Khakee [DVD] [2004]

DCP Anant Shrivastav (Bachchan) is assigned the already foiled mission of transferring an alleged terrorist, Iqbal Ansari, (Atul Kulkarni) from Chandangadh to Mumbai. He assembles a diverse group of cops to aid him with a task that is both dangerous and significant to him in that it his last chance to prove his credentials in his otherwise stagnant career. Joining him is Shekhar Sachdev (Akshay Kumar), a disillusioned, corrupt police officer, Ashwin Gupta (Tusshar Kapoor), a naïve, honest new recruit out to make a difference, a couple of other sidekicks and a key witness, Mahalakshmi (Rai).

The transfer begins, but seems to be thwarted at every stage by ex cop turned baddie (Devgan in a role that will give the regular Bollywood villains a run for their money!). It soon becomes obvious that an insider is his accomplice ensuring he is always a step ahead of Shrivastav and his all important mission. But the question is, just which one of them is doing the dirty on them?

That, in a nutshell is the simple premise on which Khakee runs. Any other director would have made a big mess of it, but with Santoshi at the helm of affairs, the way in which the plot unfolds twist after shocking twist (especially the one in the climax) keeps the audience glued to their seats.

The cinematography is mind-blowing, the action sequences - terrific, dialogues are praise worthy, the script and screenplay are spot on (barring a few minor cinematic liberties which are forgiven going by past Bollywood standards!). The music by newbie Ram Sampat is catchy, but really wasn't needed - though melodious it tends to interrupt the flow of the film.

Off course the credit shouldn't entirely go to Santoshi for his (near) flawless cop thriller. He is ably supported by terrific performance from his multi-talented star cast. Unsurprisingly, all the acting laurels and hosannas belong to Amitabh without whom the film would probably have been a damp squib. This has to rate amongst (I know there are so many) his career best performances. He's that convincing. The pain, anger and despair that he portrays could seriously not have as convincing any other actor had played the part. Akshay is terrific. He seems to be getting better with each passing film. His comic timing is perfect and he is sure to be nominated in a few supporting categories at the award ceremonies this time next year. Ajay too is brilliant in his second negative outing post Deewangee. His ruthlessness and stylized entrances at different points in the film evoke hatred, making one feel nothing but contempt for his character - and that definitely is a sign of a good actor. Tusshar fits his role like a glove. His earnestness and innocence come across well and he manages to hold his own - even against such seasoned performers. In comparison to her male counterparts, Aishwarya has a smaller role, but she manages to do justice to it, and as usual, looks stunning even sans make up. The supporting cast deliver the goods as well, especially Atul Kulkarni. Tanuja and Jaya Pradha do well in their bit roles and Lara Dutta's seductive dance number is sure to evoke whistles in the aisles.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the best thrillers to come from the Indian Film Factory in a seriously long time. A riveting, roller coaster ride of non stop action and entertainment. Don't miss it!

Khakee is the story of Anant Srivastava (Amitabh Bachchan), a man who has accomplished precious little in his career as an officer, regardless of various promotions. He, and his chosen team are to go to Chandangarh and bring terrorist Dr. Iqbal Ansari (Atul Kulkarni) to a Mumbai court. Amongst his squad are Sr. Inspector Shekhar (Akshay Kumar), who is the police force¢¥s bad boy, and Sub-Inspector Ashwin Gupte (Tusshar Kapoor) a rookie fresh out of training on his first mission.

With two constables, the squad goes to Chandangarh, where they meet Mahalaxmi (Aishwarya Rai) who is the only one who recognizes the face of the terrorist ring¢¥s leader, Angre (Ajay Devgan), who is doing all in his power to prevent Ansari¢¥s appearance in court. Does the squad succeed in taking Ansari to court? Is Angre defeated? The rest is a roller coaster ride of twists and turns that answers these questions and always manages to catch the viewer unaware.

Khakee is not to be missed! Simply put, it is one of the best movies in recent times.