Article Updated 05 December, 2005 02:13:03 PM IST   Apaharan By Prema K. ©2005 Bollyvista.com   Keeping in style with Prakash Jha's sensibility, 'Apaharan' is a hard-hitting, realistic film. The hero is not larger than life. He gets beaten up initially. The film is an honest attempt to portray the state of affairs in Bihar. But honestly speaking who's interested in these things today, especially with so much happening around us all the time. And come to think of it, Prakash Jha isn't telling us anything new. The film will also fail to move the audience. So women and kids are out! 'Apaharan' is about kidnappings in Bihar, which has become a parallel industry. The film also talks about the deteriorating law and order condition in the state and how, right from ministers to politicians and the cops to the youth (what's so novel about this!), are lured into the world of crime. On the flip side, it could generate interest in the U.P. region. But the film is slow and is bound to make the viewer restless. Somewhere the fire is missing. The story of a complex relationship between an honest father, Prof. Raghuvansh Shastri (Mohan Agashe) and son, Ajay Shastri (Ajay Devgan) unfolds on screen. Circumstances force Ajay to take to crime. Ajay desires to join the police force and even raises money (5 lacs) to bribe the higher-up authorities. He fails to get the job. To repay the loan, Ajay decides to kidnap a government official. But the plan goes haywire as the main kidnapper decides against it. Ajay is arrested but manages to obtain a clean slate. Gradually he is lured into the world of crime along with his friends. Tabrez (Nana Patekar) is a minority political leader who runs a parallel government, With the assistance of his trusted right hand man, Gaya (Yashpal Sharma), he plans murders and kidnappings. Ajay joins hands with him and the two grow fond of each other. There is a fallout between the two leading to an interesting climax. Excellent cinematography and brilliant performances. Watching Nana Patekar and Ajay Devgan is a real treat but the film is too dark and grim to captivate you. Bipasha Basu is okay but looks good with her toned down body. But she's hardly there in the film, just a few scenes. Of the other characters, Yashpal Sharma is effective. Yet another disappointing fare this week. Its prospects at the box office seem dicey. ** (Two stars) *poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent   close   Print this Article http://www.bollyvista.com   http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/29/5919