Ajji
Ajji is an Indian Hindi-language crime-drama film directed by Devashish Makhija. The film stars Sushama Deshpande, Sharvani Suryavanshi, Abhishek Banerjee, Sadiya Siddiqui, Vikas Kumar, Manuj Sharma, Sudhir Pandey, Kiran Khoje, and Smita Tambe in major roles. "Ajji" has been positioned as a dark take on the classic fairy tale, "Red Riding Hood". The film is backed by Yoodlee Films, a production venture of Saregama.
The film was released theatrically in India on 24 November 2017. It is now available on Amazon Prime Video.
Synopsis
When Ajji's 10-year-old granddaughter is raped, she finds that the police are unable to arrest the culprit as he is a local politician's son. Ajji decides to take matters into her own hands.Cast
- Sushama Deshpande as Ajji
- Smita Tambe as Vibha
- Sharvani Suryavanshi as Manda
- Sadiya Siddiqui as Leela
- Trimala Adhikari as Dolly
- Rasika Agashe as Ayurved
- Sudhir Pandey as Sharafat
- Shrikant Yadav as Dhavle Senior
- Abhishek Banerjee as Dhavle Junior
- Vikas Kumar as Inspector
- Manuj Sharma as Umya
- Shreyas Pandit as Milind
- Kaamod L. Kharade as Gawli
- Kiran Khoje as Dhavle Junior's wife
- Afreen Shaikh as Mukta
Development
Soundtrack
The music of the film has been given by Mangesh Dhakde with Kaamod Kharade working as sound designer and Aditya Yadav as sound editor.Critical reception
The film majorly received positive reviews from critics.The Hollywood Reporter termed it as one of India's strongest independents this year. Renuka Vyavahare of The Times of India rated the film 4 out of 5 stars. Kunal Guha of Mumbai Mirror also rated it 4 stars out of 5, saying "Devashish Makhija's film manages to keep one on the edge." Subhash K. Jha said that "cinema cannot get any more basic or honest than this" and gave the movie 4 out of 5 stars. Movie Talkies gave the film 4/5 stars and wrote that "the cinematographer deserves a pat on the back for highlighting the dark and dingy underbelly of Mumbai."
Deccan Chronicle gave the movie 3.5 out of 5 stars calling it a standout film with a medieval, moral soul. Giving Ajji 3 stars out of 5, Anupama Chopra said that "Devashish is a master of atmosphere. He skillfully sets up a deep dread." Movie critic Rajeev Masand said, "It took me a long time to get the film out of my head" and gave it 3/5 stars. Daily News and Analysis gave the movie 3.5 out of 5 stars stating that "Ajji is not for the faint hearted." Glamsham called it a "bloody gruesome 'cut' above indie and rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars. Rohit Vats of Hindustan Times gave the film 3 out of 5 stars calling it "An unpretentious revenge saga served with proper dose of blood and gore"
Filmfare rated the movie 2.5 out of 5 stars and called it "a film strictly for fans of dark and delicious cinema." Trade analyst Komal Nahta said that "Ajji is too dark and depressing to make a mark at the box office".
Other Reviews :
"Ajji is like no other revenge drama" - Arré
"Ajji makes for bold and gritty viewing, but it is essential" - Cinestaan
"Must watch Indie film of the year" - Screen Anarchy
"Ajji, in a way, is a flesh-and-blood product of 'realism' films" - Film Companion
"Direct & Effective" - Screen International