Aghaat review :
After Aakrosh (1980) and Ardh Satya (1983), this film completed Govind Nihalani's trilogy with his regular ensemble cast of Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah and Sadashiv Amrapurkar. Aghaat was an interesting take on then mill workers agitation and went a step further depicting the conflict between two competing trade unions who wish to gain an uphold in the mill politics. Vijay Tendulkar's script was unique and hard hitting as usual. Unlike most plots which dealt with mill owners versus workers, Aghaat dealt with internal politics between two mill unions while the management is shown taking a diplomatic stand.
Govind Nihalani regular Om Puri played Madhav Verma, the principled union leader who has to tackle the management of Shivalik Engineering Indistries while simultaneously fighting the insurgence of a non registered trade union helmed by a political major known as Rustom Patel (Naseeruddin Shah). Interestingly, the character of Patel is only spoken about till the climax when we actually see him in person for the first time. It is quite reminiscent of Govind Nihalani's Party (1984) where Naseer bhai had a similar surprise appearance only at the end.
Concentrating more on the inner politics of workers union, Aghaat uses the accident of Chotelal (Pankaj Kapur) as a catalyst to unleash its devious outcome. The sympathetic personnel officer (KK Raina, effective) is unable to withstand the pressure inflicted on him to steer clear of any controversy arising from the death of this small time worker.
The cast is apt and delivers to the expectations. Om Puri, the main lead here, is superlative and he actually elevates the film to another level through his sterling performance. Gopi playing the rival union leader called Krishnan, is impressive as well. I was particularly mesmerized by Deepa Sahi as Chotelal's wife who speaks volumes through her hapless eyes most of the time. In the penultimate scene when she finally converses with Om Puri, Deepa leaves a mighty impression; a role which deserved awards. But alas!!
Naseeruddin Shah has a cameo but still nails it. KK Raina deserves a mention for lending dignity to his character who jots down the ongoings in a diary.
Aghaat didn't get the due recognition it deserved for whatever reasons. Never mind!! I will strongly recommend a watch for all the art movie buffs who havent seen it so far.
Regards,
Sumeet Nadkarni.
