Ayaash (1982) User Reviews

A good watch

[talkthegsk · 6/10 · 29 December 2011]

This film stands out because of its unconventional story and brilliant performances. Arun Govil has lost it in business of Photography and seeks employment under Sanjeev Kumar. He is hired as personal photographer by Sanjeev Kumar to 'document' his merry making activities. As soon as he begins his work, he notices that Rati Agnihotri happens to be Sanjeev Kumar's wife who used to be his girl once upon a time. Rati Agnihotri is extremely unhappy with her marriage since Sanjeev Kumar is into alcohol and other women.

Rati Agnihotri and Arun Govil keep having secret private meetings when Sanjeev Kumar is busy with other women. After a while, a baby boy is born. The baby boy grows up and starts getting attracted towards alcohol and Mujra dancers. Arun Govil starts restricting the boy from doing that is supposedly bad which annoys Sanjeev Kumar. Sanjeev Kumar fires Arun Govil after which Rati Agnihotri dies in a domestic accident. Several years later Sanjeev Kumar finds Arun Govil's photograph in Rati Agnihotri's old locket which provokes him to suspect Rati Agnihotri's fidelity. Sanjeev Kumar goes to Arun Govil whose health has deteriorated. Arun Govil dies without saying anything. Now there is no way that Sanjeev Kumar can clarify his doubts. He commits suicide later.

The director has not tried to justify anything in this film, nor has he tried to define right and wrong. Its simply a good story, nicely told with an element of 'unanswered question'. Songs are average and they disturb the narration flow. Cinematography is not out of the world but it is apt. Background score is pretty neat. It's definitely not a Saturday afternoon DVD watch film but you won't regret watching it if have a taste for old Indian films.

Destruction By Sloth

[Chrysanthepop · 4 March 2012]

Shakti Samanta's 'Ayaash' is a period piece that takes place in 1930s India (when it was still ruled by the British). This was also the time that marked the downfall of the Zameendars (powerful property owners). 'Ayaash' focuses on one such Zameendar Thakur Jaswant Singh. Thakur is a carefree alcoholic who avoids responsibility as he constantly preoccupies himself with booze and women while his accountant, lawyer and employees slowly continue to rob him of his riches. Enter a young photographer (hired by Thakur) Amal who is shocked by Thakur's ways. Thakur befriends him but this would mean that Amal would have to embrace Thakur's ways. Things become more complicated when Amal discovers that his ex-girlfriend is married to Thakur.

In terms of execution, 'Ayaash' is nothing outstanding. The interiors of Thakur's mansion and costumes are quite lavish. Songs are too many. The first half actually required some editing as its flooded with one mujrah song after another. The film also focuses too much on the relationship between Thakur and Amal in the first half. The story is less predictable in the second half but it heavily rushes through the growing up of Thakur's son and his descension to his father's ways.

Sanjeev Kumar is amazing in a negative role. As the laidback Thakur, he shows a tenderness and gentle side but he's also pathologically stubborn. His torment in the later sequences when he discovers his wife's locket is portrayed brilliantly. Rati Agnihotri and Arun Govil are very good too.

Despite being very flawed'Ayaash' is strays away from the formula of the typical 80's Bollywood flicks. It's a brave attempt by Samanta and perhaps even ahead of its time.