BackFilm Review | Agneepath
Film Review | Agneepath
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In 1990, Mukul Anand’s Agneepath got Amitabh Bachchan a National Award. The film, loosely based on the Hollywood film Scarface, attained cult status, despite its grating pitch and traditional storytelling style. Its new avatar, directed by debutant Karan Malhotra, has no new direction or language.
Heroes of many Bollywood films in the 1980s and early 1990s represented angst against the toppling of the socialist order; their battle was for the wronged teacher and the farmer, against those who represented money and greed. Their goal justified their violent means. Vijay is exactly that. In the unduly stretched climax, by which time you are likely to be crushed by the film’s deafening histrionics, Good swings a painfully plodding blow to Bad.
In Malhotra’s film, the gang war takes centre stage. It gives the two villains, Rauf and Kancha, enough screen space. Kapoor’s menacing act is clearly the scene-stealer, but Dutt has a memorable presence too, although he gets the worst lines.
The film is made on a wide, impressive scale, and the cinematography by Kiran Deohans and Ravi K. Chandran makes it visually a celebration of colour and chaos. Everything about this Agneepath is over-emphasized. And at a running time of 3 hours, it is a test of your patience.
Agneepath released in theatres on Thursday.
sanjukta.s@livemint.com
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