Agneepath directed by Karan Malhotra

I have been a huge fan of the director Mukul Anand and Amitabh Bachchan combination. The 1990 release, Agneepath directed by Mukul Anand is one of my favorite and most revered films. As such i was not only shocked when Hrithik Roshan was chosen to play the larger than life and angry- Vijay Dinanath Chohan, i was also curious to see what comes of it.

After having watched the film yesterday i have got to take a bow at the vision and execution of director Karan Malhotra. The new Agneepath is not simply a remake but it is a revised and revamped one. It is much different than the original yet keeps the intensity and anger of Mukul Anand's cult classic.

The primary and most vital difference comes from the alterations in the main protagonist. The new Vijay Dinanath Chohan is not at all like the one played by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. He is angry for sure but is far too much in pain and is far too vulnerable. My curiosity thus did not turn into disappointment on seeing Hrithik Roshan as Vijay Dinanath Chohan... and the comparison if any ended there and then!

Karan Malhotra gets his film making grammar further correct when he builds a Kancha Cheena as menacing as Sanjay Dutt! The hero is so much less stronger than the villain. The odds are so much against him that the built up to the climax has to be intriguing and the victory if any has got to be the ultimate high.

Another high point of the film are its visuals. Considering that the story is known and predictable it is the visuals that play a vital part. The transition of Mandwa from a peaceful and inviting sea side hamlet to the dark and ruinous land of gloom and despair is brilliantly captured. The action sequences choreographed by Abbas Ali Moghul accentuate the intensity of the film with their earthy and brutal demeanor. The back ground score and fast cutting give the film the pace and rush it so desperately needs.

Of course there are minor glitches here and there but compared to the over all experience it would only be cynical of me to mention them here. If experience is what a film is supposed to give you then Karan Johar's tribute to his father does that sufficiently well.

The highest point of the film for me however was when Hirthik finally mouthes the famous lines-

“Vijay Dinanath Chohan...pura naam; Gaon....Mandwa!!”

These lines have kept the Vijay Chohan of the 90's alive and breathing in her hearts and minds. They are the lines that define the anger, arrogance and style of a man who cares only for revenge and will get it at any cost. I was so not wanting them to be made a mockery off. Anyone who has seen and loved the original will tell you the importance of these lines to the essence of Agneepath. Thus when almost 80% of the film was over and there was no sign of these lines I was relieved for it was wiser not to tamper with them...But how could one keep them out of the soul of this film? 

Hrithik finally mouths the lines in a manner nothing like the original Vijay Chohan but with a pain and vulnerability that the new Vijay Chohan represents. The timing, the built up and the pitch is perfect. I had goose bumps all over in that moment for two things were clear to me then and there- 1) Karan Malhotra had done his homework and 2) The original Agneepath was in safe hands... unlike Sholay!!

As such Agneepath to me may not be a great film but is definitely a good film that is worth a watch but if you are the kind who is going to get angry on seeing auto rickshaw's plying in Gaondevi area of Mumbai(No auto's are allowed in that area!)... than don't bother!