Agneepath - 1990

Agneepath, the 1990 Bollywood action crime movie directed by Mukul Anand and written jointly by Santosh Saroj and Kader Khan, ignites the silver screen with its explosive blend of raw emotions, gripping storytelling, and powerhouse performances. At its core, the film revolves around the relentless quest for justice by its protagonist, Vijay, portrayed by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, and features a stellar supporting cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Madhavi, Neelam Kothari, Danny Denzongpa, Rohini Hattangadi, and Archana Puran Singh.

Set against the backdrop of the unforgiving streets of Mumbai, Agneepath delves into the murky world of crime and corruption. Vijay, a man driven by a burning desire to avenge the death of his father and the injustices inflicted upon his family, becomes entangled in the treacherous web of the Mumbai underworld. As he navigates through the shadowy alleys of power, Vijay forms unexpected alliances, confronts formidable adversaries, and battles his inner demons.

Amitabh Bachchan's portrayal of Vijay is nothing short of mesmerising, commanding the screen with his towering presence and intensity. His performance emits a potent mix of vulnerability, rage, and determination, captivating audiences at every turn.

Under the visionary direction of Mukul Anand, Agneepath immerses viewers in a world where morality blurs and the line between good and evil becomes blurred. The film seamlessly weaves together elements of action, crime, and drama, punctuated by unforgettable dialogue and soul-stirring musical compositions.

Table of Contents

• Details

• Plot

• Release

• Reviews

• Cast

• Crew

• Character Analysis

• Songs

• Behind the Scenes

• Box Office Collection

• Awards

• Interesting Facts

• How to Book a Personalised Celebrity Message from a Star Similar to the Celebs from Agneepath on Tring?

Details

Plot

PlayDinanath Chavan, a beloved local schoolteacher, strongly objects to the plans of Kancha Cheena, a criminal don, and his crew to establish a base for heroin smuggling. Dinanath is killed by the misled villagers after being disgraced by Kancha and the local landlord, Dinkar Rao, in a staged scandal. 

His family is also forcibly kicked out, which benefits Cheena. With a burning desire to clear his father's name and a vow of vengeance for his father's murder and his mother Suhasini Chavan's attempted rape that went unpunished, Vijju/Vijay Deenanath Chauhan takes on the duties of taking care of his mother and sister Siksha, which by some strange turn of events leads him to go down into the dark Mumbai Underworld. Gangsters Hasmukh, Usman Bhai, and Anna Shetty take him in and treat him as one of their own. Vijay rises through the ranks and becomes well-known as an underworld lord as he gets older.

Police commissioner M.S. Gaitonde, who is critical of him but has a soft spot for him, warns Vijay Deenanath Chauhan that his former bosses may try to kill him if he doesn't help them with their drug-smuggling operations. Gaitonde shows worry, but Vijay dismisses it, saying that he is well aware of the intended attempt and plans to let it go ahead without any preventative attack or resistance. His bosses attacked Vijay's car and fired several shots at him. 

He is found dying until a Tamilian selling coconuts named Krishnan Iyer, M.A., finds him. He saves his life by taking him to the hospital, becomes his friend, and finally gets a job as Siksha's bodyguard. Nurse Mary Matthew takes care of Vijay while he is in the hospital. According to Commissioner Gaitonde, Vijay essentially gambled by allowing the assassination attempt to happen in order to raise himself to god status in the eyes of his followers and send his rivals running for shelter. While resting in the hospital, Krishnan sneaks Vijay out of bed to prevent his bosses from attempting yet another assassination.

Vijay takes out the assassins one at a time. He starts off by murdering Hasmukh and Usman Bhai, who were arrested after turning themselves in to the police to avoid Vijay's rage. Because of Vijay's criminal activities, his mother strongly opposes and lives apart from him with Siksha. When Vijay arrives one evening for a dinner function, his mother scolds him for tarnishing his father's reputation and sends him out. 

Hurt and upset, Vijay finds comfort in Mary's arms and initiates a relationship with her. After Vijay kills Anna Shetty's associates, Anna kidnaps Siksha and holds her captive in a slum. Krishnan makes an unsuccessful attempt to save Siksha, and the two of them get into a fight. When Vijay learns of this, he rushes to kill Anna out of wrath. Vijay kills him with a sword after severely beating up Anna.

Krishnan and Siksha's close encounter leads to a developing connection between them, and they fall in love with one another. Vijay is enraged and aggressively opposes, but he is denied once more when his mother disowns him and calls Krishnan her good son she had. Terribly upset by this slight, Vijay seeks refuge in Mary, marries her, and swears to do everything properly to win his mother's approval.

Vijay strikes a contract with Kancha Cheena to acquire access to his old village, and then he uses a series of techniques to prevent Cheena's unlawful business and take legal control of the village. Gora (Bob Christo), who is sent by Kanchas to assassinate Commissioner Gaitonde, is killed by Vijay. 

Similar to the manner in which his father was murdered, he has Dinkar Rao hanged by the village's undermined and poor residents. As Vijay reveals to Cheena that he is the son of Dinanath Chavan, he lands Cheena in prison by arranging for Cheena's mistress Laila to testify against Kancha. Laila reveals herself as Shanti, and she has been working with Vijay all along.

Vijay returns the village to his mother and regains her favour, but Cheena guarantees that he is set free by having the witnesses murdered and Vijay's family taken captive. 

This is Vijay's breaking point, and he is compelled to revert to his criminal ways and go through the Agneepath (Path of Fire) in order to save them. Before being killed by Vijay, who tosses Cheena into the raging fire and burns him alive, there is an intense and deadly struggle during which Cheena blasts every building and destroys the entire village. 

Vijay, however, passes away as a result of Kancha's several gunshot wounds. Vijay tries to defend the path he took and the crimes he committed as he passes away in his mother's arms at the location of his family's former home.

Vijay tries to justify the life he chose and the deeds he committed as he lies dying in his mother's arms at the exact location of his family's old home. He claims that he walked the Agneepath to get justice for his family and that he is not a criminal. His mother, along with Krishnan, Siksha, and Mary, cries sorrowfully over his body, ultimately forgiving him and acknowledging that he was never a criminal.

Release

Agneepath hit theatres with great anticipation on February 16, 1990, as eager audiences awaited the release of this highly anticipated film. However, despite the initial excitement surrounding its arrival, there were underlying concerns and apprehensions regarding the movie's potential performance at the box office.

Reviews

During its release, the 1990 Bollywood action crime movie Agneepath received mixed reviews. Rediff.com's review suggested that the film's grim, violent, aggressive, and dark portrayal of the underbelly of Bombay's underworld may have worked against it. 

Film Trade Analyst Komal Nahta also pointed out the issue of Amitabh Bachchan's voice, stating that his dialogue delivery in a different voice, reminiscent of Marlon Brando in The Godfather, might not be accepted by the audience. The mixing of the audio was criticised as well, making certain dialogues unclear. He criticised the film for lacking gripping drama and a well-set script. He also mentioned that even the murder scenes lacked excitement. These aspects contributed to the mixed reception of Agneepath upon its initial release.

However, perceptions of the film gradually evolved over the years. In an interview, Karan Johar shared how younger, city-based audiences began to view Agneepath as a cool film. The dynamism of the movie, despite its amplified sentimentality, strong language, and violence, was appreciated by some.

Overall, Agneepath faced criticism for its portrayal of the underworld, Bachchan's unconventional voice, and perceived shortcomings in the script and execution. However, over time, the film gained a new generation of fans who embraced its unique qualities and dynamic storytelling. Despite the initial mixed reviews, Agneepath's impact and appeal have endured, solidifying its place as a cult classic in the realm of Bollywood cinema.

Cast

• Amitabh Bachchan - Big B, a legendary actor in Indian cinema, has delivered iconic performances in movies such as Sholay, Deewaar, Zanjeer, Amar Akbar Anthony, Kabhi Kabhie, Don, Black, Paa, and Piku, among many others.

• Mithun Chakraborty - Mithun is a renowned Indian actor known for his versatile performances, and some of his notable movies include Disco Dancer, Guru, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Pyar Jhukta Nahin.

• Danny Denzongpa - The versatile Indian actor has graced the silver screen with his remarkable performances in films like Khuda Gawah, Sanam Bewafa, Ghatak: Lethal, and Bangkok Dangerous.

• Neelam - Neelam Kothari, an Indian actress, has appeared in several Bollywood films, including Ek Ladka Ek Ladki, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

• Madhavi - Madhavi is an Indian actress known for her versatile performances in films such as Swarg, Sheshnaag, and Insaaf Kaun Karega

• Goga Kapoor - Goga Kapoor was an Indian actor known for his roles in Bollywood movies, including Zanjeer, Refugee, Phool Aur Angaar, and Hatim Tai

• Alok Nath - He is a popular Indian actor known for his roles in Bollywood movies. Alok Nath is widely known for his work in movies like Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, and Vivah.

• Rohini Hattangadi - She is an accomplished Indian actress known for her impactful performances in various films. Rohini Hattangadi is well-known for her work in Gandhi, Arth, Party, Saaransh, Agneepath, and Sarkar.

• Sharat Saxena - Saxena is an accomplished Indian actor who has left a lasting mark on the film industry. Sharat Saxena has appeared in numerous movies across different genres, including Mr India, Ghayal, Baazigar, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, among many others.

• Tinnu Anand - Known for his versatile performances in numerous Bollywood movies, Tinnu Anand is an Indian actor and director who has worked in iconic films like Kaalia, Shahenshah, Ghayal, Mohabbatein, and Sarkar.

• Vikram Gokhale - He is a well-known Indian actor who excels in a variety of roles. Among the films Vikram Gokhale has acted in are Aapli Maanse, Sarkarnama, Bindhaast, Gabhricha Paus, Aandhali Koshimbir, and Anumati.

• Sudhir Pandey - Indian actor Sudhir Pandey had a long and successful playing career. He has been in films including Peepli Live, Khuda Gawah, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Raja Hindustani, and Vivah.

• Archana Puran Singh - A talented performer in Bollywood, Archana Puran Singh is recognised for her varied roles in films, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Mohabbatein, and Bol Bachchan.

• Avtar Gill - Veteran actor in the Indian film business Avtar Gill has distinguished himself with memorable roles in films like Mr India, Ghayal, Karan Arjun, Sadak, and Baazigar.

• Shammi - Popularly known as Shammi, Nargis Rabadi, was a successful Bollywood actress who appeared in a number of films, including Jeevan Jyoti, Ujala, Dil Deke Dekho, Teesri Manzil, and Andaz.

• Bob Christo - Famous for his huge stature and commanding on-screen persona, Bob Christo had a long and successful acting career in Bollywood. His film credits include Mr India, Agneepath, Qurbani, Adventures of Tarzan, Hum, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, and Deewana Mastana, among many more.

• Shakti Kapoor - As a result of his flexibility as an actor, Shakti Kapoor has starred in a wide variety of Bollywood productions, such as Andaz Apna Apna, Raja Babu, Qurbani, Coolie No. 1, Chalbaaz, Hungama, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, and Hera Pheri, among many others.

• Asha Sachdev - Famous for her roles in films like Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Sholay, Asha Sachdev (Nafeesa Sultan) had a lengthy acting career in Bollywood spanning several decades.

• Deepak Shirke - Indian actor Deepak Shirke has appeared in a wide variety of Bollywood films, such as Tirangaa, Ghatak: Lethal, Krishna, Gunda, Sangharsh, and Dhoom 2, among many others.

• Pradeep Rawat - The Indian actor Pradeep Rawat has starred in a number of critically acclaimed films, including Ghajini, Sarfarosh, Lagaan, Dabangg 2, and Ghatak: Lethal, among many others.

• Anjan Srivastav - Indian actor Anjan Srivastav is well-known for his roles in a wide variety of films, such as Masoom, Peepli Live, Raajneeti, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and Satya.

• Arvind Rathod

Crew

• Director(s) - Mukul S. Anand

• Writer(s) - Santosh Saroj and Kader Khan

• Producer(s) - Yash Johar

• Cinematographer(s) - Pravin Bhatt

• Editor(s) - Waman B. Bhosle and Gurudutt Shirali

• Musician(s) - Laxmikant Pyarelal

Character Analysis

• Vijay Deenanath Chauhan (Amitabh Bachchan)

The protagonist of the film, Vijay, is a child traumatized by the brutal murder of his righteousness-fueled father. This fuels his eventual entry into Mumbai's underworld as he seeks to avenge the injustices done to his family. Amitabh Bachchan gives a stellar performance, bringing depth and intensity to Vijay's character.

• Master Deenanath Chauhan (Alok Nath)

Vijay's father, Master Deenanath Chauhan, is a man of principles and a highly respected school teacher in their village, Mandwa. His sense of justice and uprightness lead to his untimely demise at the hands of a powerful gangster, thus setting the premise for the intense revenge saga that follows.

• Kancha Cheena (Danny Denzongpa)

Danny Denzongpa brings to life the ruthless antagonist, Kancha Cheena, a vicious drug lord who kills Vijay's father for possession of Mandwa village. Kancha is the main driving force behind Vijay's involvement in the underworld, making him the centre of the revenge plot.

• Krishnan Iyer M.A. (Mithun Chakraborty)

Mithun Chakraborty fits perfectly into the shoes of Krishnan Iyer M.A, a lovable, light-hearted South Indian man who falls for Vijay's sister. Despite initially being meant for comic-relief, his character deepens and stands by Vijay during challenging times.

• Siksha Chauhan (Neelam Kothari)

Neelam Kothari portrays Siksha Chauhan, Vijay's younger sister. Despite being oblivious to her brother's dark world, she plays a pivotal role in humanising Vijay's character and becomes a key character when she falls in love with Krishnan Iyer M.A.

Songs

Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes of the 1990 Bollywood action crime movie Agneepath, the filmmakers drew inspiration from real-life figures to infuse authenticity into the narrative. The film took inspiration from the lives of Mumbai underworld don Varadarajan Mudaliar and gangster Manya Surve, adding a layer of realism to the story.

Amitabh Bachchan, who portrayed the protagonist Vijay, meticulously studied Manya Surve's mannerisms and voice to shape his character. He emulated Surve's distinctive traits, incorporating them into his performance, which added depth and authenticity to Vijay's portrayal. Bachchan's dedication to capturing the essence of Surve's personality contributed to the immersive experience of the film.

The incorporation of real-life elements into Agneepath allowed the filmmakers to depict the gritty reality of Mumbai's underworld with greater accuracy. The film delved into the dark and violent world of organised crime, showcasing the struggles, conflicts, and power dynamics that existed within the criminal fraternity. By drawing inspiration from actual figures, the filmmakers aimed to present a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the underworld.

Box Office Collection

Despite being the fourth highest-grossing film of 1990, Agneepath faced disappointment at the box office due to its collections falling significantly below its high budget. The film, which made ₹10.25 Crore, struggled to achieve financial success equal to its production costs. Despite its critical acclaim and a strong fan base over the years, the film's box office performance deemed it unsuccessful in terms of meeting its revenue expectations.

Awards

Interesting Facts

• Amitabh Bachchan's mouth was filled with cotton wool beneath both cheeks to give him the gangster look, just like Marlon Brando's in The Godfather (1972).

• Originally intended for this movie, the song Jhumma Chumma De De was substituted by Ali Baba since the director felt it would not fit with Amitabh's part. Jhumma Chumma was then used in Hum.

• Amitabh initially earned a lot of criticism for his voice, but the character is still one of his most long-lasting, and even now, his performance in this movie is most often replicated.

• Kishnan Iyer, a distinctive character played by Mithun Chakraborty, was inspired by one of his roommates from his difficult time before becoming a well-known actor.

• In reality, Rohini, who plays Amitabh Bachchan's mother, is much younger than he is.

Agneepath has left a lasting impact on the landscape of Bollywood cinema. Despite facing challenges at the box office during its initial release, the film has garnered a dedicated fan base and achieved cult status over the years. Agneepath's dark and gritty portrayal of the Mumbai underworld, Amitabh Bachchan's powerhouse performance as Vijay, and its memorable dialogues have made it a significant milestone in Indian cinema.

In the book of Bollywood cinema, Agneepath remains an important chapter, reminding us of the indomitable spirit that drives individuals to seek justice, no matter the obstacles they face. Its legacy is a testament to the talent and dedication of the cast and crew, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in the hearts of cinema lovers.

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