Accident (1985 film)

Cast

Analysis

Critics call it one of the first films depicting corruption in public life and the futile struggle against it. The film also throws light on the unholy nexus between politicians and media, also focusing on the impact of drug abuse and addiction. The movie is realistic and has a measured pace throughout and the climax leaves audience spellbound. The movie has struck the right balance between commercial and art cinema; "bridge cinema" in the true sense. The film raises questions but refuses to answer them. The movie’s screenplay is its greatest strength.

The movie also depicts the life style of the upper class, the rich and the powerful. The houses, the gardens, their boy friends, girl friends, behavior with their servants, their inter action with other people, their language, etc.

Ilayaraja’s score too plays an important role in the film. Music is almost non-existent. All that you hear is the sound of typewriter keys, clicking cameras, screeching cars, noise of television, bullets sliding inside a pistol, a dog barking, feet running, and the creaking of metal in no specific order The silence at the scene of the accident scene is haunting. There are no songs in this movie.

Every movie directed by Shankar Nag is a master piece. It would be wise to remember that with Malgudi days, he inhabits the heart of every Indian, not just Kannadigas. He is the director that Kannada cinema celebrates the most, after Puttanna Kanagal.

Plot

Deepak (Ashok Mandanna), the spoilt son of a powerful politician Dharmadhikari (Ananth Nag) runs his imported car over pavement dwellers one fateful night under the influence of drugs. Except for a lone survivor, all are killed. Ramanna (Nagabharana), the survivor, identifies the driver. His friend Rahul (Sreenivasa Prasad), son of an advertising agency chief (Arundhati Nag), is with him during the accident. The shock of the accident leaves Rahul deeply traumatised. Unable to hold keep the secret any longer, Rahul shares the truth with his mother. She in turn implores to Dharmadhikaari to save them. Dharmadhikari who is slated to win a by-election cannot afford to let this accident ruin his political ambitions. He hushes up the case with the help of Chief Minister and sends his son on a trip abroad. Inspector Rao, (Ramesh Bhat) is the investigating officer. Ravi (Shankar Nag), a daring investigative journalist, joins him and the duo begin to putting together the evidence. With Rao’s help, Ravi gets to the bottom of the whole affair. When Rao identifies the culprits, Dharmadhikari asks his retired driver to say he was driving the car. Rao is asked to go on leave and Ravi’s editor refuses to run the story. On his way to the airport, Deepak dies in an accident. Dharmadhikari wins, but loses at the same time. Shankar Nag, apparently changed the climax. He originally wanted to work it around the assassination of Indira Gandhi

Reception

Accident was well received by critics and audience. The movie won the Karnataka State Film award. Accident is a testimony to the exceptional directorial ability of Shankar Nag.

Awards