Aakrosh

This is one of the best movies ever made in India. It is unfortunate that the world associates films in India exclusively with bollywood (atleast post-Ray), and so, films like Aakrosh do not get their due. The film pits the idealism of a young lawyer, Bhaskar (Naseer), who is the public defendent for a tribal man, Lahanya (Om Puri), against the inhumanity of the very milieu he has grown up in and is a part of, and which exploits tribals off their labor, life, and dignity with abandon. Especially poignant is Bhaskar's relationship with his mentor (Amrish Puri) who is the public prosecutor in this case. The two share an extremely cordial relationship in personal life but are gulfs apart when it comes to their work and professional ideals.

But probably most important point of the movie is what social theorist Gayatri Spivak asked some years later (in the context of women though)-- 'can the subaltern speak?'. Aakrosh is a forceful reminder that in our capitalist and bureaucratic postcolonial set-up, they indeed cannot.

Nearly all performances in the film are brilliant. Naseer, as the idealist lawyer is completely immersed in his character, to the degree that one forgets that it is Naseer you see on the screen, so good is he as Bhaskar. Something, however, that cannot be said about any of the mainstream 'heroes' in Bollywood. The film, I think, is worth watching for Naseer's method acting alone. Om Puri is remarkable as a tribal man framed in the murder of his wife (Smita Patil in a brief appearance), who, as we discover in some painful shots, loves her a lot. The agony on his face is haunting. And Amreesh Puri is extremely effective as the public prosecutor. The best scenes for me, personally, were Naseer's incessant, and ineffective, pleas to Om Puri to speak up and his cross examination of the witnesses and monologues in court. If anyone needs a great exposition of method acting, then the song 'sans mein dard' is the place to start. Following Naseer's movements in it are extremely educative.

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?

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.

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.

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