Pukar

Pukar is one of the better Hindi films of 2000, which is not saying much since there wasn't much interesting work that year. Just as you can expect with Santoshi though, who's known for his gripping, intense films, this one blends action with high drama and towards the end makes it into a thriller of sorts. The story isn't much of a treasure, but the script makes it into an enjoyable movie experience. The romantic portions are played against a greater backdrop of the army. The leading stars, Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit have great chemistry and their interactions are the film's best moments. Actually, it's really interesting that he does not show any romantic interest in her while she does all she can to get him, including sabotage his career in the army in revenge for his rejection. We've seen different portrayals of unrequited love in Hindi films, but this part is really quite refreshing, and it works well for the film. Having said that, something is still missing in the film throughout, and it feels not fully realised and at times even a bit bland despite being watchable all the same. Maybe the entire army track just didn't ring true and took away from the more interesting part which is the story of the two leads.

The acting elevates the film in ways the script does not. As Jaidev, Anil Kapoor delivers a skillful performance full of grit and authenticity. His dedication to this character shows in every frame, with impressive results. This is similarly one of the best performances of Madhuri Dixit. She is always a delight to watch, but in Pukar, she gets a real, complex and grayish character, which gives her enough scope to explore. Her Anjali is a flawed, imperfect woman driven by ego, desire and jealousy, and Dixit shows great strength as a performer. We see her tormented side, her ugly side, her lack of vanity, her regret and feelings of guilt, her growth. A marvelous performance, indeed. Namrata Shirodkar at playing pretty much herself, though she is treated by the film as a mere ornament. A. R. Rahman composes a wonderful soundtrack. The film's story picks up towards the end, and its music and script meet at what for me is the film's highpoint, namely the song "Ek Tu Hi Bharosa", a true gem of a song, with a live appearance by none other than the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, who sings it on stage. Indeed, a great moment before the story is concluded.

Pukar aka "The Call" is a movie about how a soldier (Jaidev played by Anil Kapoor) raises to the occasion whenever his nation calls irrespective of his personal issues. What makes Pukar interesting is that, inside the story there is also a different kind of pukar, the call from a dear one (Anjali played by Madhuri Dixit) who truly loves him but he does not feel or see or responds to her love. Rajkumar Santhoshi blends these two "pukar"s very nicely with right amount of emotion, beautiful visuals, stunts and, entertains us for about 3hrs.

Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit have given first rate commendable performances. The chemistry between them is not like their earlier youthful movies (Tezaab, Ram Lakhan etc.), it is more restrained, mature and appealing. Definitely it is one of the best of Anil-Madhuri combination. It could have been little better if Anil Kapoor looked a bit younger. Though, Om Puri as Colonel Hussein and Rohini Hatangadi as Mrs. Mallappa have little screen presence, they have played their role very well. Rest of the acting crew has supported well. I felt Girish Karnad, an actor of high calibre has been wasted in this movie.

A. R. Rahman's music is OK. The songs are hummable especially "Kay Sera Sera" and "Sunta Hai Mera Khuda", but the background score does not leave any lasting impression. The choreography of the song "Kay Sera Sera.." is commendable. The visuals and locations are beautiful. Rajkumar Santhoshi's direction is crisp and good, but it is not in the league of his previous best movies Ghayal and Damini. The story remains on its track all the time, there are no subplots and, unlike usual bollywood movies does not digresses into unnecessary petty comedies, emotions, and remarks about any particular country or organization.

The main weak point of the movie is that the story is not air tight: 1. The way the commando operation is carried out to save the minister shows that the army already knew Abhrush's hide out and so, they could have done it well before. 2. Anjali as daughter of an army personnel should have known the meaning or consequence of leaking confidential information. 3. Army intelligence work is downplayed. Logically, when Om Puri is killed in such a "big" terrorist attack, there should have been an inquiry and, that would have lead to the cancellation of the independence day function due to security risk.

Inspite of these flaws, Santhoshi's direction and dialogues keep the attention of the viewer till the end. The first half of the movie is fast paced but the pace weakens in the second half. If you want to watch a quality commercial movie with good acting, visuals, and dialogues then I would recommend it.

I have always loved watching Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit act together and this film did not disappoint me. It is timeless in that the heroism of the Indian Army is showcased and the ultimately sacrificial love story of the two main characters is portrayed in a manner that grips your attention from beginning to end. Om Puri and the rest of the supporting cast made this a film to be watched time and again. The action, plot, music, scenery and direction helped to make this a great film. Pukar /Call is a worthwhile watch. Enjoy!

Blockbuster movie. Best of Rajkumar santoshi as well ghatak ghayal damini.must watch movie for lovers of Rajkumar santoshi as well Anil Kapoor fan's. Fantastic music of A R raheman and also very good storyline. Beautiful location and best script . Good good good very nice movie.

Such a nice movie these kind of movies are love. Anil performed his best and perfect for the role.madhuri's acting was very good and the songs are really good.this film shows the perfect example of a true soldier.these type of films should be made more and more.

4 people found this helpful. Again say blockbuster superhit.

It is an excellent movie which can be characterised as a mini classic . It has first rate performances from Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit .The action sequences are a major highlight of the film as are the photography and locales . Good work from Rajkumar Santoshi.