BADAL (2000)
Stars: Bobby Deol, Rani Mukherjee, Ashutosh Rana, Ashish Vidyarthi, Mayuri Kango, Amrish Puri, Johny Lever
Music: Anu Malik
Direction: Raj Kanwar

Badal tries to explore the psyche of terrorists and the best way to handle them. Raj Kanwar sets his story in the homeground of terrorism - Punjab, and argues that the tough line of gunning down or punishing the terrorists could actually result in more people opting for militancy. So there are two sides to the police approach—one, followed by the DIG (Ashutosh Rana) who believes in stamping them out of existence and the other by the ACP (Amrish Puri), who thinks that a humane approach to the problem is needed.
The plot revolves around Badal (Bobby Deol) who is witness to police brutality in his village when his whole family is shot down by cops looking for hiding terrorists. Seething with hatred for the cops and the DIG who ordered the shooting, Badal makes revenge the sole mission of his life. He too turns a terrorist, looting banks with his own gang, and stalks the DIG, waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
For a change, the film shows politicians in good light and not in league with corrupt and arrogant cops. The brooding Bobby, who works in a car repair shop under an assumed name, is wooed aggressively by Rani. She forces him to admit love for her, not aware of his violent background. In the meanwhile, the friendly cop admits Badal into his family. As Badal needs a secure place , he stays in the house, while the DIG is on the lookout for militants hiding in the village.
Unknown to the ACP and Badal, the DIG plays a double game working for the insurgents, helping in their arms traffic. Ashish Vidyarthi, who had brought up Badal, falls into the trap set by the DIG. When he is tortured to reveal his links with the rest of the gang, Badal can't stand it and decides to risk his cover. He suddenly finds himself hunted by the DIG as well as the ACP. A plot is hatched by the DIG to kill his politician father on Independence Day, using Badal, eliminating him also in the process as a wanted terrorist.
There have been quite a few films with terrorism as background. Like Gulzar's Maachis, Badal too opposes brutal state counter-terrorism. Bobby Deol essays a role tailor made for his personality. Just like in his hit film Soldier, he comes up with a powerful performance. Badal's inner pain and anguish are reflected in his face. The brief happiness when he finds a family that is ready to accept him comes off convincingly. And though he is drawn to the chirpy Rani, he realizes that their love, which has no place in his blood-soaked life, is doomed to failure.
Director Raj Kanwar presents Bobby powerfully on the screen. With hits like Jeet, Jaan and Daag-The Fire, Kanwar knows a thing or two about keeping the viewers engrossed. The action scenes have been executed adeptly. There is continuous gunfire, blood and gore, earning the film an 'A' certificate.
Rani Mukherjee has little to do, except the dance numbers set to foot-tapping music by Anu Malik. A strong Punjabi flavour whether in dialogue or songs should make the film popular in the northern belt, where violent films usually go down well with the audience. Johny Lever provides the comic relief. He is rather loud at times but the crowd always seems to enjoy his antics. Mayuri Kango has an insignificant role and leaves no impact.
Besides Bobby Deol, the others who stand out are Ashutosh Rana, Amrish Puri (who is supposed to be doing a guest appearance) and Ashish Vidyarthi. Rana once again excels as a villain in police uniform. Stylish in dialogue delivery and performance, Rana's character comes off with chilling effect and his confrontation scenes with the conscientious ACP are very well done.
All-in-all, a film tailor-made for box-office success, with all the essential masala thrown in.