Achnak tells the story of a soldier who returns home as a war hero. However unfortunate events unfold in his life and he is pushed to use the actions he was once taught in the army to defeat the enemy, on his loved ones. Yet the burden of his actions is too heavy to live with and he takes drastic steps to seek redemption. These actions bring him close to a horrendous death and from thereon he gets a grip on himself and tries to start afresh. The film belongs completely to the writer/director Gulzar. His direction and storytelling skills are at a zenith and there are numerous scenes that work at different levels and that stays with the viewers for a long time. The doctor's dilemmas have been presented effectively and army tactics used by Vinod Khanna bring in a realistic touch to the film. But above all, its the anti - war message that the film gives that hits home the most. The soldier who made a name killing people in the war reverts to the same actions in civil life when he comes across unforeseen events. He does not think about the aftermath and in fact starts getting haunted by his awards and medals. This is the most intelligent film making regarding a sensitive issue. Vinod Khana performs well but the supporting cast including Om Shivpuri, Iftikhar, Farida Jalal, Asrani, all deliver as well. There are no songs although songs as a means of sending messages have been used wisely. All in all, Achanak is a thorough classic film that would make anyone associated with it mighty proud. The film has got a timeless attraction and is as much relevant to the modern India as it was thirty five years ago.
