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?

Now, that summary above would seem like a hyperbole, but in the case of Aakrosh, it isn't. Simply telling the story of an untouchable family whose sole breadwinner gets entangled into a legal case after his wife is murdered and the police say he has done it.

What follows is a series of depiction of human nature on how evil meets good & tries to suppress the truth. With a climax so scintillating and adverse, the whole film revolves around how Naseeruddin Shah tries to save Om Puri's back from the gallows. Both are equally phenomenal diving into their characters just like Amrish Puri is strict in his air. What a terrific way of conveying a message with a screenplay so fine, dialogs so sharp & writing so bold, Aakrosh is definitely Indian cinema's pride. Smitha Patil, Reema Lagoo & others have a short roles, but marvelous portrayals.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended to people who care for Indian cinema. Maybe the best film of 1980.

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO

Sex/Foreplay: Mild <> Violence/Gore: Strong <> Drugs/Alcohol: Very Mild <> Smoking: Strong <> Nudity: No <> Porn/Mouth-Kiss: No

Aakhrosh directed by govind nihalini and written by vijay tendulkar and satyadev dubey is a meaningful cinema. This is the real art film. It raises questions and concerns. Number of issues such as tribal problem, poverty, exploitation, equality of income, law, problem faced by lawyers, limitations of small towns, importance of education are raised in the film. Some issues are direct and some are in undercurrent which can be felt if the film is watched analytically. The characters are completely real. They look genuine as if existing in reality. Om puri's scream adds brilliantly to the script. Naseeruddin shah's outstanding performance adds to the film. Naseer saab is one of the greatest actors of world cinema, this film proves that.

Must watch.

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.

This is one of the greatest movies ever made in the world. Not just in India. The movie direction , the story line , the actors , the music and everything else about this movie is just superb. The story is very powerful and the depth of characters is great. I fall short of any adjectives for this movie. The young lawyer's ( Naseeruddin Shah ) frustrations and attempts to free himself from the legal shackles of the court room and his thirst for something sane outside of this oppressive system is brilliantly portrayed. On the other hand his mentor cum opponent's ( Amrish Puri )total submission to this mindless system and his slavery to seek proof and evidence for everything human is well portrayed. The background score elevates the effect.

In a nut shell any attempt to describe this movie will always fall short of it's greatness. The best way to appreciate this movie is to watch it and you are sure to be struck dumb. I don't have any means to give infinite stars for this movie otherwise I would have done so. Unfortunately for this movie, it was made in the wrong time and place and it's predominantly leftist leanings gave it away. Furthermore it was mainly anti-establishment. It did not have the backing of a powerful media and advertisement paraphernalia. Hence this movie was a box office flop. Interestingly , though this movie was the forerunner to a number of box office hits attacking the political system in India.