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Not many directors in the film industry dare venture into realistic cinema. Not even those who have big stars at their command. Even the likes of Yash Chopra, Karan Johar and Subhash Ghai prefer to build a world of their own and try to find their characters in this cozy world. Even if we do not go much far back in the history, it is noticed that it was director Mahesh Bhatt who ventured and succeeded in making cinema that was nearer to life and most importantly had shades of reality in that. 'Saaransh', 'Arth', 'Daddy' and 'Zakhm' are few to name. And while watching Vikram Bhatt's new film who shot big in the past by directing Aamir Khan's 'Ghulam' that was in fact meant to be directed by none other than his uncle Mahesh Bhatt, one realizes how important transparency, realism and openness has become for the Hindi Cinema.

Vikram Bhatt's new 'Ankahee' is one step further in search of realism in Indian Cinema. The film told in a very familiar tone but with utmost sincerity to make the narration archetype makes its impact from the very first reel and by the time it ends it has totally engrossed you in itself. Vikram has grown up watching his mentor's films though Vikram and Mahesh Bhatt are no more on easy terms, the effect of the latter's making can be felt as an undercurrent in 'Ankahee'. 'Ankahee' is said to be based on Vikram Bhatt's relations with Miss Universe Sushmita Sen. The plot is the same as was in Mahesh Bhatt's 'Arth'. But both the films stand apart because of handling of the emotions. And, emotions are no longer found in plenty in Hindi films.

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After having given at least six flop films ('Footpath', 'Inteha', 'Aitbaar', 'Elaan', 'Jurm' and 'Deewane Hue Paagal') in a row, not much was expected from a director like Vikram Bhatt who is living these days in sel- imposed hibernation. One look at his house tells you the complete story of this man's obsession. Vikram presents himself (though he will never accept it) as Shekhar in 'Ankahee'. Shekhar (Aftab Shivdasani) is a happy man with his wife Nandita (Amisha Patel) and his work. The love blossoms soon in the face of a child, Sheena, and the bond seems to be getting stronger day by day. And one day every thing changes when Miss World Kavya (Esha Deol) walks in his clinic.

She is the new entrant of slash society; she has cut her wrist and Shekhar treats her like any other patient. The caring and consolation that Kavya gets from him give place for him in her heart. Shekhar responds to this feeling whole-heartedly and soon finds himself fallen in love with Kavya. The relationship becomes the talk of the town and paparazzi works overtime to expose it. The relationship is open and the hell breaks loose in Nandita's life. Shekhar cannot leave Kavya and Nandita cannot bear that her husband is now in the arms of another woman.

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One may find many similarities between Vikram's narration (he has also written the story of the film, screenplay by Yash Vinay and dialogues by Girish Dhamija, another Bhatt camp favorite) and Mahesh Bhatt's style of unfolding the same kind story in 'Arth'. But, the handling of the subject in 'Ankahee' is more apt. Vikram Bhatt after long manages to work on human emotions and in some scenes excels over his one time mentor.

'Ankahee' is more like a story being told by the main character himself. Vikram's handling of the subject gets a great boost from the film's screenplay. The progression of events is slick and though sometimes it drags a bittowards the end the better qualities of this film linger on the viewers even after leaving the cinema hall. Vikram Bhatt's different style also gets great help from Sheena's character that works as a catalyst. The scene where the innocent child asks about her father's affair is high point of the film.

As a captain, Vikram has managed to get the best from his cast and crew. Well supported by his father in the cinematography of the film, Vikram makes the character live his life on screen. Not many directors will have guts to present his own reflection in a negative character, but Vikram does it and to be great in an any field one has to accept the lacuna of oneself at first. Shekhar's role is the most difficult role in the film and it is only because of film's autobiographical nature that the role turns so powerful. Another plus point is Pritam's music that after 'Gangster' once again seems to be in good.

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All the three main artistes of the film, namely, Aftab Shivdasani, Esha Deol and Amisha Patel should be thankful to 'Ankahee', as it has given their career a fresh lease of life. As Kavya, Esha Deol has presented herself as an actor who is now fully grown up and is ready to take challenges head on for any character. Her role demands a vast range of acting capabilities, yet she doesn't let down her director eve in a single scene. Amisha Patel in the role of an estranged wife excels and gives the story necessary part of drama and emotions, and so does Aftab Shivdasani. Aftab who last was applauded in 'Kasoor', also a Vikram Bhatt's film, comes up with a great performance again. On the whole, though 'Ankahee' is a mature film, it will find it audience in metros and small centers alike because of the subject's universal appeal. Good going, Vikram. Keep it up.