Aakrosh Review

 'Aakrosh' turns out to be an out and out dramatic affair that almost unfolds like a mystery being sold. There are thrills galore and the narrative is also sprinkled with enough action packed moments to keep the masses happy. Really, for a film that had an 'issue' at the core of it, this has to be the one of the most 'masala' filled entertainers in the offing. And this is where 'Aakrosh' actually scores.

For a CBI officer (Akshaye Khanna) and his Major subordinate (Ajay Devgn), it is a challenging assignment to visit a sleeping small town and investigate the disappearance of three medical students. While the stay was never meant to be easy, further trouble entails when they encounter a hostile cop. As it turns out, everyone in the town - whether cops, politicians, local goons, businessmen or commissioner - is hands-in-glove with each other which only turns out to be a speed breaker at every corner. However, Akshaye uses his legal powers and Ajay his army background (and hence fair degree of muscle power) to go deeper down into the issue.

A nexus as detailed above isn't something new in the world of fact as well as fiction. However, it's the way Priyadarshan brings it to fore that makes all the difference, hence making 'Aakrosh' an engaging drama. Notice the scene where Ajay and Akshaye meet Paresh Rawal and his senior for the first time in their police station. The way they are ridiculed leaves them in a hapless situation. Later, the scene where they meet Paresh and his partners-in-crime at his private party is done well too.

The immediate scene that follows after the interval point (a revolution beginning in the town) though is not just abrupt but hardly justifiable. In fact one is led to believe that there were some serious Censor chops that happened around this point as well as in the scene where a local politician is delivering a fiery speech. Moreover, the entire 'Shool Sena' angle is carefully treaded as well and is seen more in the background than forefront.

However, Priyadarshan pulls back strings soon enough as 'Aakrosh' brings in enough thrilling and action packed moments that ensure that audience doesn't loose interest. Moreover, the action too unfolds at a relentless pace. There are four to five major action sequences, most of them being centreed on a chase and really, they are indeed well shot, edited and presented. Watch out for the one where Ajay runs behind a contract killer atop the houses. Or the one where he stands atop a SUV being driven by Akshaye. Or the one in the pre-climax where he comes face to face with Paresh.

Of course there are quite a few violent moments as well, some shown and a few implied, and while they go with the mood of the film, they can be expected to turn a segment of women audience away. In fact the entire track surrounding Reema Sen and her family does make you feel disgusted and while it works for the film, it is not for the faint hearted. Also, though the action scenes make an impact, they could have been edited to make the film a little crisper. Ditto for the two songs in the first half which deserve to be chopped off immediately.

Amongst actors, the film may have been sold as an Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna starrer but Paresh Rawal has an equal presence in the drama as well. He comes up with yet another bravura performance in his eventful career so far. This is one of his best and most flawless performances till date. Ajay continues the top form that he is in while Akshaye makes you wonder yet again that why don't we see more of this talented actor. Bipasha Basu and Amita Pathak are okay in a patchy role though all the actors who play the part of criminals fit into their character pretty well. Reema Sen leaves an impression too.

All said and done, 'Aakrosh' is a film which is a winner by all means. There are thrills galore and the narrative is also sprinkled with enough action packed moments to keep the masses happy. Really, for a film that had an 'issue' at the core of it, this has to be the one of the most 'masala' filled entertainers in the offing. And this is where 'Aakrosh' actually scores.

Rating: ***1/2