This riveting crime drama will alter your image of law enforcement officers

Films have forever portrayed law enforcement officers in India through a one-dimensional lens. They’ve either been portrayed as government servants who relentlessly serve and go beyond the call of duty or those who’ve let their morals slide in exchange for commercial gains. But Shimit Amin’s 2004 film Ab tak Chhappan is one that depicts the precarious position that encounter cops find themselves in while navigating a system that merely considers them as pawns in a game of chess. And this sharp action drama is our Lost and Found for today.

The film revolves around Sadhu Agashe (played by Nana Patekar). Agashe is a straight-shooter with the encounter squad of the Mumbai Police. The encounter squad was a department of the Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch which was assembled to eliminate underworld figures in an attempt to curb nefarious activities in the city. This team of uniform-less cops were empowered to take out dons and others with the mafia with little ramifications as their actions were often justified as crossfires. While this department managed to bring down the city’s crime rate through brutal force and by clamping down on antisocial elements, officers of this squad were often accused by the media to be serving as unofficial hitmen who’d take orders from politicians. Agashe, who heads the department, however, is portrayed as a straight-shooter who strives to do the right thing. While there are times when he doesn’t agree with the task assigned to him, he has the foresight to pick his battles. But when he crosses a Dubai-based don by eliminating many of his local aides, the mafioso seeks vengeance that could alter Agashe’s life forever.

This has to be one of Nana Patekar’s most compelling performances on screen. The actor closely understands and exhibits his character’s state of mind in a range of situations. This film sensitizes one to the predicament of police officers who’re often torn between doing the right thing and turning a blind-eye to the consequences of their actions. It also throws light on how family members of these relentless cops have to accept their profession along with the inevitable and perpetual risks that come with it.

While not an official or authorized biography, the character of Sadhu Agashe in this film bears a close resemblance to a certain decorated police officer with the encounter squad who was accused of crossing certain politicians and going rogue. If you don’t know who we’re referring to, watch this film to find out.

Ab Tak Chhappan is available to stream on MX Player, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video.

Well that's the OTTplay Lost and found for today , until the next time it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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Written by Kunal Guha