AGNEEPATH - MOVIE REVIEW

In 1990, Yash Johar produced Agneepath where Amitabh Bachchan played the main character (Vijay Dinanath Chauhan). The movie was a commercial flop, but critically acclaimed. After two decades Yash Johar’s son Karan returns with a new version of Agneepath with Hrithik Roshan in Amitabh’s shoes.

Like any other remake, you can’t help comparing it with the original version. And to avoid this trap, Karan Johar has made major changes in the script. He has introduced the character of Rauf Lala (Rishi Kapoor), modified the roles of Madhavi and Neelam who played Amitabh’s wife and sister respectively, and eliminated the characters played by Mithun and Archana Puran Singh. The story line has been treated, so that it looks more like an adaptation than a remake.

The basic story line remains similar to the original one which is the same old village story of Zamidars grabbing land of poor villagers, a father being killed by a Zamidar and the son returning for his revenge. Inspite of the movie being made in 2012, the movie lacks modern treatment. DEV D and DON are examples of updated remakes. The movie still looks set in the same period as the original, with similar story line.  Than what was the whole point of making changes to the script?

Otherwise, the movie has much more Fire, Action and Violence.  Kancha (Sanjay Dutt) is a villain which makes you hate him even more.  Multiple songs and the Hrithik – Priyanka romance angle tends to dilute the impact of the movie at places. The entire episode, from Hrithik’s being a part of Rishi Kapor’s gang to reaching top position, is a straight lift from most of the movies made on Mumbai Underworld.

Vijay Dinanand Chauhan looks adorable in both his avatars i.e. the kid and the grown up.  Om Puri portrayal as the top cop is befitting.  If you liked the original Agneepath, it is worth watching the remake. Otherwise it is just another movie.  Zarina Wahab, playing the mother, has done justice to her role.

Katrina’s Chikni Chameli has helped in the promotion of the movie. But unlike the original where Archana Puran Singh had more to do in the movie, Katrina’s role ends at the item number only.