Aankhen

Aankhen (2002) is an Indian Hindi-language heist thriller film directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and with a star-studded cast including the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and Sushmita Sen. Bachchan plays Vijay Singh Rajput, a dedicated yet hot-tempered bank manager who after getting unfairly fired, plans a revenge heist against the bank. Akshay Kumar and Sushmita Sen, along with actors Paresh Rawal and Arjun Rampal, all play key roles in this complex plot that is as vivid and invigorating as it is intriguing.

The movie starts by introducing Vijay Singh Rajput, a stringent and meticulous bank manager with a reputation for running the bank's operations with an iron fist. However, his strict management style and demands for perfection are marred by his short temper which ultimately leads to his dismissal after a fit of rage against a dishonest bank employee. Feeling betrayed by the institution where he devoted his entire life, Rajput comes up with a plan to rob the bank.

To execute his plan, he ill-appointedly recruits three blind men, Vishwas (Akshay Kumar), Arjun (Paresh Rawal), and Ilias (Arjun Rampal). The idea of employing blind men for the heist amplifies the thrilling aspect of the movie, as it presents the seemingly impossible task of teaching them skills necessary for robbing a bank. This is where Sushmita Sen enters the scene, taking up the role of Neha Srivastav, a teacher at a blind school and the one tasked with training the three men under the guise of making them self-sufficient.

The very concept of employing the blind for a bank heist, which is generally perceived as a high precision and visual task, is an interesting twist to the typical heist plotline. It offers a unique perspective on the abilities of differently abled people while creating a high suspense atmosphere as the audiences are kept on their toes, intrigued about whether this unusual group will be able to pull off the heist.

Aankhen is loaded with power-packed performances. Amitabh Bachchan, with his brooding eyes and grim demeanor, exceptionally embodies the character of the disgruntled bank manager seeking revenge. His transition from a stern manager to a revenge-driven strategist is smoothly done and maintains his aura of dominance in every frame.

Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Arjun Rampal indeed prove their mettle by portraying blind characters convincingly. Their characters represent a wide spectrum of blind people - from the melodious tunesmith Vishwas to the spirited Arjun and the compassionate Ilias. The chemistry between the trio is wonderful and forms a crucial part of the film's narrative.

Sushmita Sen as Neha Srivastav manages to complement the other pivotal characters superbly. Her relationship with the three blind men and the dilemma she faces adds the necessary emotional quotient to this otherwise intense drama. With elegance and conviction, she shines in the role of a determined teacher who unknowingly becomes part of a heist plan.

Vipul Amrutlal Shah managed to create a harmonious blend of thriller and drama that keeps you hooked. The balance between comedy and suspense is intelligently maintained, neither dominating the core theme. One must also mention the cinematography and music, both of which complement the narrative and suspense of the film, enhancing its overall impact.

Above all, Aankhen (2002) pushes boundaries of traditional storytelling, successfully challenging the stereotypes associated with disability. The movie stands out as an inventive thriller that emphasizes the assertion that disability doesn't define a person's capability or limit their potential. This creative blend of thematic depth and nerve-wracking suspense indeed makes Aankhen, an unforgettable ride.