Based on a sensational incident, 'Achanak' is a film that showcases Gulzar's class.

Based on a unique and sensational incident, 'Achanak' is a film whose name evokes an emotional nostalgia among Bollywood fans. The most remarkable feature of this film is its depiction of a horrific real-life incident, and it features outstanding performances by many of the era's top actors.

'Achanak' was directed by renowned poet and director Gulzar. It is considered one of his early films. The story was written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas and was based on a heartbreaking true incident of 1958, the K.M. Nanavati case.

The story revolves around Major Ranjit Khanna (Vinod Khanna). Ranjit deeply loves his wife, Pushpa (Lily Chakraborty). They live a happy life. Once, when he returns home after a few days on army duty, he discovers his wife's infidelity and his best friend's betrayal. In a fit of rage, he kills both of them and surrenders himself to the police. However, he escapes from police custody because he remembers his dying wife's last wish: to immerse her mangalsutra in the Ganges. While fleeing, he is fatally shot by a police officer and taken to the hospital. At the hospital, Ranjit wins the hearts of all the nurses and doctors with his compassion and good behavior. He recovers but is sentenced to death. Sadly, a man awarded the Vir Chakra for killing numerous enemies in war is sentenced to death for killing just two people.

Vinod Khanna delivered a superb performance in this film, his performance winning millions of fans. The rest of the cast included Om Shivpuri (Doctor Chaudhary), Farida Jalal (Nurse Radha), Iftekhar (Colonel Bakshi), Asrani (Dr. Kailash), and Kesto Mukherjee, all of whom delivered powerful performances.

Gulzar's direction showcased his class. Producers were Raj N. Sippy and Romu N. Sippy. And yes, the film's music was composed by Vasant Desai. But surprisingly, despite the presence of a poet like Gulzar and a composer like Vasant Desai, the film didn't feature any songs, contrary to the usual Bollywood tradition. This was a huge risk in those days.

Even today, after so many years, when people remember 'Achanak', they always discuss its musical aspect, as it contains only background music, with no lyrics or songs.

Some unknown facts behind the scenes:

• This film is loosely based on the K. M. Nanavati case (1959) and Abbas's story 'The Thirteenth Victim'.
• A film without songs was considered unusual at the time, so Gulzar sahab was given the credit.
• This is considered a very important film at the beginning of Vinod Khanna's career, and after this, he got opportunities for many serious roles.

The shooting of this film was completed quickly, in just 28 days, and its runtime was also shorter than typical 70s films, meaning the film is only an hour and a half long.

Gulzar sahab was nominated for the Best Director Award for this film.

The film's ending is tragic and strange, and many debated it. However, since it was inspired by a true story, the director didn't have much choice.

Before making the film, Gulzar Raj N. Sippy and Romu N. Sippy went to KA Abbas's house to acquire the rights to the story. However, Abbas had to catch a flight and left for the airport. Gulzar and NC Sippy met him before boarding the flight and acquired the rights at the airport.

The 1963 film "Yeh Raaste Hai Pyar Ke" is also based on this true incident.

Akshay Kumar's film "Rustom" is also based on this story.

This film was a box office hit.

Reports suggested that Shatrughan Sinha was initially considered for the lead role, but later Vinod Khanna was cast.

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