The movie is riveting akin to a suspense movie since the story builds up to a crescendo. Any one with a hint of how a good film should be made should see this marvel of a movie. Shyam Benegal is a genius the like of Raj Kapoor, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Satyajit Ray. For example there is a long shot of a corridor with no action or actors but it builds a certain expectation. The scree play is one of the best in an Indian movie. The story even though has a disclaimer is intriguing since it is loosely based on an actress in the 40's. All have acted well but Smith Patil is the ace as in the movie within the movie she is in the witness stand and switches from acting to a normal with such an abandon that clearly set her apart from an amateur actress. This is one incredible movie that will never happen again since Bollywood is taken over by pubescent directors with kachada movies that are not even worth to be spit on.
