terrorism in Punjab and Kashmir only to be slain by the police and/or by their own counterparts. The mixed feelings of a person on the borderline of becoming a terrorist are brought out beautifully. Except the part about how Kirpal Singh is finally caught, a very well made movie!

This film should be re-released in the light of the Nanavati commission findings (2005). Though I do not justify the action of the characters in this film, directed by one of the well-known lyrist and director Gulzar, this reflects the magnitude of corruption in bringing the perpetrators of the 1984 riots to justice.

Above all, this film is one of Vishal Bharadwaj's earliest hits as a music director (yes, the same man who has made "Makdee", "Maqbool" as a film director) His music score blends very well with the story, screenplay... especially the natural scenic shots of the mountains of Kashmir and Punjab.

All the songs are hummable; one can easily understand the implications of the lyrics and the tenor of the musical beats.

Set post 1984, when the "tree had fallen and the earth had shook", resulting in the lynchings of thousands of innocent Sikhs and the subsequent thirst for revenge against the complicit policemen, this is realistic, raw and brilliantly acted.

The dialogues are hard hitting. I remember that I could not watch this 24 years ago, as it had been rated A, fit only for adults because of some lines that compare and criticise Gandhian means of getting independence with the more revolutionary means.

The acting is stunning, with Tabu and Om Puri being the standout performers. The songs have become classic over the last quarter of a century. There is only one criticism. The other side , the police / law makers' side is never shown.

Highly recommended. It is a very brave film. Meant for lovers of world class Indian cinema. _Streaming on Amazon Prime_

I was born in India, but have been in the United States for the last 15 years or so, I am 26 years old. This movie is excellent in helping you understand the political situations that exist in India. Even as a young kid, I remember situations like this and this movie does a great job depicting them. I just wish the Indian boards would view this as an artistic point of view and stop the censorship. Although, sometimes they cannot be blamed, because the people tend to follow the indian cinema more than common sense.