Shimit Amin’s hard-hitting crime drama Ab Tak Chhappan completes 21 years, yet it remains one of Bollywood’s finest gangster films. The film, produced by Ram Gopal Varma, introduced a raw and realistic take on encounter killings, setting new standards for the genre.
Shimit Amin’s Rise and Sudden Disappearance
Shimit Amin made a spectacular debut with Ab Tak Chhappan in 2004, showcasing his sharp storytelling and editing skills. He went on to direct two of Bollywood’s best films- Chak De! India starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year featuring Ranbir Kapoor. However, despite his immense talent, he disappeared from the film industry, leaving fans wondering why he never returned with another project.
A Dark And Realistic Take On Crime
Ab Tak Chhappan is more than just another gangster film; it is a gripping, realistic portrayal of Mumbai’s encounter specialists—policemen with the authority to eliminate criminals the legal system cannot control. Amin, with his background in editing, crafted the film with razor-sharp precision. The shootouts are depicted with stark realism, blending seamlessly into everyday life. The film’s tone and treatment bear similarities to the style of renowned filmmaker Steven Soderbergh.
Nana Patekar’s Career-Defining Role
Nana Patekar delivered a career-best performance as Sadhu Agashe, a fearless cop who sees his job as a necessary evil. His portrayal is raw, intense, and deeply immersive, making him neither a hero nor a villain, but simply a man doing his duty. Patekar’s ability to bring out the character’s internal conflicts without melodrama sets the film apart.
Unlike most crime dramas, Ab Tak Chhappan does not pass judgment on its characters. It presents encounter killings as they are, without glorifying or criticising them. The film avoids sentimentality, even in emotional moments like the death of Sadhu’s wife. However, some relationships, such as the mentor-student dynamic between Sadhu and rookie officer Jatin (Nakul Vaid), could have been explored further.
A Film With A Lasting Impact
While the first half of Ab Tak Chhappan maintains a raw, documentary-like feel, the second half leans towards cinematic storytelling, bringing in elements of poetic justice. Despite some predictable moments, the film remains gripping due to Amin’s tight direction, Salim-Sulaiman’s intense background score, and Vishal Sinha’s distinctive cinematography, which ensures the film stands apart from other gangster sagas like Satya and Company.
Even after 21 years, Ab Tak Chhappan continues to be a benchmark in crime thrillers. It broke away from Bollywood’s conventional storytelling and gave audiences a no-nonsense, hard-hitting narrative. While Shimit Amin’s sudden exit from filmmaking remains a mystery, his work on this film and the ones that followed cement his legacy as a filmmaker with a unique voice.
