Celebrating 18 Years of 'Apne': A Heartfelt Family Saga

A Warm Family Narrative

Anil Sharma's film Apne, featuring Dharmendra alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, beautifully intertwines emotion and craftsmanship, resulting in a touching cinematic experience.

However, the storytelling can feel prolonged at times. For instance, the inclusion of an odd 'rock' song featuring Bobby Deol with his hand in his pocket raises questions about its necessity. The film's length is somewhat justified as it explores Dharmendra's character, a disgraced Punjabi boxer, and his complex relationships with his sons—Sunny, who refuses to box, and Bobby, who is unable to.

Navigating the struggles of 'can’t' and 'won’t', the film portrays genuine emotions without redundancy. Kudos to Neeraj Pathak for crafting a nearly flawless screenplay that allows the Deols to shine in their emotional expressions, both together and apart. The family also shares a humorous trait—perpetually bad hair days.

Despite the awkward hairstyles, the film's deep melodrama, filled with light and shadow, deserves appreciation. Cinematographer Kabir Lal enhances the visuals with rich colors that elevate the storytelling.

This narrative centers around patriarchal themes, showcasing men who battle for their identity, family, and moral values across various settings—from a Punjab village terrace to a boxing ring in New York, and ultimately, the emotional core of human experiences.

Director Anil Sharma excels in nearly every scene. The expansive plot takes the Deols, their graceful partners, and surprisingly subdued antagonists across continents and time zones. Sharma skillfully maintains the narrative threads as characters strive to reclaim family honor amidst adversity. While the drama intensifies towards the conclusion, the authentic family dynamic remains intact throughout.

Sharma deserves applause for tackling such a grand and dramatic theme, featuring two generations of Deols immersed in a profound emotional journey. He weaves a narrative rich in lingering sorrow and enduring connections, reminiscent of a heartfelt tale about a resilient, god-fearing family.

The film's strength lies not just in its content but in its passionate execution. Overflowing with characters and sentimental songs about familial bonds, Apne rises above the overly sentimental scenarios crafted for the Deols.

The performances are commendable, but Victor Banerjee stands out as the Deols' emotional anchor, particularly when he appears on screen with prayer beads, praying for Bobby's swift recovery.

Rather than being another sentimental portrayal of a family that endures together, Apne emerges as our own version of Rocky, perhaps even surpassing it. The boxing scenes are exceptional, and the emotional depth the characters bring to their interactions makes them appear larger than life, embodying courage and ambition.

In an exclusive discussion about Apne, Dharmendra expressed, “Apne is a film I take immense pride in. It united me with my two sons. (Director) Anil Sharma crafted a script that honored all our roles. While filming, we truly felt like a family, both on and off the set. We have requested Anil to pen a sequel, and he is currently working on Apne 2.”