Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s reputation as a filmmaker in Indian cinema is well-established, with his 2002 heist thriller ‘Aankhen’ earning significant acclaim. Now, fans of Shah’s adept storytelling and skillful direction have another reason to celebrate: Shah is set to return with his new film ‘Hisaab’. Promising to be a thrilling heist drama, ‘Hisaab’ features the formidable talents of Shefali Shah and Jaideep Ahlawat. For those who hold ‘Aankhen’ in high regard, ‘Hisaab’ should indeed be at the top of their watchlist.
Released over two decades ago, ‘Aankhen’ became a milestone in Indian cinema by setting an extraordinary benchmark for heist dramas. The film boasted an ensemble cast including heavyweights such as Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Arjun Rampal, Paresh Rawal, and Sushmita Sen. The plot intricately wove the story of a group of blind men meticulously trained to carry out a bank robbery, a concept that was both unique and engaging. What made ‘Aankhen’ an instant classic was its underlying tension, the deep psychological exploration of its characters, and Shah’s masterful narrative pacing. Shah effectively led audiences to root for these morally ambiguous characters, making it more than just a heist film but a robust psychological thriller.
As a director, Vipul Amrutlal Shah has consistently demonstrated his ability to craft multi-faceted narratives that captivate audiences on numerous levels. Heist dramas come alive under his direction due to his knack for detailing the careful plotting, strategic execution, and unforeseen twists that can disrupt even the most carefully schemed plans. Enlisting accomplished actors like Shefali Shah and Jaideep Ahlawat for ‘Hisaab’ only heightens anticipation, as their performances are expected to bring depth and dynamism to the film.
Shefali and Jaideep are no strangers to sharing the screen. They previously featured together in the film ‘Three of Us’, set against the lush backdrop of the Konkan region in Maharashtra. Directed by Avinash Arun, ‘Three of Us’ explored the emotional journey of Shailaja Desai (played by Shefali Shah), a former Mumbai high court clerk grappling with a degenerative brain disease gradually erasing her past. The film depicted her poignant quest to relive her childhood memories with the help of her childhood friend and sweetheart, Pradip Kamat (played by Jaideep Ahlawat). Also featuring Swanand Kirkire, ‘Three of Us’ received a warm reception on OTT platforms, even though it did not fare as well in theaters.
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This outpouring of love and support was not lost on Shefali Shah, who expressed her gratitude on Instagram. In January, she wrote, “Thank you for all the love all of you (well most of you) are showering on ‘THREE OF US’. It’s humbling and overwhelming. The interpretations you’ll have of the minutest nuance, registering a look, a line, a gesture, a scene. It shows how deeply the film has affected you. This film was released in theaters and it didn’t do well at all. But on OTT, even though it was released on the 2nd last day of 2023, a lot of you are touting it to be the best film of 2023 and that’s a proof of what came from our hearts, will and has touched yours. We created something in complete honesty, giving it our all, baring ourselves which brought on surface your thoughts and feelings, and unhindered truth. Proving the strength of the connection between us and all of you even through a screen. And it just reinstates our faith in what we do, rather who we become, because you all believe it too. And we can’t begin to thank you enough for it.”
Returning to ‘Hisaab’, this upcoming heist thriller carries the weight of great expectations. With Shefali Shah and Jaideep Ahlawat’s on-screen collaboration being a magnet for viewers and Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s seasoned directorial hand steering the ship, ‘Hisaab’ is set to be a compelling narrative and a visual treat. Given the unique flair Shah exhibited in ‘Aankhen’, ‘Hisaab’ is likely to be a multi-layered story rich in drama and tension, embodying the very essence of a heist film while delving deep into psychological terrains.
For fans of intricately plotted heist dramas that blend crime with deep character studies, ‘Hisaab’ should be an eagerly anticipated addition to the 2023 cinematic offerings. This is especially true for those who were captivated by Shah’s earlier work ‘Aankhen’, as ‘Hisaab’ promises to follow in its esteemed footsteps, delivering unforgettable performances and a meticulously crafted storyline. Stay tuned as this exciting new film prepares to take the big screen by storm.
