Aakrosh

Aakrosh is a 2010 action-thriller film that exposes the appalling truth of honor killings in the rural parts of India. Starring Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna and Bipasha Basu in the lead roles, this hard-hitting drama is a significant work by director Priyadarshan, known for his compelling narratives that often bring social issues to the forefront.

The plot is set in a fictitious village in Bihar, Tejpura, which is beset by backward beliefs, caste discrimination and a justice system that is manipulated by the powerful. The underlining narrative revolves around honor killings but veiled behind a powerful legal thriller.

Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna play the roles of CBI officers, Pratap Kumar and Siddhant Chaturvedi, respectively. They are assigned to unravel the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of three friends who traveled to the village to watch a performance of a theatrical act. Despite their differing philosophies and approach to handling the case, they have a common goal: to serve justice. Not just against the lawbreakers, but also those who use their power and position to sidestep the law, painting an alarming image of the nation’s legal and bureaucratic machinery.

Alongside Bipasha Basu, the movie also stars Reema Sen in significant roles. Basu plays Geeta, a conscientious school teacher in the village, who is well aware of the festering social evils but finds herself powerless in the situation. Sen, on the other hand, portrays the role of a poor village girl who fell in love, got married, and bore the brunt of the dishonor. Her compelling performance is both heartwrenching and insightful, offering a close up of the life and system that pushes women to such atrocities.

Emerging amidst these compelling character arcs is a story of courage, determination and the pursuit of justice in an environment of fear, tyranny and systemic oppression. The sparring strength of the two main leads combined with a poignant supporting cast, creates a nudging narrative that closely grapples with the bleak realities of honor killings in India.

The narrative skillfully elevates with thrilling action sequences and realistic fight scenes, adding to the authenticity of the characters and situations. Devgn and Khanna are uncompromisingly perfect in their intensity, lending credibility to their characters of CBI officers embroiling themselves in a case that puts to test their persistence and dedication.

The cinematography in Aakrosh is striking, capturing the stark difference between the beauty of the rural Indian landscape and the harsh realities of its societal structure. Director Priyadarshan, alongside the cinematographer Tirru, effectively use this contrast to highlight the dichotomy that plagues the Indian society.

Aakrosh is replete with striking dialogues, that aren't merely directed towards the confronting scenes but aims to question the larger schemes that work in these societies. The dialogues not only add depth to the characters but also skillfully brings out the hypocrisy, corruption and disparity in justice.

To heighten the dramatic overtures of the narrative, the musical score, orchestrated by Pritam and Background Score by Ouseppachan, complements the film’s narrative perfectly. While there aren't many songs, the score is contextually important to drive the narrative.

The film strives to educate audiences about the brutal and inhumane practice of honor killings - a stark reality in some parts of the country. It also underscores the fact that such atrocities are not isolated events but are the alarming outcomes of deeply ingrained patriarchal norms, caste boundaries, and vested political interests.

Photo-realistic in its conventions, Aakrosh doesn't shy away from shocking its viewers with brutal realities. It is a movie that makes a deliberate attempt to highlight social evils. Viscerally powerful, hard-hitting yet sensitively handled, Aakrosh is a wake-up call that turns the lens on a serious human rights issue, which is hidden away from the shiny urban landscapes of India.

In conclusion, Aakrosh is a beating drum that strives to echo the harsh truths about some aspects of Indian society, forcing us to question the system that upholds such inhuman practices in the name of honor. If you're looking for a movie that engages, educates, and evokes a sense of urgency, Aakrosh is a compelling watch.