Shakti Samanta's 'Ayaash' is a period piece that takes place in 1930s India (when it was still ruled by the British). This was also the time that marked the downfall of the Zameendars (powerful property owners). 'Ayaash' focuses on one such Zameendar Thakur Jaswant Singh. Thakur is a carefree alcoholic who avoids responsibility as he constantly preoccupies himself with booze and women while his accountant, lawyer and employees slowly continue to rob him of his riches. Enter a young photographer (hired by Thakur) Amal who is shocked by Thakur's ways. Thakur befriends him but this would mean that Amal would have to embrace Thakur's ways. Things become more complicated when Amal discovers that his ex-girlfriend is married to Thakur.
In terms of execution, 'Ayaash' is nothing outstanding. The interiors of Thakur's mansion and costumes are quite lavish. Songs are too many. The first half actually required some editing as its flooded with one mujrah song after another. The film also focuses too much on the relationship between Thakur and Amal in the first half. The story is less predictable in the second half but it heavily rushes through the growing up of Thakur's son and his descension to his father's ways.
Sanjeev Kumar is amazing in a negative role. As the laidback Thakur, he shows a tenderness and gentle side but he's also pathologically stubborn. His torment in the later sequences when he discovers his wife's locket is portrayed brilliantly. Rati Agnihotri and Arun Govil are very good too.
Despite being very flawed'Ayaash' is strays away from the formula of the typical 80's Bollywood flicks. It's a brave attempt by Samanta and perhaps even ahead of its time.
