User Reviews

Ardh Satya is an excellently made film. Govind Nihalani leaves no stone unturned in his portrayal of the trials and tribulations of the main character Anant Velankar. He never wanted to be a policeman, but he reluctantly accepted the job because circumstances forced him to as his domineering father did not give him any other option. Now, as a policeman, Anant is honest, hard-working and justice-seeking. No, not at all what we get to see in mindless action films with their exaggerated portrayals of policemen going all nuts over their profession and their fake patriotism being the main issue. Here you will not see any of the silly action sequences or the caricature villains. Ardh Satya is a realistic film, its authenticity is more present than anything else in it. It's a true depiction of the life of an Indian cop and it does not submit to stereotypes, which could have been the easiest way to go.

As Anant, Om Puri plays a man who tries to fight criminals and those who break the low, but ends up having to fight against injustice within the system itself. This movie is just his story, not necessarily as a cop. It's about his dedication to his job, his frustration, his deterioration and fall from grace. Nihalani directs this feature with great integrity, and Vijay Tendulkar's script and dialogues are fantastic. Anant's relationships with those who surround him are aptly portrayed. The sequences showing his interaction with Jyotsna, a young lecturer of literature, are stupendous and are of the best in the film, right from their first meeting which opens the film to the time when they are already considering a future marriage. There isn't a lot of romanticism about it, but there's a lot of humanity and respect. Even the portrayal of his relationship with his parents, in spite of the minimal screen time it is given, is spot on and is very troubling.

Ardh Satya is a one-man show, and needless to say, it is Om Puri who dominates the proceedings with his heartfelt, brilliant performance as Anant. Puri is an actor who has very rarely delivered something unworthy, although he has been given stuff unworthy of his talent. This performance ranks amongst the finest works of his illustrious career. He captures Anant's honesty, determination, anger and devastation with sheer intensity, and is always moving, credible and convincing. The acting in general is very good in this film, but the rest of the cast are just here to support him, and they do it well. Amrish Puri, as the tough, violent and authoritarian father, is unsurprisingly excellent. He manages to convey a lot of his character's essence through just a few scenes. The same can be said about Sadashiv Amrapurkar, who does a lot with so little. Shafi Inamdar is also pretty good as Anant's boss.

Last but certainly not least, Smita Patil is first-rate in a role that was totally in need of someone with her intellectual capabilities and would have turned into inconsequential by a lesser actress. This is not at all one of those powerful author-backed roles she was known for playing, but it's still a very special one in her career. She does not try to impress or steal the show. As Jyotsna, she is natural, pleasant and exudes a certain warmth that is missing in the film. Above all, she had the ability to listen. I highly recommend you to observe the scene in which Anant shares with her his deep devastation towards the end. This scene, devoid of clichés, is one of the finest in the film, showing Om Puri's highpoint but at the same time Patil's wonderfully unconventional reaction of just being there, quietly listening and ultimately lending him a hand of support. The film's climax is most unexpected, and Ardh Satya is overall an excellent, involving movie that is highly recommended.

Directed by Govind Nihalani, this is definite cop film of Indian cinema. May be the first one which portrayed the stark reality of corruption in the police force & politics with no holds barred & how it effects on a young cop. A man forced to join a career of a cop by his cop father. Agreed that we grew up watching lot of good cop/bad cop Hindi films but this is different. Today's generation, which grown up watching dark & realistic films like- 'Satya', 'Company' may be consider it inferior product in comparison but look at the time of its making. The film was made absolutely off beat tone in the time when people didn't pay much attention to such kind of cinema & yet it becomes a most sought after cop film in class & mass audience when it released. For Om Puri its first breakthrough in mainstream Hindi cinema & he delivered a class performance as Inspector Velankar. Its more than cop character, he internalized a lot which is something original in acting. Watch his scenes with his father whom he hates & Smita whom he loves. Smita Patil maintained the dignity of her character to the expected level. My God what a natural expressions she carried!!! Shafi Inamdar was truly a discovery for me & he's a brilliant character actor if given a chance & here in some of the scenes he outsmarted even Om. The movie is also a debut of a promising villain on Indian screen- Sadashiv Amrapurkar as 'Rama Shetty'. It's another story that he didn't get such a meaty role & almost forgotten today as one of the loud villain of Dharmendra's B grade action films. Watch the scene where Om 1st time becomes a rebel for his father (played by Amrish Puri) & next both are sharing wine together. How inner truth started revealing for both the character with confronting feelings of love & hate for each other. Two faces of Indian Police Force- Masculinity & Impotency and in between lies- half truth (ardh satya)…Kudos to Nihalani's touch. The film won 2 National Awards as Best Hindi Feature Film & Best Actor- Om Puri & 3 Filmfare Awards in Best Film, Best Director & Best Supporting Actor Categories.

Recommended to all who are interested in nostalgia of serious Hindi films.

Ratings- 8/10

"Ardh Satya" is one of the finest film ever made in Indian Cinema. Directed by the great director Govind Nihalani, this one is the most successful Hard Hitting Parallel Cinema which also turned out to be a Commercial Success. Even today, Ardh Satya is an inspiration for all leading directors of India.

The film tells the Real-life Scenario of Mumbai Police of the 70s. Unlike any Police of other cities in India, Mumbai Police encompasses a Different system altogether. Govind Nihalani creates a very practical Outlay with real life approach of Mumbai Police Environment.

Amongst various Police officers & colleagues, the film describes the story of Anand Velankar, a young hot-blooded Cop coming from a poor family. His father is a harsh Police Constable. Anand himself suffers from his father's ideologies & incidences of his father's Atrocities on his mother. Anand's approach towards immediate action against crime, is an inert craving for his own Job satisfaction. The film is here revolved in a Plot wherein Anand's constant efforts against crime are trampled by his seniors.This leads to frustrations, as he cannot achieve the desired Job-satisfaction. Resulting from the frustrations, his anger is expressed in excessive violence in the remand rooms & bars, also turning him to an alcoholic.

The Spirit within him is still alive, as he constantly fights the system. He is aware of the system of the Metro, where the Police & Politicians are a inertly associated by far end. His compromise towards unethical practice is negative. Finally he gets suspended.

The Direction is a master piece & thoroughly hard core. One of the best memorable scenes is when Anand breaks in the Underworld gangster Rama Shetty's house to arrest him, followed by short conversation which is fantastic. At many scenes, the film has Hair-raising moments.

The Practical approach of Script is a major Punch. Alcoholism, Corruption, Political Influence, Courage, Deceptions all are integral part of Mumbai police even today. Those aspects are dealt brilliantly.

Finally, the films belongs to the One man show, Om Puri portraying Anand Velankar traversing through all his emotions absolutely brilliantly.

An absolute classic !! The direction is flawless , the acting is just superb. Words fall short for this great work. The most definitive movie on Mumbai Police. This movie has stood the test of times.

Om Puri gives a stellar performance, Smita Patil no less. All the actors have done their best and the movie races on thrilling you at every moment. This movie shakes your whole being badly and forces you to rethink about many issues that confront our society.

This is the story of a cop (Om Puri ) who starts out in his career as a honest man but ultimately degenerates into a killer. The first attempt in Bollywood to get behind the scenes and expose the depressing truth about Mumbai cops. Kudos to Nihalani !!

After this movie a slew of Bollywood movies got released that exposed the criminal-politician-police nexus. Thus this movie was truly a trend setter. This trend dominated the Hindi movie scene for more than a decade.

This movie was a moderate box office hit.

A must-see for discerning movie fans.

Any story comprises a premise, characters and conflict. Characters plotting their own play promises triumph, and a militant character readily lends oneself to this. Ardh Satya's premise is summarized by the poem of the same name scripted by Dilip Chitre. The line goes - "ek palde mein napunsaktha, doosre palde mein paurush, aur teek tarazu ke kaante par, ardh satya ?". A rough translation - "The delicate balance of right & wrong ( commonly seen on the busts of blind justice in the courts ) has powerlessness on one plate and prowess on another. Is the needle on the center a half-truth ? "

The poem is recited midway in the film by Smita Patil to Om Puri at a resturant. It makes a deep impact on the protagonist & lays the foundation for much of the later events that follow. At the end of the film, Om Puri ends up in exactly the same situation described so aptly in the poem.

The film tries mighty hard to do a one-up on the poem. However, Chitre's words are too powerful, and at best, the film matches up to the poem in every aspect.

The performance by Om Puri, Smita Patil, and Sadashiv Amrapurkar and the whole chemistry comes off nicely, along with the minimalist approach to story telling and direction by Govind Nihlani. The dialogues by Vijay Tendulkar is also great.

I have not seen another movie like this. It is one whole, each piece so nicely fit in the plot. You cannot not be impressed by this movie.

Amrish Puri comes off as the bossy husband and 'baap' of Om Puri. Om Puri is the young man caught between his sense of duty and his inability to fight the system. Sadhashiv as Rama Shetty gives just about the right touch to the movie with his smiling and soft speaking villain. The first meeting of Anand Velankar with Rama Shetty's at Sadhashiv's place is absoulely stunning. Smita Patil does not play a main role, but her part is also not distracting from the main plot.

And to add to this all Kafi Inamdar plays the role of a cop who has come to terms with the system and its workings. Saying right things in the right places and knowing how to keep himself away from trouble. He is also the 'guru' of Om Puri and helps him whenever he gets into trouble.

The movie not only brings to focus the difficulties faced by a police officer trying to do his duty but also the other side of brutalities in police custody. Om Puri captures hopelessness and the burning desire to break free in this exceptional performance in Ardh Satya.

A treat to all avid fans of Indian cinema.

Govind Nihalani's directorial venture of Vijay Tendulkar's novel is brilliant. Om Puri plays an inspector Velankar who is forced to protect underworld don rama shetty, played brilliantly by sadahiv amrapurkar. This is Govind Nihlan's Most talked about movie. This is a very good and a classic film. Smita Patil plays the female lead opposite Om Puri. Naseeruddin Shah is brilliant in a cameo role. Although Sadashiv Amrapurkar has only 4 scenes in the movie he dominates the movie. This was Sadashiv Amrapurkars acting debut.Om Puri won a national award for this film for the best actor. Filmfare award winner for Best Film,Story,Supporting Actor(Sadashiv Amrapurkar).

After 'Aakrosh' , this was the second film for Govind Nihalani as a director.Till this movie was made there was no audience for documentaries in India.This movie proved a point that a documentary can fulfil the requirements of a commercial film without diluting its essence. It was one of the successful movies in the year in which it was released. This movie contested against the big banners of the bollywood like'COOLIE', 'BETAAB','HERO' in 1983.

SmithaPatel, in this movie acted more like a conscience of the hero whenever he drifted away or lost his composure she was there to remind him. She was not like an usual heroine to do the usual stuff of running around the trees and shrubs.At one time,she even gave up her love when the hero's ruthlessness touched the roof top.

There was another character in this movie, which was played by Om Puri contemporary, Naseeruddin Shah.He played as an inspector-turned-alcoholic character.The role conveyed the message of the end result of a honest cop who rubbed the wrong side of the system which also gave the viewers a chance to forecast the hero's ending.

In his debut film,Sadashiv Amrapurkar captivated the audience with his cameo role which ultimately won him the best supporting actor by the filmfare.The cop in the movie was not a complete straight forward personality he was able to adjust to the system to an extent. The anger which left half handedly continued in Govind Nihalani's other film "Drohkaal". Even after two decades, this movie is remembered just because of the director and the entire crew. Each one played their part par excellence.

Govind Nihalani's Path-Breaking 1983 Cult-Classic 'Ardh Satya' is indeed A Landmark! A Hard-Hitting, Mind-Bending Cop-Drama, that offers a solid punch! Even the performances, are spell-binding.

'Ardh Satya' Synopsis: A newly appointed police rookie deals with corruption, romance, and brutality.

'Ardh Satya' left me astonished. As mentioned before, Its a Hard-Hitting, Mind-Bending Cop-Drama, that offers a solid punch! The Journey of its protagonist, Anant Velankar, played impeccably by Om Puri, is haunting, blunt & ruthless. His Journey, even cinematically, is unforgettable! Vijay Tendulkar 's Screenplay is Simply Outstanding. Govind Nihalani's Direction is Remarkable. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, are good.

Performance-Wise: As mentioned before, Om Puri is impeccable in the lead role. He Won a National-Award for Best-Actor & Deserved To. Its a Hallmark Performance, that deserves an ovation. Smita Patil, like always, is fantastic. Amrish Puri is excellent. Sadashiv Amrapurkar is superb, while Shafi Inamdar delivers his careers finest performance. Ila Arun is terrific. Naseeruddin Shah is as usual.

On the whole, 'Ardh Satya' is A Landmark! Among Hindi Cinema's Best Films!

A man is given a choice. If he picks the easy option he gets to choose from two more. If he picks the tougher one there is a good chance he won't be given another. It is not just true of Anant Welankar, the young policeman in Govind Nihalani's Ardh Satya. The tougher choice looks brave and laudable, but it could quickly lead downhill. Developed from a poem by the same name, Ardh Satya is about the limbo marking the spot between cowardice and courage. It could either mean a compromise or a sign of intelligence. It is not either half-full or half-empty. It is both half-full and half-empty. On a scale of courage, this marks the middle between "impotence" and "manhood".

On one side is Impotence, and on the other is Manhood, and right in the middle, is the half-truth.

The sub-inspector played by Om Puri is much respected by his colleagues. They have all accepted their positions in the "potency scale" somewhere sliding to the negative. For every move this upstart of a cop makes towards the upkeep of his "manhood" – by ramming into the local goon's criminal activity or correcting eve-teasers – he is reminded of his eventual powerlessness. The system won't allow for his manhood because it is a secular place full of compromises. For Welankar, there is no half-truth. Rama Shetty (the goon) has to be put in jail. Thanks to everyone else, it cannot be done. It takes his naiveté to overlook the half-truth, the safe-house for everyone afraid of the full truth. For him, it is either one or the other. To fight this inner conflict he takes to the bottle, the universal succor he hopes will find him the middle of the scale. In turn, his drinking makes him more violent. He takes the system's cowardice as his own and stretches the limits of bravery. There is only trouble at the other end, but he pushes on, all the time answering the inner call to be a man. The memory of his father often beating his mother enrages him. Even that anger is more at himself than the father for he didn't stop him. All the while, the policeman opts for courage, but is forced to accept cowardice. Then he is given another choice. Then it goes again, the same way. Perhaps, there is no Ardh Satya and it is all just plain lies. But then, what's the point of the complete truth if it won't allow you another choice.

While Govind Nihalani's 'Ardh Satya' may not be the only movie of its kind (a decent cop trying to survive the corrupt system within the police force), its rawness, insight, grit and Nihalani's minimal approach in making the film make this film something outstanding. There have been numerous movies made since that attempt to tackle the very issues 'Ardh Satya' presents but hardly any of them (with a few exceptions like E. Niwas's 'Shool') have been able to match up to this classic that has stood the test of time. Themes like alcoholism, corruption, deceptions and power play are dealt with sensibly.

The subtlety in art direction, dialogue and acting, toned down score is very effective. Anant's despair and helplessness in a corrupt world where power trumps, his choice of joining the academy and his resentment towards his father are easy to relate to. His and Jyotsna's love story is a treat to watch and a welcome angle to the film.

'Ardh Satya' showcases Om Puri's acting as he delivers a transcendent performance. He captures Anant's nuances with conviction and appears very natural on screen. Amrish Puri, Shafi Inamdar and Naseeruddin Shah (in a small role) are superb. Smita Patil deserves special mention. How does one play an ordinary character so extraordinarily? Watch Ms. Patil in this for an answer. Her performance is natural to the core. She doesn't try to overshadow anyone nor is it one of those 'award-winning' roles but Smita Patil's presence beautifully balances the film. Her warmth, subtle charm, sincerity and quiet attentiveness complement 'Ardh Satya'.

I found the ending a little predictable but this is mostly because I have watched so many movies of this kind that have come out since (but pale in comparison). Yet, it's a strong ending and I can't think of a better one.

This movie is so powerful. Initially i thaught this is a regular cop cinema but the treatment given to this cinema is really good. I was blown away by acting of all characters. Om Puri performed extremely well in this movie and he looks like live volcano ready to erupt. His acting, body language is outstanding in this movie. Sadashiva amrapurkar's performance was special surprise. Most people don't like art/parallel cinema Just because they think those are slow and boring but ardha Satya is hidden gem. Watch this to know original Indian cinema. Amarish puri, Smita Patil and other actors did really well in this movie.

A social film with a strong theme. based on corruption in the political system, police and society in India-that's what Ardh Satya is all about.

Story is about an honest and efficient cop who soon finds that he cannot stay that way in the corrupt system that prevails in India.

The concept is very strong. It is somewhat an explicit film, with hardly any background music at all. Acting is good on the part of Om Puri and Naseruddin Shah. Dialogue delivery is good. It is also hardly a 2 hour long film, so you wouldn't get bored easily.

The editing however is not smooth and continuous. The film is also not suited for kids.

7 stars

Very few have that strength to move you deeply, so much so that you begin to introspect the world around you. Ardh Satya is not just a movie on corruption in police force (we have seen this in quite a few ) but rather this is the journey of a person who is searching, it seems, the purpose of his life, who is trying to seek the somewhat passive masculinity that resides within him. the human weaknesses, existential crisis, emotional catharsis and angst of the policeman all done in such a brilliant manner that you can just feel awestruck at the marvelous portrayal by gem of an actor- Om Puri. this is clearly the best performance of his illustrious career. if not for the hard hitting content watch the movie just for the angry young man Om Puri whose performance will fill you full of admiration for the man and his craft.

Ardh Satya (1983) : Brief Review -

A hard-hitting and realistic Classic does full justice to the Metaphorical Half Truth. Govind Nihlani was quite a film-maker, the vision he brought into Bollywood Films truly enriched the contents lovers. He saw society's issues closely, noticed the nuances and tried to bring it on screen in as it is form without cinematic proportions. Ardh Satya is a story of a Police Officer who couldn't battle out the fact of impotency within department and how the system spoiled his loyalty. He wanted to get out but couldn't find the way even if it was there for once atleast. His mentality changes and keeps doing so and the fluctuations keep you confused whether he was wrong then or is now? Alongside, the film also focuses on corruption, dirty politics and how some lousy hooligans are ruling the country with ease. The narrative isn't bounded to any dramatic portion therefore you won't see any cinematic proportion or any such derivations. That actually gives full freedom to all the actors to do thier natural acts, add something of their own and try different methods according to situations. Om Puri, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Smita Patil, Shafi Inamdar, Amrish Puri and every single side actor throws out thier natural and best acts. That's why the film actually became such hard-hitting and realistic. Screenplay is engaging throughout 115 minutes and dialogues are thought provoking. The last poetic translation of 'Half-Truth' is nothing short of Awesome. Govind Nihlani is Master Director and it's proved again. He delivered the most realistic and powerful cop film of Bollywood when rest of the bollywood directors were busy turning the cop films into Money-spinners. If you are fan of Art and Content Orientated Cinema then Ardh Satya is a deliciously served complete dish for you. An early Art Film for Bollywood when Action oriented films had just begun to become popular. Don't miss it.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest

Zeitgeists are impersonal when zeitgeists merge into the humdrum in execution of the not so humdrum in matters of the untenable where logic is concerned in cities and settlements bustling with what won't work in the absence of it, imperative to survive demands of boondocks averse to everything rustic, and inevitable in an open economy impending with onus of survival on the victim wallowing in cornucopia of zeitgeists on offer to tide you over what bites in the name of it. While deals over the top are clandestine in import, their conspicuous intertwinibility with business of the day ensures uptake of social nous on offer at every turn making businesses essential in tiding over rough tides that subside with a waiter's order for two cups of tea at up markets or with a casual dispensation of currency note at establishments keeping tab on a flying penny. The import being that an open economy can only hurt when deals with nemeses don't lead to the whitening of gaffes economically like gaffes could be tided over with deals that rule pagans in dealing with the wild religiously.

I had wanted to watch Ardh Satya for a very long time because of the acclaim it received.

After watching it, I can see why it received such praise. Unlike a lot of other police dramas, this is not the story of an upstanding police officer. The main character is not even likeable at times, but he comes across as someone real. Someone who lashes out at people but can also be kind. Someone who makes mistakes, but can also recognize them and apologize.

The acting was excellent. This movie does not have a lot of chest thumping lines and at times, it was a frustrating watch, which is what I'm sure the director intended.

Overall, while it was not an enjoyable watch, it was a movie I greatly appreciated.

Pure cinema with best directors & actors. An ensemble of great actors - Om Puri, Smita Patil, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Amrish Puri, Shafi Inamdar.

Marked by brilliant storytelling and serene mood the film tells the story of a police officer struggle against corruption and criminals. A trend setting story, remarkable performances esp. Om Puri makes this film a masterpiece. But that's not all, the technical departments are also at equal pace. The inclusion of reality grips the viewers as many times as you watch it. It is one of those film that bought a new trend of police crime issues in big screen. One of the best movies in the crime genre that's comes from the 80s, which makes it timeless. Must see for anyone interested in this genre.

About the movie, Om puri is a police officer who hates the loose morality, the source of so called crime. Despite his tough manhood he is helpless due to corruption in the system. His deliverance of fruatration along with his sympathy for love life is one of the best in Indian screen as well impressively relatable to anyone, in any situation likewise. Amrapurkar is top notch as the antagony. The decency of Smita patil and the hardness but short time role of Amrish puri is praiseworthy, which goes the same to all the side characters too. A true portrayal and masterful narration of family issues regarding the law keepers of society. The fast paced is avoided as evident from the directors other works. It is seen generally that criminals operate under the influence corrupt officers and they are related in terms of material profits. Ardh Satya is one if those movies that reflect this in a classic way. Om puri struggles to keep his fathers name, and during it turns to tough man putting at stake his personal love life.

Ardh Satya is one those movies which will connect you with the reality of thought, reality of society, reality of underworld, reality of characters in the underworld etc. The griping presentation has the potential to hold the viewers upto the end. It's out of IMDb top 250 which is a thought provoking issue, really. Such a classic from Bollywood deserves a resurrection in voting and a must be 8.5 on a sale of 10. A 100 on a scale of 100.

I had lots of expectations from Ardh Satya but after watching it recently on Prime video , I found nothing great in the film. The performances of All are very good but they needed better characterisation. We just don't have any sympathy towards the main protagonist, Om Puri as he is shown full time drunk even on duty. He gives excellent performance but his character deserved better writing. Sadashiv Amrapurkar as Rama Shetty made a great debut but his character has hardly 15 minutes of screen time. Smita Patil is first rate and so is Shafi Inamdar.

This cop drama needed a better and more intense climax.

Govind Nihalini started his career with AAKROSH, he made pathbreaking films which didn't follow commercial formula. Ardh Satya is a cop film, but with a difference, being it's simplicity. The film became a benchmark and still remembered as one of the best cop films. It is seen through the eyes of Om Puri an inspector who faces problems while living an honest life. It is brilliantly handled by Nihalini. It also has several sub plots which are well handled like Naseeruddin Shah's track who plays an alcoholic suspended cop and also Om Puri's interaction with his father Amrish Puri with whom he shares a love hate relationship

Direction is superb

Om Puri is brilliant as always, he gives his best to the role and is simply brilliant, Smita Patil does well Naseeruddin Shah too is amazing, Sadashiv Amrapurkar is amazing as Rama Shetty, Amrish Puri is as always brilliant, rest are all good

Review By Kamal K

Govind nihlani ji is one of the highly talented filmmakers our cinema ever produced .This movie is strong punch on our administration system how corrupt it is how vulnerable it is that politically supported goons joint seems every person has a price but what never can be purchased is your honour, truth honesty & principles . Someone has to take responsibility to change the system but reality is system doesn't support honest people you have to face your trouble on your own if you are honest . Ompuri ji has delivered mind blowing performance here budding actors can learn a lot about acting from him & naseeruddin shah both are two highly talented and probably best actors of our cinema . That rage , anger , hatred , fury against this corrupt system is something every common man is feeling but how many can dare to fight against it . A great movie must watch it.

What worked: The movie is so layered and colorful that it left me with a good satisfaction once the movie ended. The screenplay is very rich, nicely written and executed by Govind. Late Om Puri shines in the movie, portraying a very powerful character. It's one of those movies which is highly regarded because of the subject matter What did not work Maybe we could get a better insight about his romantic life clearly or also learn about the aftermath. Final verdict: recommended