AAkrosh

Stepping out of the comedy-remake mould, one that has yielded him stupendous (sometimes average) success at the box office, is a risk that Priyadarshan willingly takes on in Aakrosh. Only his attempt appears too muddled and murky that it discredits his efforts considerably.

Had he restrained from proposing a solution to the dynamics of caste politics, we could've forgiven the other flaws - read: a tasteless dance number, unnecessary romantic angle, a borrowed sequence from the 1985 film Mirch Masala and exaggerated dare-devil stunts. Instead, Priyadarshan insists on proposing an answer to the age-old barbaric tradition that continues to ruthlessly erase the lives of many innocents. Clearly, filmmakers shouldn't misjudge their role of a storyteller and get into something more profound.

Having said that, we must acknowledge Priyadarshan's efforts in exploring the evils of honour killings, an inhuman act administered by members of the higher caste to retain the purity of their community, without sensationalising it.

Based on a 1995 news report, Aakrosh follows two CBI officers as they work relentlessly to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of three college boys. At every point, the politics of caste hierarchy come into play, with both sections of the community - the gullible, oppressed lower caste and the powerful upper caste - resisting their investigation.

Robin Bhatt's power-packed story provides Aditya Dhar the perfect canvas to pen some heavy-duty lines. Tirru's rustic cinematography gives the story a striking touch. Unfortunately, the performances, barring Rawal's menacing act, don't match up. While Devgn continues to wear his broody expression, Khanna appears confused and irritated. Bipasha might believe that going de-glam automatically translates into a good performance, but unfortunately it only exposes her incompetency. She's a beautiful lady, no doubt, but that isn't the only requirement for a good performer. Maybe a few tips from Reema Sen would've gone a long way in shaping Basu's role.

Overall, it's a fair attempt.