Cast
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Amitabh Bachchan
as Prabhakar Anand
Saif Ali Khan
as Deepak Kumar
Deepika Padukone
as Poorvi Anand
Manoj Bajpayee
as Mithilesh Kumar Singh
Prateik Smita Patil
as Sushant Seth
Aanchal Munjal
as Muniya S. Yadav
Hema Malini
as Shakuntala Thakral (Guest Appearance)
Tanvi Azmi
as Mrs.Anand
Mukesh Tiwari
as Police Inspector
Yashpal Sharma
as Shambhu Kaka
Darshan Jariwala
as Anirudh Prasad
Rajeev Verma
as Damodar Seth
Saurabh Shukla
as Education Minister
Sonal Jha
as Shanti Bua
Sumeet Vyas
as Teacher
Crew
Director
- Prakash Jha
Producer
- Firoz A. Nadiadwala
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Aarakshan examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Prakash Jha 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 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Aarakshan took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.1 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 164 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 195 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 53 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Aarakshan 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 Rage: Carrie 2, which focuses more on action than character development, Aarakshan offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like City of Men and The Bucket List explore similar territory, Aarakshan stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 12, 2011
- Runtime: 2h 44m
- Budget: $6,100,000
- Revenue: $7,900,000
