Mukul S Anand was a visionary film director and producer who was often called one of the most technically brilliant filmmakers India ever produced. With iconic films like “Agnipath,” “Hum,” and “Khuda Gawah,” Anand was up for greater heights but tragically passed away at the age of 45 on September 7, 1997.
Early Life and Career
Mukul S Anand, born on October 11, 1951, in Mumbai, India. He was the nephew of veteran dialogue and screenwriter Inder Raj Anand, which makes him cousin of filmmaker-actor Tinu Anand and uncle of Sidharth Anand.
Mukul made his directorial debut in 1983 with Gujarati film “Kanku Ni Kimat.” He made his “Kanoon Kya Karega,” starring Suresh Oberoi, Danny, Deepti Naval, and Asha Sachdev, a suspense thriller inspired by the Hollywood film “Cape Fear.” Mukul was always the fan of western maestros like Martin Scorsese and Alfred Hitchcock. He even attemted to recreate their magic in films like “Aitbaar” and “Agneepath.” Although he started working on original stories after his initial films, the influence never goes away.
Breakthrough of Mukul S Anand
Anand’s second film, “Aitbaar” (1985), starring Raj Babbar, Dimple Kapadia, and Suresh Oberoi. It drew inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Dial M for Murder,” showcasing his ability to craft intense psychological thrillers. The film has soulful songs like “Kisi Nazar Ko Tera Intezar Aaj Bhi Hai” and “Awaaz Di Hai Aaj Ek Nazar Ne.”
However, it was the epic film “Sultanat” (1986) starring Sridevi and Sunny Deol, that first brought him significant recognition. He paired the real-life father-son duo of Dharmendra and Sunny Deol and introduced Juhi Chawla to the audience.
With a keen eye for detail, a penchant for grand storytelling, and an ability to extract powerful performances from his actors, Mukul developed his own style of filmmaking with time. Anand’s technical brilliance was evident in his use of cinematography and music to enhance the storytelling experience. He had a knack for creating visually stunning sequences; his films often featured elaborate set designs and costumes that transported the audience to the world he created on screen.
He also directed Dharmendra, Mithun Chakraborty, and Meenakshi Sheshadri starrer “Main Balwan (1986).” His first major box-office success came with “Insaaf (1987),” which marked the return of Vinod Khanna to the film industry, followed by “Maha-Sangram (1990),” starring Vinod Khanna, Govinda, and Madhuri Dixit.
The Success
In 1990, Anand directed “Agneepath,” a crime thriller inspired by Brian De Palma’s classic “Scarface” and starring Amitabh Bachchan that earned the lead actor a National Award for Best Actor. “Agneepath” was a crime drama that dealt with themes of revenge and redemption. The film’s protagonist, played by Amitabh Bachchan, embarks on a journey to avenge his father’s wrongful death, leading to a deeper examination of the blurred lines between good and evil. The title itself, derived from a poem by Harivansh Rai Bacchan, signifies the path of fire that the protagonist must walk through to achieve his goals, symbolising the trials and tribulations one faces in the pursuit of justice.
Mukul S Anand again teamsup with Amitabh Bachchan for the thriller “Hum” (1991) also starring Rajnikanth, and Govinda. The film told the story of a loving family which faced the black shadowes of their past. It highlighted the strength of familial ties and the sacrifices one makes for loved ones. The film also featured the iconic song “Jumma Chumma.”
His 1992 romantic epic “Khuda Gawah (1992)” brings back the pair of Sridevi and Amitabh Bachchan after many years. In “Khuda Gawah,” Anand ventured into the realm of epic romance and adventure. The film’s narrative spanned countries and cultures, touching upon themes of love, honour, and commitment. It showcased the lengths to which the characters were willing to go for love and duty, earning Anand critical acclaim and a Filmfare Best Director Award.
Later Work
In 1991 he directed Khoon Ka Karz starring Vinod Khanna, Rajinikanth, Sanjay Dutt, Dimple Kapadia, Kimi Katkar, and Sangeeta Bijlani. His last film was “Trimurti” (1995), starring Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, and Shahrukh Khan. Unfortunately, it did not perform at the box office. He also produced Ram Shetty-directed Army (1996). The film was a revenge drama starring Sridevi and a big ensemble. He also produced Suniel Shetty’s Prithvi (1997), directed by Nitin Manmohan.
At the time of his untimely demise, Anand was working on action thriller “Dus,” with Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan. The film remained incomplete and unreleased, though its music was posthumously released.
Carft and Legacy
Mukul Anand’s films are celebrated for their diverse themes and his unique storytelling approach. Anand’s films were not only thematically rich but also visually striking, with a keen eye for detail and grandeur. His ability to weave intricate stories with larger-than-life characters and settings made his films memorable and impactful.
His directorial style was characterised by a dynamic use of camera angles and movements. Anand preferred fluid camera work that followed the action closely, creating an immersive experience for the viewers. He was also known for his innovative use of lighting to set the mood and tone of his films, whether it was the gritty ambiance of “Agneepath” or the grandeur of “Khuda Gawah.”.
Anand’s approach to editing was another aspect of his technical expertise. He believed in crisp editing that kept the pace of the film tight, ensuring that the audience remained engaged throughout. This was particularly evident in his action sequences, which were meticulously choreographed and edited to create maximum impact.
Mukul Anand’s films were known for their scale and ambition. He was not afraid to take on challenging subjects and present them in a commercially viable format.
Personal Life
Anand’s personal life was enriched by his marriage to Anita, with whom he had two children, Mikhail and Alishka.
Tragically, Mukul S Anand’s life was cut short when he suffered a heart attack on September 7, 1997, while on location in Utah for the filming of “Dus.” He was only 45 years old, and his death left a void in the Indian film industry that is felt to this day.
Mukul S Anand on IMDB
