Critics call it one of the first films depicting corruption in public life and the futile struggle against it. The film also throws light on the unholy nexus between politicians and media whilst focusing on the impact of drug abuse and addiction. Contrary to stereotypes of Indian cinema which include romantic interests, intense background music and songs which are generally accompanied by dance sequences. the movie takes a neo-noir approach towards investigative journalism which forms the bulk of the movie. This can be considered one of the earliest approaches towards a paradigm shift in film making in India which unfortunately didn't take off until the early 2000s due to the tragic death of Shankar Nag in 1990. Ilayaraja’s score is sombre which plays an important role in the film attuning to the grim nature of grief suffered by the lone survivor of the Accident. Background noise such as clanking of typewriter keys, camera clicks, car screeches, white television noise, bullets sliding inside a pistol, etc. form the bulk of the spacing in the movie. The silence at the scene of the accident scene is haunting. There are no songs in this movie, which provides it a far more serious pacing in comparison to the casual overtones found in most Kannada movies. Distinction amongst different classes in society is well represented in the movie and the disdain powerful politicians have towards ordinary working class people whilst not campaigning for an election is wonderfully portrayed. Every movie directed by Shankar Nag is a master piece. It would be wise to remember that with Malgudi days, he does inhabit the heart of every Indian, not just Kannadigas. He is the director that in ways more than one represents a direction which was not fully realized in India for quite sometime until independent film makers with the assistance of social media started to take things into their own creative control. Whether be it his revolutionary approach towards grand theft auto combined with prison break inMinchina Ota or his portrayal of everyday family life amongst the middle class in 1980 Bengaluru as witnessed Nodi Swamy Navirodu Heege, Mr. Nag did not shy away from showcasing his versatility in directing at every opportunity presented to him.
Plot
Deepak, the spoilt son of a powerful politician Dharmadhikari runs his imported car over pavement dwellers one fateful night under the influence of drugs. Except for a lone survivor, all are killed. Ramanna, the survivor, identifies the driver. His friend Rahul, son of an advertising agency chief, is with him during the accident. The shock of the accident leaves Rahul deeply traumatised. Unable to hold keep the secret any longer, Rahul shares the truth with his mother. She in turn implores to Dharmadhikaari to save them. Dharmadhikari who is slated to win a by-election cannot afford to let this accident ruin his political ambitions. He hushes up the case with the help of Chief Minister and sends his son on a trip abroad. Inspector Rao, is the investigating officer. Ravi, a daring investigative journalist, joins him and the duo begin to putting together the evidence. With Rao’s help, Ravi gets to the bottom of the whole affair. When Rao identifies the culprits, Dharmadhikari asks his retired driver to say he was driving the car. Rao is asked to go on leave and Ravi’s editor refuses to run the story. On his way to the airport, Deepak dies in an accident. Dharmadhikari wins, but loses at the same time. Shankar Nag, apparently changed the climax. He originally wanted to work it around the assassination of Indira Gandhi
Reception
Accident was well received by critics and audience. The movie won the Karnataka State Film award. Accident is a testimony to the exceptional directorial ability of Shankar Nag.
