Backdrop preview Aag backdrop
Aag

Aag (1967)

May 12, 1967 2h Action Drama

Shanker is a young man who lives in a small village community with his mute sister, Durgi, and his mom, Shanti. Shanker's efforts to get Durgi married are all in vain. The local money-lender, Lala, in his early 60s, comes to know about this and proposes to marry Durgi, but is refused, and asked to leave. Lala plots vengeance, and gets his chance to rape Durgi, resulting in the death of Durgi. Shanker hunts him down, and kills him. Lala's death involves the police, and Shanker must run from them. He does so, and joins a gang of dacoits and pledges to be part of their gang, not knowing that in so doing, he will be spending the rest of his life, hiding in caverns and the countryside, unable to see his mother anymore, nor any normal human being, for the rest of his life.

Directed by Naresh Kumar

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Naresh Kumar
Writer
  • Naresh Kumar
  • Ahsan Rizvi

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Aag examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Naresh Kumar brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1967, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Aag took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 308 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1967, when this film was released:
  • Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
  • Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Aag shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Man's Woman and Other Stories, which focuses more on action than character development, Aag offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Tarang and Swayamvar explore similar territory, Aag stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 12, 1967
  • Runtime: 2h

Similar Movies