Drohkaal was released a few years back and was from my Fav. Director Govind Nihalani who gave us unforgettable gems like Ardh Satya, Aakrosh and many more. What makes Drohkaal special is that it is the first movie I have ever seen in which the views of terrorists have also been discussed impartially. The movie starred seasoned stalwarts like Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah and newcomers like Mita Vashisht and Asish Vidyarthi. The movie had no songs as the director thought that would have hampered the continuity of the movie. om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah are super honest Cops who are at horns with Ashish Vidyaarthi, the head of a terrorist group, who is highly educated and and a sharp intellectual. I have never loved the portrayal of a terrorist as this, cuz the character’s beleif in his actions is solid as a rock. He justifies his actions in the most convincing manner. The movie has many glorious moments, the notable ones being, arguements between Om Puri and Ashish Vidyaarthi who justifies terrorism (not in a commercial nonsense bollywood style, but in a thought provoking manner), the sence where Asish vidyaarthi asks Om Puri to join him, the sence where Amrish puri’s association with terorists is revealed, Naseeruddin Shah’s death sence and many more. The director has aimed at the mental and psychological trauma the honest police officers go through when they are pressurized by the terrorists by all means, such as threats to their families, while demonstrating that so many colleague officers have already switched to their camp. The movie gets to ground realities in showing how relaxed crimnals are even when in Jail and how effectively they control their operations.
The only problem with the movie was its sound editing. One has to pay utmost atention and watch it with higest concentration to understand the dailogues and what is being said. If you miss a few lines, the whole sence may not make any sense to you. As far as direction is concerned, this movie is a directors delight. And Govind Nihalani demonstrates in superficial style as to why he is counted amongst the most talented of the lot. Om Puri, yet again scores highly with his tremendous screen presence and a performance which adds to his glory. Naseeruddin Shah strikes with a flawless act and leaves a mark. The best of the lot, Asish Vidyaarthi, watching him perform leaves you thinking and appreciating. Mita Vashisht as Om Puris wife lends a good support.
Overall, a terrific thought provoking movie, best when watched alone. Commercially, the movie didnt do well for obvious reasons.Those who liked the movies such as Ardhsatya and Prahaar would surely love watching Drohkaal. But those looking for Bollywood style fun and entertainment would probably be disappointed.
Indian cinema must deliver such down to earth movies once in a while to keep an option for those Art Film fans who are not so impressed by the glamourous side of bollywood.