Anjaan is a rough and tough, pulse-pounding journey into the criminal underbelly of Mumbai, and is a heady mix of high-octane action and heart-throbbing emotion. It talks of Krishna, a strong brother with a mission to locate his lost brother, Raju Bhai, an underworld don, whose fate is unknown. The movie slowly reveals the dirty secrets of Raju Bhai past as Krishna moves amidst gang wars, rivalries and betrayals and the issues of loyalty, vengeance and family relations are explored. It is this pursuit of the truth that propels the story and elevates it beyond a story of vengeance to one that is also quite moving in regard to the discovery and strength shown by its protagonist.
Aesthetically, the rough cinematography and the thumping soundtrack help create a vivid picture of the murderous and merciless underworld of Mumbai. The action scenes are of high-octane and leave the audiences at the edge of the seat, and the actors who play the role of Krishna and the gangsters such as Chandru and Imran Bhai make their appearances believable and touching. The characters are depicted with rough intensity that hits a chord, particularly when they have to deal with vulnerability in the face of violence. The crisp editing and quick pace of the film keep the flow going and the audience is kept glued to the screen in this roller coaster ride.
Although it has many positive aspects, Anjaan sometimes steps into the territory of the well-known genre with certain scenes being too dependent on the aesthetic violence and the lack of surprises in the narrative. Nevertheless, it manages to provide a visceral rush and emotional release, making it clear that loyalty, love, and justice frequently cost a great deal. The movie makes an indelible impact in the end, with its unadulterated look into the underbelly of Mumbai underworld, as also the inseparable nature of family, and thus emerges a powerful and unforgettable movie experience.
