Aghaat

After 'Ardh Satya', Nihalani reunites with Om Puri again in 'Aghaat'. This time the film tackles the issue of the exploitation of workers (in this case, factory workers) and how labour union groups battle each other in the name of supporting the labour force and how the employer takes advantage of it. This further leads to a web of corruption, bribery and even bloodshed. 'Aghaat' may not be among Nihalani's best, as the pacing is very slow especially in the beginning and certain sequences it feel repetitive, but Nihalani makes his point clear, highlighting the conflicts that is still existent. Yet again, Om Puri delivers a phenomenal performance. His character is similar to Anant Velankar (of 'Ardh Satya') who is also brought to face a dilemma that tests his principles. He is fairly well supported by his fellow castmates of which Rohini Hattangadi stands out as the factory's social worker.

Nihalani has presented an issue that has often been overlooked or used as a mere plot device in Bollywood films. The film wonderfully ends with a dialogue between Amrish Puri and Om Puri followed by a monologue delivered by the latter Puri. This is something the viewer will have to see himself/herself.