User reviews

(1994) Elaan (In Hindi with English subtitles) CRIME DRAMA/ ROMANCE/ THRILLER ACTION

Produced and directed by Guddu Dhanoa that has Vishal Chaudhary going for an interview for a job, but before that he hits his mother, Revathy Chaudhary for some money. When Vishal arrives, he was among of four other people competing for the same position, except that after he witnesses unfair treatment toward a longtime employee, he decides to leave as he did not want to be a part of that, argues with his dad, ACP Ramakant Chaudhary some more. Meanwhile, we are then introduced to another family household, a daughter, Mohini arguing with her father, Devki Nandan Sharma (who also an inspector but not on the same level as Ramakant) and mother, Parvati about money for a face message and makeup. While Mohini is hitching for a ride, the driver then drives to an isolated work site for the intention of assaulting her. It is during then, she is saved by Vishal who happens to be there. As a result of saving her life, she then goes on the pursuit to track him down, we find out that his dad knows her dad as they both happen to work in the same department, when they cross paths again when she also happens to prey on the exact same site as he does. They are also happen to be in the middle of a turf war between Baba Kahn and Mana Shetty. We find out down the line, that the commissioner and some doctors could be on the pocket of the gangsters. That they are also connected to the unsolved murder of Vishal's brother, Vikas who was a respected doctor.

This is a typical melodramatic Bollywood production. The system (cops, courts, etc) is corrupt and THE hero (whose only qualification seems to be that he knows how to fight) is going to fix it all. I am not sure what the message for the viewer is: is someone upset with corruption supposed to start mayhem in the streets to get revenge ? The songs were average as well. The acting is mediocre in general, with a few good sections. Amrish Puri has done a good job in his role as a honest police officer. Akshay Kumar is at best, mediocre. The story is somewhat improbable, with bombs being tied to people to kill them in public by blowing them up - wouldn't it be easier to just shoot someone or do something similar ??

The movie Elaan is relatively unknown among audiences, but I found it to be one of the best action movies in Bollywood history due to its intensity. The performance and stunts of Akshay Kumar are truly remarkable as Elaan, Mohra, and many other hits became the base on which Akshay has built his successful career. Being one of his biggest fans, I would recommend this movie to any other Akki fan because the movie truly delivers. There is something magical about the whole film as all its components come together in a wonderful fashion to create a movie worth watching over and over again. Amrish Puri also is great in the movie as he performs at his peak. Elaan is one of the best movies in Bollywood ever made!