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Reportedly based on Bollywood helmer Vikram Bhatt's real-life affair with Sushmita Sen, Ankahee is an age-old story of betrayal in marriage. Heavily steeped in reality, the film is seemingly more about the director's need for public self-flagellation, than inventive storytelling. The result is an over earnest script, and a censuring tone which makes for weighty viewing. However, the film is redeemed by the dexterous performances of its cast and the intrigue surrounding the authenticity of the real-life relationship.

Shekhar (Aftab Shivdasani) is an established doctor, living a routine life with wife Nandita (Ameesha Patel) and daughter, Sheena. When Miss World, Kavya Krishna (Esha Deol) arrives at his hospital following a failed suicide attempt, Shekhar embarks on an affair, forsaking his wife and child for a life less ordinary, little caring what he is set to lose.

"DISCONCERTING VIEWING"

In exploring the emotions of those directly affected by infidelity, Vikram Bhatt uncovers the grey areas in relationships, making it possible to sympathise with each of the characters in turn. Aftab Shivdasani is fairly convincing as the spineless spouse, and while doe-eyed Amisha is a little too insipid to incur the viewer's complete sympathy, high praise is reserved for Esha Deol who proves her salt as the unhinged and neurotic beauty queen.

While there is much to commend it, Ankahee is nevertheless, disconcerting viewing. Ultimately it represents a father's unburdening of guilt, and it is this, perhaps, that renders it too personal and too sombre for public consumption. It is one man's grim reality, in the guise of entertainment.

In Hindi with English subtitles.