Stoutor
It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.
StyleSk8r
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
Derry Herrera
Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.
Sabah Hensley
This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama
silvan-desouza
Gulzar is one filmmaker who could do justice to any subject After MERE APNE(1971) yet again he gives a riveting film ACHANAK The film was partially inspired by the real life case of K.M. Nanavati, a respected officer in the Indian Navy who shot his wife's lover in 1959. The case received unprecedented media coverage. The story is well handled by Gulzar, It's a short film of 96 minutes but yet it makes a riveting watch.The film starts in a hospital where Vinod Khanna is going through surgery, Om Shivpuri a doctor is anxious as he wants to save the army man. Thankfully there are no songs in the film.Direction is superb Background music is good, towards the end Gulzar re uses the tune of the song Koi Hota from Mere ApneVinod Khanna who made a foray from negative roles to hero roles is superb yet again, the actor conveys a lot through his eyes Lily Chakraborthy is good, Iftekar is good, Om Shivpuri too is good Farida Jalal and Asrani are delightful, rest are okay
Ravi Singh
Achanak Was Directed By Gulzar..It Was From The Early Days Of Gulzar As A Director...This Movie Loosely Based On Khwaja Ahmed Story The Thirteen Victim & The K M Nanavati 1959 Court Case...The Movie Revolves Around A Soldier And His Wife ...A Murder, Then Run & Chase Sequences ...The Script Is Quite Good Its Keeps Audience Always Guessing What's Next...Ending Is Quite Disappointing But There Was No Choice Either...As Per Bollywood Movie Standards It Was Obvious....Vinod Khanna Gives A Superb Performance...One Of The Best Movies Of His Career...Music Is One Of The Strong Aspect Of Gulzar Movies...But For Surprise There Is No Song In The Movie....Back Ground Music Is Good ...Script Is Good ...Farida Asrani, Om Shivpuri...Performances Are Well Written...The Screenplay Is Very Attractive ..Overall A Good Movie...One Of My Fav Gulzar Movies.
shajjo123
Achnak tells the story of a soldier who returns home as a war hero. However unfortunate events unfold in his life and he is pushed to use the actions he was once taught in the army to defeat the enemy, on his loved ones. Yet the burden of his actions is too heavy to live with and he takes drastic steps to seek redemption. These actions bring him close to a horrendous death and from thereon he gets a grip on himself and tries to start afresh. The film belongs completely to the writer/director Gulzar. His direction and storytelling skills are at a zenith and there are numerous scenes that work at different levels and that stays with the viewers for a long time. The doctor's dilemmas have been presented effectively and army tactics used by Vinod Khanna bring in a realistic touch to the film. But above all, its the anti - war message that the film gives that hits home the most. The soldier who made a name killing people in the war reverts to the same actions in civil life when he comes across unforeseen events. He does not think about the aftermath and in fact starts getting haunted by his awards and medals. This is the most intelligent film making regarding a sensitive issue. Vinod Khana performs well but the supporting cast including Om Shivpuri, Iftikhar, Farida Jalal, Asrani, all deliver as well. There are no songs although songs as a means of sending messages have been used wisely. All in all, Achanak is a thorough classic film that would make anyone associated with it mighty proud. The film has got a timeless attraction and is as much relevant to the modern India as it was thirty five years ago.
