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45 years of ‘Aakrosh’ a landmark in Indian parallel cinema

Starcast: Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, Amrish Puri, Reema Lagoo, Mohan Agashe, and Achyut Potdar Direction: Govind Nihalani M...


Starcast: Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, Amrish Puri, Reema Lagoo, Mohan Agashe, and Achyut Potdar

Direction: Govind Nihalani

Music: Ajit Verman

"Aakrosh" (1980), meaning "Outrage," is a landmark in Indian parallel cinema, unflinchingly tackling the harsh realities of caste oppression and systemic injustice. Directed by Govind Nihalani in his debut and written by the renowned playwright Vijay Tendulkar, the film, which hit the screens on May 2, 1980, stands out for its raw intensity and uncompromising portrayal of societal rot. Far removed from Bollywood’s mainstream glitz, "Aakrosh" dives into the gritty lives of marginalized tribal communities, exposing the collusion of power structures that crush them. Featuring powerhouse performances by Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, and Amrish Puri, it also marks the Hindi film debut of Reema Lagoo, who later became iconic for her maternal roles. The film’s critical acclaim, including the Golden Peacock at the 8th International Film Festival of India and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, cements its status as a cinematic milestone.

Storyline

The narrative centres on Lahanya Bhiku (Om Puri), a tribal labourer accused of murdering his wife, Nagi (Smita Patil). Bhiku, traumatized into near silence, faces a rigged trial orchestrated by powerful men—a lascivious forest contractor and his cronies in the administration—who raped and killed Nagi to punish Bhiku’s defiance. Enter Bhaskar Kulkarni (Naseeruddin Shah), a young, idealistic lawyer assigned to defend Bhiku. As Bhaskar digs deeper, he uncovers a web of corruption, caste prejudice, and brutality that protects the guilty and buries the truth. The story isn’t just a legal drama; it’s a searing indictment of how the system grinds down the powerless. Bhiku’s silence becomes a haunting symbol of the subaltern’s voicelessness, culminating in a climax that’s both shocking and profoundly human, where violence erupts not for revenge but to reclaim dignity. Tendulkar’s script, rooted in real-life incidents, weaves despair and resistance into a narrative that refuses easy answers.

Direction and Other Technical Departments

Govind Nihalani, a cinematographer-turned-director, brings a stark, visceral quality to "Aakrosh." His background under Shyam Benegal shines through in the film’s authentic depiction of rural India, capturing both its beauty and brutality. Nihalani’s direction is restrained yet forceful, letting silences and subtle gestures carry as much weight as dialogue. He contrasts the idealism of Bhaskar with the cynicism of the system, using tight framing and muted colors to evoke claustrophobia and despair. The cinematography, also by Nihalani, is gritty and unadorned, with long takes that linger on the characters’ anguish, particularly Bhiku’s haunted eyes. The editing maintains a deliberate pace, building tension without sensationalizing the violence. Sound design is minimal but effective—ambient noises like creaking doors or distant knocks amplify the sense of dread. The production design, from dusty courtrooms to tribal huts, feels lived-in, grounding the story in a palpable reality. Nihalani’s debut is a masterclass in using craft to amplify theme, making "Aakrosh" a film that hits like a gut punch.

Music

Unlike typical Bollywood fare, "Aakrosh" eschews a traditional soundtrack for a sparse, context-driven approach to music. The film features no conventional songs, except for a single lavani number performed by Reema Lagoo’s character, a dancer. This folk performance, steeped in Marathi tradition, serves a dual purpose: it provides a fleeting moment of cultural texture while underscoring the commodification of women in the story’s world. The lavani’s lively rhythm contrasts sharply with the film’s grim tone, highlighting the dissonance between society’s surface and its underbelly. Background music, credited to Ajit Varman, is understated, using minimal instrumentation—low drones and percussive accents—to mirror the narrative’s tension. The absence of a lush score reinforces the film’s rawness, letting the story’s emotional weight breathe without melodic crutches. This restraint makes the music a subtle but integral part of the film’s impact.

Performances

The ensemble of "Aakrosh" delivers some of the finest performances in Indian cinema. Om Puri as Bhiku is a revelation, conveying oceans of pain through near-silent expressions. His blazing eyes and taut body language make Bhiku’s trauma palpable, turning his silence into a scream. Naseeruddin Shah, as Bhaskar, balances idealism and frustration, his nuanced portrayal capturing a man unraveling as he confronts his own privilege. Smita Patil’s brief but searing role as Nagi burns with quiet strength, her presence lingering like a ghost. Amrish Puri, as the morally conflicted public prosecutor Dushane, layers menace with insecurity, hinting at his own tribal roots and shame. Reema Lagoo, in her Hindi debut as the lavani dancer, brings a spark of defiance to her small role, a far cry from her later maternal archetype. Supporting actors like Mohan Agashe and Achyut Potdar add chilling authenticity to the corrupt elite. Each performance feels lived-in, elevating the film into a showcase of raw, unfiltered humanity.

"Aakrosh" is not just a film; it’s a mirror held up to a society that often looks away. Nihalani’s fearless direction, paired with Tendulkar’s incisive script, crafts a story that’s as relevant today as it was in 1980, exposing the enduring scars of caste and power. The technical craft—cinematography, editing, sound—serves the narrative with precision, while the minimal music underscores the film’s stark tone. The performances, especially Om Puri’s silent rage and Naseeruddin Shah’s crumbling idealism, are unforgettable, with Reema Lagoo’s debut adding a poignant footnote to an iconic cast. "Aakrosh" doesn’t offer comfort or closure; it demands introspection, leaving you angry, shaken, and acutely aware of the voiceless still fighting to be heard. It’s a masterpiece of Indian cinema, a testament to art’s power to confront and provoke.

-       By Ayushmaan Mitra

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