Ankahee

Ankahee is a gripping Bollywood drama movie, directed by Amol Palekar and featuring a stellar cast including himself, Deepti Naval and Devika Mukherjee. The film blends elements of emotion, romance, and life struggles, making it a must-see for avid film enthusiasts who appreciate well-crafted narratives.

The film centers on the tumultuous life of an acclaimed astrologer whose fidelity to his marital vows and professional ethics is put to test when he gets entangled in a complicated and intense relationship with a woman whose astrological chart forewarns an imminent death.

Amol Palekar offers a stellar performance as "Avinash," an esteemed and accomplished astrologer who used to teach at a university, later withdrawing to live in a remote village. Despite his critical views of astrology earlier in his life, an unusual incident where he predicts a friend's death with alarming accuracy steers him towards this ancient study. Professionally, he gains prominence due to his astonishing aptitude to predict the future merely by studying one's birth chart.

Deepti Naval plays "Indu," Avinash's devoted wife. Her character is a robust portrayal of unwavering support and mutual respect, which, despite several obstacles, never falters. She stands by her husband through thick and thin, providing constant support for his endeavors and work. Naval’s naturalistic performance connects us emotionally, as she skillfully juggles her responsibilities being a wife, a mother and a woman whose patience is tested time and again throughout the movie.

Devika Mukherjee plays "Nisha," a strikingly beautiful woman entangled in an extramarital relationship with Avinash. Her character is unknowingly doomed by her lymphosarcoma-diagnosed birth chart, which Avinash studies. Through this, the audience is served a hefty dose of empathy and dread, looking at her passionate love for a man who knows her unavoidable destiny. The movie explores Nisha's love and intimacy with Avinash and her struggles with the impending doom that haunts them.

Ankahee shines a spotlight on the moral, ethical and emotional dilemmas experienced by the three main characters. It invites a very delicate question of how much one should interfere with destiny or stay aloof when having prior knowledge of the inevitable.

Astrology is a key theme and plot driver in the film, and it also ignites debates about fate and freewill, inevitability and change, turning the film into an engaging ride through philosophical and moral questions. The story presents viewers with scenarios that constantly float between these ambiguities, giving the film a unique flavor in a cinema where a black and white narrative is usually the standard.

Crucially, the film addresses the multifaceted human reactions when faced with foreknowledge of adverse events. The narrative cleverly negotiates the tension between faith and skepticism, ethical duty and emotional desire, present and future. It underscores the intriguing and complex associations between human beings and their faith in destiny.

The music of Ankahee is superb and memorable. Composed by Jaidev, famous for his classical and innovative compositions, the score serves as a narrative tool, enhancing the emotional depth of the story and aiding in the development of the characters.

The film earned critical acclaim for its intense portrayal of nuanced relationships, a robust script, commendable acting and its thoughtful handling of philosophical and ethical questions. Palekar's exquisite directorial skills shine through, achieving a near-perfect equilibrium between storytelling, portrayal of complex emotions, and philosophical enquiry.

Ankahee, while staying true to commercial cinema conventions of entertainment, delivers a compelling narrative that digs deep into heavy philosophical subjects and explores the emotional fragility of its characters. It thus becomes a marvelous representation of Indian cinema in the '80s, reverberating with intensity and depth that compel viewers to reconsider their beliefs about fate, destiny, love and morality.

A must-watch for anyone seeking to explore the quintessential drama of 80s Indian Cinema, Ankahee stands as a well-made film that delivers a punch with its unique storyline, high-grade performances, and its contemplation on complex human relationships.