Starcast: Jeetendra, Jaya Prada, Sumeet Saigal, Shilpa Shirodkar, Ankush Mohite, K K Raj, Paresh Rawal, Mangal Dhillon ,Sudhir Dalvi and Anu...
Starcast: Jeetendra, Jaya Prada, Sumeet Saigal, Shilpa Shirodkar, Ankush Mohite, K K Raj, Paresh Rawal, Mangal Dhillon ,Sudhir Dalvi and Anupam Kher
Direction: Lawrence D'souza
Music: Anand - Milind
Introduction:
Nyay Anyay, released on September 28, 1990, is a Hindi-language action thriller that marked
the directorial debut of Lawrence D'Souza and the production debut of Sudhakar
Bokade under Divya Films Combines. Starring Jeetendra, Jaya Prada, Sumeet Saigal,
and Shilpa Shirodkar, the film tackles the gritty theme of rape-revenge, a
popular trope in 1980s Bollywood cinema. Despite its engaging premise and
intense narrative, the film failed to make a mark at the box office, fading
into obscurity compared to D'Souza and Bokade’s later blockbuster Saajan
(1991). Nyay Anyay remains a hidden gem for fans of revenge thrillers,
distinguished by its unique approach to vengeance and standout performances,
particularly from Sumeet Saigal, whose career-best work here and in Bahaar Aane
Tak (1990) went largely unnoticed.
Storyline:
The plot revolves around Sumit
Khanna (Sumeet Saigal), a college student excelling in sports and academics,
who is deeply in love with Anju (Shilpa Shirodkar), the daughter of Diwan
Pratap Singh. Their idyllic romance is shattered when Anju goes missing during
a college camp and is later found dead, having been brutally gang-raped by a
group of campus thugs led by Ankush Mohite. Devastated, Sumit embarks on a
vengeful quest to eliminate the perpetrators, employing creative and chilling
methods—a poison-smeared library book, a deadly bathtub trap, and an amusement
park killing. As Sumit’s body count rises, Police Inspector Khan (Mangal
Dhillon) closes in, suspecting him of the murders. The narrative takes a
dramatic turn as Sumit faces trial in the court of his elder brother, Judge
Ravi Khanna (Jeetendra), with his sister-in-law, lawyer Rama (Jaya Prada),
defending him. The story explores themes of justice, morality, and retribution,
keeping viewers hooked with its suspenseful pacing and emotional depth, especially
post-interval after Anju’s tragic death.
Direction and Other Technical
Departments:
Lawrence D'Souza’s direction in
Nyay Anyay is commendable for a debut, delivering a taut thriller that balances
raw emotion with suspense. His ability to stage inventive revenge sequences
sets the film apart from typical rape-revenge dramas of the era. The
screenplay, penned by Abdul Rauf, maintains momentum, particularly in the
second half, where the cat-and-mouse game between Sumit and Inspector Khan
intensifies. Cinematography by D'Souza himself captures the gritty tone
effectively, with dimly lit scenes enhancing the film’s dark mood. However,
some indoor sets appear dated, reflecting the budget constraints of a debut
production. Editing by Prashant Khedekar and Vinod Nayak is crisp, though
certain transitions feel abrupt. Art direction by R. Verman Shetty adds
authenticity to the college and courtroom settings, while production management
by Vijay Kapoor and Shailesh Mistry ensures a polished look despite the film’s
modest scale. Overall, the technical execution is solid, though not
groundbreaking, serving the story’s intensity well.
Music:
The music, composed by
Anand-Milind, is functional but not particularly memorable, aligning with the
film’s serious tone. Songs like “Jiyo to Ek saal” (Abhijeet, Kavita
Krishnamurthy, Mangal Singh), “Aaj Teri Baaho Me” (in happy and sad versions by
Mangal Singh and Anuradha Paudwal), “Aashiq Nazar Ka” (Alka Yagnik, Sudesh
Bhosle), and “Raat Jaan E Jaan” (Anuradha Paudwal) were quite popular and
provide emotional context but lack the chart-topping appeal of the duo’s later
works like Saajan. The background score effectively heightens tension during
the revenge sequences, complementing the film’s thriller elements. While the
soundtrack doesn’t stand out as a highlight, it adequately supports the
narrative without overshadowing the plot.
Performances:
Sumeet Saigal delivers a
career-defining performance as Sumit Khanna, portraying a heartbroken yet
determined avenger with remarkable intensity. His transformation from a
carefree student to a calculating vigilante is both convincing and poignant,
making this role, alongside his work in Bahaar Aane Tak, his finest hour in
Bollywood. Despite his earnest effort, the film’s failure dimmed his career
prospects. Jeetendra, as the upright Judge Ravi Khanna, and Jaya Prada, as the
empathetic lawyer Rama, provide strong support, lending gravitas to the
courtroom drama. Shilpa Shirodkar’s brief but impactful role as Anju evokes
sympathy, setting the emotional foundation for Sumit’s journey. Newcomer Ankush
Mohite impresses as the menacing gang leader, though his later roles failed to
capitalize on this promise. Mangal Dhillon’s Inspector Khan is suitably
authoritative, adding tension to the investigation. The ensemble cast delivers
cohesive performances, with Saigal’s raw energy stealing the show.
Conclusion:
Nyay Anyay is an
underappreciated thriller that showcases the potential of its debutant director
and producer while offering a gripping take on the revenge genre. Its inventive
killing sequences, tight pacing, and strong performances, particularly Sumeet
Saigal’s career-best alongside Bahaar Aane Tak, make it a compelling watch for
fans of 1990s Bollywood. Though marred by a lackluster soundtrack and modest
production values, the film’s emotional core and suspenseful narrative hold up
well. Its commercial failure may have relegated it to obscurity, but Nyay Anyay
deserves a revisit for its bold storytelling and Saigal’s standout portrayal of
a man driven by loss and justice. A recommended pick for those seeking a
gritty, forgotten gem from Bollywood’s past.
By Ayushman Mitra
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