User reviews

Granted my copy of the VCD print was horrible - but the movie in itself it phenomenal. The credible footage of commando training is awesome - and seeing Nana himself do some of the scenes seems unbelievable.

The final 15 minutes of the movie are to die for. His dialogue delivery is superb - as one might come to expect from a stalwart like Nana.

It was nice to see my old Regiment (Maratha Light Infantry) on film - we boys do kick a**! :-) I could find myself nodding with Nan's take on society... for it's the sad truth! A bitter pill we all need to realise.

I also found my self drawing parallels with this film and the major theme of Tom Clancy's excellent book "Without Remorse".

In any case, a deserving film to see. The print isn't great and there are some glaring editing gaffes - but it's a 1991 film, and the gaffes aren't so horrible that they stick out like sore thumbs. The flow is non-stop. The story solid.

Budgetary constraints are readily apparent - and as are certain scenes which seem contrived rather than believable (some scenes with the terrorists makes it seem like it is easier than it is). But one can write this off to keeping the theme simple to sell to the masses.

Watch this film - you won't regret it.

"And that's a soldier's word" :-)

I would rate this as Nana Patekar's career best performance after his National award-winning performance in Krantiveer. Good acting by first-timer Gautam Joglekar(who was not to be seen after this movie) and the gorgeous Madhuri Dikshit. The film opens with Peter D'Souza(Gautam Joglekar) who joins the army and has to report for commando training, much against the wishes of his father and his fiancé Shirley (Madhuri). There he meets Major Chauhan(Nana Patekar) who is the instructor at the academy. Maj. Chauhan makes Peter and his fellow commandos go through various hellish training regimes which are indeed nearly brutal. Peter decides he has had enough and decides to quit. But when Maj Chauhan learns about his decision, he humiliates Peter in front of his fellow commandos. This makes Peter re-consider his decision and he tops the commando training. After the training is nearly complete Peter discovers Maj Chauhan's nice side too. The story also reveals Maj Chauhan's dark past. He is the son of a prostitute, who is sold to a couple of goons by her pimp. He is then raised in an orphanage and then goes on to become an army officer.

Soon after the commando training is over, Peter becomes an invalid due to injuring his legs in a mission against hijackers. Peter is discharged from duty and then he decides to marry Shirley, the invitation for which is received by Maj Chauhan. But when Maj Chauhan reaches Mumbai for Peter's wedding, he comes to know that Peter was killed by the neighborhood goons, when he refused to pay them extortion money.

What Maj Chauhan does after that to gain justice for Peter and his family forms the crux of the plot. This movie sends out the message that India's sovereignty has more threat from the corrupt politicians and policemen than from any kind of foreign aggression. It also sends out the message that Army officers, who risk their lives, sometimes sacrifice them for the benefit of the nation , are meted out treatment far worse than dogs after they are discharged due to injury or illness, and that their condition should be improved.

What else can I say about Nana Patekar? Excellent actor. And the fact that he tried to make a realistic indian commando movie is commendable. But he takes it to one higher level and makes it into an indian "Death Wish". Coupled with the complexity of his character's backround, you can't help but admire what he's done with this film. Must watch.

To date, I have never seen a film like it. There will never a film like this be made now, as India is becoming increasingly westernized day by day.

To prove this point we already have a reality show Bigg Boss copied from Big Brother which was first developed by Endemol in the Netherlands. In this show people can openly express their sexuality and sexual preference.

Back to the film. It deals with many topics and in order to appreciate the message of the film, you will need a second viewing. I myself have seen this film at least ten times and each time I have discovered something new that I had missed earlier.

The topics dealt with are: national and internal security, prostitution in India, the life of orphans in India, crime and extortion and the influence of the media.

It also deals with madness. Major Chauhan who as a child watched his mother abducted was deeply affected mentally and to this day still has visions of that terrible day. Left untreated this madness built in him throughout the years, and when it finally erupted in the climax of the film it was devastating.

Also we see in the film that Major Chauhan has a vision for his country - people of all caste and creed freed from all shame, hatred and suspicion and united in mutual love. This is the final scene of the film which is I think removed by the India Censor Board in the TV screening of the film.

Major Chauhan is committed to a mental asylum after which we notice a change in his character. He is finally at peace with himself and is waiting with eager anticipation at the final fulfillment of his dream.

Plot: Peter D'Souza goes for commando training and is trained by Major Chauhan who takes a liking to him. He completes his training with honors receiving the prized Commando Dagger.

During a mission to rescue some schoolchildren taken hostage by terrorists, he is fatally shot in the legs and crippled for life. He is discharged with honors.

Major Chauhan gets an wedding invitation from Peter some time later. When he arrives and inquire of Peter's whereabouts, he is told bluntly by a woman that Peter is no more.

What happens next has to be seen.

I sincerely request you to see this film or better still buy it on DVD or VCD. It will be money well spent.

This is the only film directed by Nana Patekar. Why he hasn't directed more films after Prahaar is a mystery.

GOD BLESS India.

Prahaar is simply one of the best or perhaps the best hindi film I have ever seen in my life . The pain , anger and frustration of an army officer when he faces the inner layers and reality of our society and criminal thugs . Nana Patekar gives the best acting performance of his lifetime . In terms of acting Nana Patekar is up there with Pacino and Deniro

CLASSIC

10/10

the brilliance and the superb acting done by nana patekar is the show stealer here...have any one wondered almost every stunt was performed by himself, or its just me...,i m not very aged person just 26 and i saw this movie when i was just a little kid it made sense then and it made sense now....its not just a movie its a art...a mirror display the reality of us.We live in world we want to dress and look good, we want to live a good life, for that we step on and ignore so many things that happen besides us that are also important, it was so funny that in the end they decided to put him in a mental cell....he just fought for others sake

What a movie!! Almost perfect on all the parameters. Non of the below reviewers noticed the fact that, Prahaar has been written, directed and acted by Nana himself. This shows his depth of thinking and intellectual qualities. Such quality is not even possessed by super-hit new comer writer directors.

Action, emotion, rage, love. So raw and so untamed. Brilliant acting, amazing characters and great backdrop. It reminds ultimately that movies are not commercial projects done for revenue, its an art form.

Prahaar (1991) : Brief Review -

A tight slap on Dusty Minded Society with right perception and Nana Patekar's stone-breaking characterization but with wrong objects. Prahaar is front loaded material if you're fan of 90s Nana Patekar films but somehow it tries to clean the dust of society which was too late by then. Mainly it comes with less action but solid characterization of almost every single artist present in the film. The film is about an Army officer who is outraged by the the muteness and deafness of the society against Evils. The officer takes law in hands to complete a revenge of his loving fella by giving it a name of his duty of cleaning enemies of country. The script seems bit offbeat and hard-hitting looking at it's period of early 90s when Bollywood was in relationship with mainstream action/romace films. Another offbeat or may i say new thing was to introduce Army training camp in Bollywood in strict manners. It was pleasing and interesting throughout the narrative and it was also shockingly acceptable in the climax when we realise the importance of Army Training. Now how much sense it made is a different topic to argue anyways because every brain has different definitions of Freedom and Independence that we have got. Nana Patekar as strict army officer is in sublime form and all his physical, endurance and training acts are real treat to watch. Rest of the cast don't get too much to show so i should say it's decent. Technically and cinematically there are few mistakes which are ignorable but some big falters in the writing must not be spared. This is the only thing which goes wrong with the film that it used the wrong objects to tell this overwhelming storyline. It should have came from a common man from the same dusty society rather than Decorated Army Officer. Overall, a Fantastic Social Drama.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest

This movie is about an army major who fights with the system which is corrupt & full of people who watch the oppression by goons, politicians and silently suffer it. Very normal for everyone of us. An absolute truth has been reflected about the Indian society & its way of accepting things as it is but cometh one man who does not believe in accepting things as it is. There have been many masala movies in Bollywood where the protagonist takes up the same challenge but this movie does away with all the unnecessary masala. The story line is very simple & touching. Major Chauhan's character is an outcome of his childhood, his scope of interaction with the society is very limited but his determination to clear the society of evils is impacting. His cadet's death creates an impact on him and the same impact happens on everyone of us when a close one dies. The best thing about this movie is its closeness to reality. Real life commando training, real life situations and a different response to them. What this movie will teach you is that don't accept things as it is. Learn to change them. The ending of the movie is its best part. Major Chauhan says "Chiku, jis din tumhare jaise mere bahut saare dost ho jaayenge, us din main azad ho jaunga". Clearly he gives the message that things will change when people start reflecting to his thought process.

Found some what resembles with full metal jacket during the commando training shown at the beginning but it's surely not whole that. It has its own story Revolving around Nana patekar in which the flashback is Parallel with the presence. Must watch.

This movie is also relevant today in 2024!

Movie run around a Army commando who is devastated by hideous elements of society. The film offers a stark and realistic depiction of military life, focusing on the rigorous training and personal sacrifices demanded of soldiers.

The supporting cast, including Madhuri Dixit and Dimple Kapadia, deliver commendable performances that complement Nana Patekar's portrayal. The film's cinematography and direction by Nana Patekar himself create a tense and immersive atmosphere, drawing viewers into the world of the Indian army.

Overall, "Prahaar: The Final Attack" stands out as a powerful and poignant tribute to the bravery and dedication of soldiers. It remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences for its realistic portrayal of military life and its exploration of the human spirit in times of adversity.

This is one of the best i have ever seen of Nana Patekar!

What a masterpiece 🙌 Every Indian must watch this movie.

Nana actually took commando training before the filming started. Infact the film's first half is dedicated to the tough training his character imparts to the new recruits. The way this film depicts the life in the army, the commando training i think no movie would have done any better.

"Soldier never quits till he is dead''

The final 15 minutes of the movie are to die for. His dialogue delivery is superb. It was also shockingly acceptable in the climax when we realise the importance of Army Training, to fight for ourselves!!!

Being Born in 2000's i thought ''Lakshya'' was the best military movies directed by Indian Filmmakers it is the most closest movie to my heart i must have watched it more than 20 times, but that spot is taken by Prahaar now. The way this film depicts the life in the army, the commando training i think no movie would have done any better. Nana Patekar's acting is fabulous and other actors have also played their role well. Also their is a cameo of General V. K Singh in the movie so you can't just miss that. The movie highlights the discipline in the armed forces very well. Overall a Great movie worth your time. ''Soldier never quits till he is dead'' - Prahaar.

Prahaar review :

Nana Patekar chose an unconventional subject for his directorial debut; Prahaar revolved around an army man whose favourite cadet is murdered in broad daylight by street goons who were extorting 'hafta' from his shop. The unfortunate incident makes him realise that the enemy within the country is as dangerous as the one across the border...

Being a perfectionist that he is, Nana actually took commando training before the filming started. Infact the film's first half is dedicated to the tough training his character imparts to the new recruits. "Mushkil waqt, commando saqt!!"; the training sequences are the highlight of Prahaar and I really enjoyed the way Patekar finds out which of his student had whistled at a passerby lady!!

Coming to the ladies, Patekar hired two divine beauties Dimple Kapadia and Madhuri Dixit and presented them without any makeup throughout the film. Dimple played a widow who is troubled by the neighborhood goons. She looked simply mesmerizing even in a white saree. Madhuri played the murdered cadet's fiancée who tries to cope over her personal loss. Ankush Mohite showed promise as the goonda extortionist whom Nana bumps off brutally in the end.

Prahaar was quite offbeat in approach though it was within the realms of commercial cinema. The movie wasn't a box office success appealing more to the younger urban generation. I still remember as school kids, we used to fight with each other reciting Nana's punchline "COME ON, KILL ME!!". Epic stuff, I tell ya.

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.