This movie is said to be the second movie of Aamir Khan and one really cannot believe that a movie-old actor can do such justice to his role.Aamir Khan stars as Aamir Hussain Khan(his real name),who gets into a fight with a hoodlum and as a result his ex-girlfriend(Supriya Pathak) gets raped.Aamir accuses himself for his ex's rape and decides to kill everyone who was involved in the rape issue.Meanwhile a cop(Pankaj Kapur) is also fed up of these hoodlums and therefore after looking at aamir's anger against them decides to help him out. Aamir Khan and Pankaj Kapur do whole hearted justice to their roles and Supriya Pathak also does good in the small role she has.If you wanna watch a romantic movie with hero and heroine running around the trees,this isn't your cup of tea.However if you want to watch an excellent movie with realistic touch,watch this movie as soon as possible.
6 Reviews
Scar so deep, will the pain ever vanish?
Jahanpanah7 July 2008
Raakh means ash; remains of an object that burns completely by fire The film features Aamir Khan as an avenger who cannot live with the fact that he was unable to prevent rape of his ex-girlfriend. An incident which happened right in front of him and he was partially responsible for the incident. Rest of the story is how he finds peace within. The film explores concepts of Indian society where weak and innocent are exploited and law enforcement is unfavourable for law abiding people. Also shows nature of people to accept any injustice done to them, more because even if they want to fight the fact that they are weak is their crime. Seems like the only way to justice is on the other side of law. Now it is already 2008 funny to say things haven't changed much in 20 years since release in 1988.
Raakh is an honest attempt to bring back that early 70s hard-hitting and realistic arthouse of violent intervenes in new-age cinema.
SAMTHEBESTEST21 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Raakh (1989) :
Movie Review -
In early 70s Bollywood was riding high with action masala flicks where the cinematic sense was hardly used and the commercial elements were overflowing. In the midst of front loaded, there were some films which actually tried to bring a new wave in bollywood cinema such as Ankur, Nishant and few years later there were films like Ardh Satya, Damul etc. Then in mid 80s Bollywood went to romantic lane and found a huge success too, but realistic films remained less in numbers as well as attention. Raakh starring Aamir Khan, Supriya Pathak and Pankaj Kapur, directed by Aditya Bhattacharya was that much needed honest attempt to bring back that hard-hitting arthouse cinema in new-age era. And despite having many issues with the basic writing it still rises from the ashes and survives with the help of brilliant performances, brutally dark tone and utterly realistic execution.
Raakh is the story of Aamir Hussain, a simple boy who teams up with a burnt out cop (Pankaj Kapur) to avenge the humiliation of his former girlfriend (Supriya Pathak) by a gang of goons. To be frank, the story is messy and unreasonable. The boy quits his lavish home all of sudden, then he sets himself for the revenge and then again loses the stimulation, just like that. Beep. That second girl coming in his life just for a while was totally rubbing idea. I don't understand why the editor didn't trim that part cause from what i see, it doesn't help the narrative at all, not even for a second, rather it spoils it badly. Even the climax scene which should have ended with the gun shot (that would have been more impactful as the Raakh title justifies it), actually ends with the girl marrying somebody else. I mean from where did it come, why and how? No backstory, no set-up nothing. And the boy turned his heavenly life into hell for that? Certainly not.
Talking about acting, Raakh is complete powerhouse of theatrical nuances. Aamir Khan as Aamir Hussain keeps the glamour far away and gets into the skin of the character without any compromises. Pankaj Kapur as Cop is terrific and i didn't expect anything less than this. The girl, Supriya Pathak has very less runtime which is incomprehensible as the main story happens because of her and she suddenly disappears. Anyways, Supriya does everything needed for the role even though it doesn't last for long. With the screenplay, Raakh could have gone more brutal because the crime theme is expected to cross barriers but here is stays in limit. Instead, it explores the personal life of the characters in more than expected amount which definitely recovers that loss.
Raakh manages to keep the realism alive throughout the narrative and the biggest reason for it is the vision of the director. Aditya Bhattacharya follows the simple formula hard-hitting materialism which was earlier used by greats like Shyam Benegal, Prakash Jha and Govind Nihlani and he proves himself right by the end. If it wasn't the fault of writing then Raakh would have been Cult film and Bhattacharya would have easily made that memorable film in debut only. Overall, Raakh is a hardcore, brutal and devastating tale of a recusant which follows quite implausible conflicts yet delivers a worth viewing experience.
RATING - 7/10*
In early 70s Bollywood was riding high with action masala flicks where the cinematic sense was hardly used and the commercial elements were overflowing. In the midst of front loaded, there were some films which actually tried to bring a new wave in bollywood cinema such as Ankur, Nishant and few years later there were films like Ardh Satya, Damul etc. Then in mid 80s Bollywood went to romantic lane and found a huge success too, but realistic films remained less in numbers as well as attention. Raakh starring Aamir Khan, Supriya Pathak and Pankaj Kapur, directed by Aditya Bhattacharya was that much needed honest attempt to bring back that hard-hitting arthouse cinema in new-age era. And despite having many issues with the basic writing it still rises from the ashes and survives with the help of brilliant performances, brutally dark tone and utterly realistic execution.
Raakh is the story of Aamir Hussain, a simple boy who teams up with a burnt out cop (Pankaj Kapur) to avenge the humiliation of his former girlfriend (Supriya Pathak) by a gang of goons. To be frank, the story is messy and unreasonable. The boy quits his lavish home all of sudden, then he sets himself for the revenge and then again loses the stimulation, just like that. Beep. That second girl coming in his life just for a while was totally rubbing idea. I don't understand why the editor didn't trim that part cause from what i see, it doesn't help the narrative at all, not even for a second, rather it spoils it badly. Even the climax scene which should have ended with the gun shot (that would have been more impactful as the Raakh title justifies it), actually ends with the girl marrying somebody else. I mean from where did it come, why and how? No backstory, no set-up nothing. And the boy turned his heavenly life into hell for that? Certainly not.
Talking about acting, Raakh is complete powerhouse of theatrical nuances. Aamir Khan as Aamir Hussain keeps the glamour far away and gets into the skin of the character without any compromises. Pankaj Kapur as Cop is terrific and i didn't expect anything less than this. The girl, Supriya Pathak has very less runtime which is incomprehensible as the main story happens because of her and she suddenly disappears. Anyways, Supriya does everything needed for the role even though it doesn't last for long. With the screenplay, Raakh could have gone more brutal because the crime theme is expected to cross barriers but here is stays in limit. Instead, it explores the personal life of the characters in more than expected amount which definitely recovers that loss.
Raakh manages to keep the realism alive throughout the narrative and the biggest reason for it is the vision of the director. Aditya Bhattacharya follows the simple formula hard-hitting materialism which was earlier used by greats like Shyam Benegal, Prakash Jha and Govind Nihlani and he proves himself right by the end. If it wasn't the fault of writing then Raakh would have been Cult film and Bhattacharya would have easily made that memorable film in debut only. Overall, Raakh is a hardcore, brutal and devastating tale of a recusant which follows quite implausible conflicts yet delivers a worth viewing experience.
RATING - 7/10*
Ahead of its time, but deserves a Watch
kunder-akshay329 June 2013
Pankaj Kapur and Aamir Khan Both of them have their own fan base and why should not they as they are amongst the more versatile actors we have today in the Bollywood. But if any of their fan says that they have not seen Raakh , then sorry that person is just claiming to be their fan and not true one. Both of them won National Award for their performances in this movie.
As i was watching Raakh and as it proceeded i was just a bit taken a back , the fact that it was never been a talk the way it deserved. Nevertheless the reason for it is because in 1989 a movie like Raakh was well ahead of its time.
The movie is a revenge drama shown in a unique style directed by Aditya Bhatacharya(wonder why this guy never came up with another movie). Story telling is quick and crisp.Truly a deserving different watch.All the Actors are just flawless.
Raakh has no songs but wait a minute folks, the background is riveting and you just feel as if you are a part of it every time the track is played.
If you cant withstand revenge and violence and you have mostly stayed away from parallel cinema then this is surely not your cup of tea.
People wanting to see something different do yourself a favor ,Watch Raakh.
Rating: 10/10
As i was watching Raakh and as it proceeded i was just a bit taken a back , the fact that it was never been a talk the way it deserved. Nevertheless the reason for it is because in 1989 a movie like Raakh was well ahead of its time.
The movie is a revenge drama shown in a unique style directed by Aditya Bhatacharya(wonder why this guy never came up with another movie). Story telling is quick and crisp.Truly a deserving different watch.All the Actors are just flawless.
Raakh has no songs but wait a minute folks, the background is riveting and you just feel as if you are a part of it every time the track is played.
If you cant withstand revenge and violence and you have mostly stayed away from parallel cinema then this is surely not your cup of tea.
People wanting to see something different do yourself a favor ,Watch Raakh.
Rating: 10/10
great movie
jattunit17 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
A dark and intense movie that revolves around a young man Aamir Hussain (Aamir Khan) who is madly in love with Neeta (Supriya Pathak), Neeta doesn't realise Aamir's feeling towards her and just thinks of him as a good friend. One night Aamir, Neeta and their friends are out enjoying themselves. A bunch of hoodlums arrive at the scene the leader of the group Kamali starts eyeing Neeta, and then tries to grope Neeta. This Makes Aamir lose his temper and he attacks Kamali, the hoodlums leave and are waiting further up to take revenge on Aamir and also to have Neeta.
Aamir is attacked by the hoodlums and then Kamali and his men rape Neeta. Aamir wants justice done with Neeta, he seeks help from the law Aamir reports his complain to Inspector P.K (Pankhaj Kapoor). Inspector P.K is more concerned about losing his job then helping Aamir as he realises Kamali is a big crock who has contacts with superior government officers, including P.K's senior bosses. Aamir's father doesn't understand what Aamir is going through and thinks that Aamir is mixing with the wrong crowd. Father and son have a argument which results Aamir leaving house.
Aamir meets an orphan boy Shaikh who gives him shelter. Days start passing and Aamir starts getting frustrated and very upset over his helplessness for not doing anything, Aamir goes to a junkie trader Ustad (Jagdeep, Soorma Bhopali of Sholay fame) who specialise in illegal activities. Aamir asks Ustad to get him a gun so he can shoot all the rapist's of Neeta, Luck still not with Aamir, here Aamir is arrested by the police for handling a illegal gun.
Aamir rings Inspector P.K to get him bailed out of prison, Aamir takes his anger out on P.K and makes him realise that what his real duty is to get him justice. Inspector P.K soul wakes him up and now P.K wants to help Aamir. P.K goes to Kamalis house a argument breaks out and inspector P.K tries to arrest Kamali, Kamalis hoodlums try to attack P.K when he moves towards Kamali to arrest him, and P.K tries to shoot Kamali, for this he is suspended from his duty by his bosses.
Aamir and P.K now join hand to wipe out Kamali and his men, Aamir is guided by the burnt out, cynical cop, who shows him the ropes as well as the realities of vigilante life. and thus Aamir starts killing Kamali's men one by one and in the climax kills Kamali and one side Aamir is sentenced to prison while Neeta gets married of in the outside world.
------------------------------------- The film is one of Aamir Khan's early films before he became a star, and he certainly has done a fine job throughout the film, the rest of the cast has done their jobs pretty decent. The climax of the film is indeed stunning. However the film does drop after the first initial moments and the second half picks the films pace up and the ending is indeed superb.
The films has no songs, its an out and out art films and will only be appreciated by viewers that appreciate films without commercial elements (without Songs, dancing, light moments and of course a happy ending) overall outstanding film and terrific script.
Aamir is attacked by the hoodlums and then Kamali and his men rape Neeta. Aamir wants justice done with Neeta, he seeks help from the law Aamir reports his complain to Inspector P.K (Pankhaj Kapoor). Inspector P.K is more concerned about losing his job then helping Aamir as he realises Kamali is a big crock who has contacts with superior government officers, including P.K's senior bosses. Aamir's father doesn't understand what Aamir is going through and thinks that Aamir is mixing with the wrong crowd. Father and son have a argument which results Aamir leaving house.
Aamir meets an orphan boy Shaikh who gives him shelter. Days start passing and Aamir starts getting frustrated and very upset over his helplessness for not doing anything, Aamir goes to a junkie trader Ustad (Jagdeep, Soorma Bhopali of Sholay fame) who specialise in illegal activities. Aamir asks Ustad to get him a gun so he can shoot all the rapist's of Neeta, Luck still not with Aamir, here Aamir is arrested by the police for handling a illegal gun.
Aamir rings Inspector P.K to get him bailed out of prison, Aamir takes his anger out on P.K and makes him realise that what his real duty is to get him justice. Inspector P.K soul wakes him up and now P.K wants to help Aamir. P.K goes to Kamalis house a argument breaks out and inspector P.K tries to arrest Kamali, Kamalis hoodlums try to attack P.K when he moves towards Kamali to arrest him, and P.K tries to shoot Kamali, for this he is suspended from his duty by his bosses.
Aamir and P.K now join hand to wipe out Kamali and his men, Aamir is guided by the burnt out, cynical cop, who shows him the ropes as well as the realities of vigilante life. and thus Aamir starts killing Kamali's men one by one and in the climax kills Kamali and one side Aamir is sentenced to prison while Neeta gets married of in the outside world.
------------------------------------- The film is one of Aamir Khan's early films before he became a star, and he certainly has done a fine job throughout the film, the rest of the cast has done their jobs pretty decent. The climax of the film is indeed stunning. However the film does drop after the first initial moments and the second half picks the films pace up and the ending is indeed superb.
The films has no songs, its an out and out art films and will only be appreciated by viewers that appreciate films without commercial elements (without Songs, dancing, light moments and of course a happy ending) overall outstanding film and terrific script.
Khan Review - watch hit for Handsomeness of Aamir khan
zkzuber18 October 2022
This movie was released immediately after QSQT aamir was a rage people were crazy for him. Ten goes only for Aamir looks, he looked handsomest in this movie. It's rare a man can fall for the looks of other man. If you want to see the hottest self of Aamir this is it. The movie was good not excellent but yes ahead of its time no doubt about it. Though it was not a box office success but was appreciated. If you feel like watching some thing from 80's when bollywood usually made thrash in the name of movies you may like it. It is slow but in between it is interesting. Many of the shots are shot on real location and this movies can match movies of 2022.
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