The Indian film, `Pukar`, is Madhuri Dixit`s first release after her marriage to the US based doctor, Sriram Nene. The movie is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and the film stars Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit and Namrata Shirodkar. The Protagonist Anil Kapoor got National Award for his performance in the film. The film released to good reviews and was an average success at the box office. A. R. Rahman gave some excellent music in the film which is ornamented with the voice of Lata Mangeshkar and choreography by Pravu Deva.

Synopsis of the Indian film `Pukar`
A dreaded extremist Abrush played by Danny Denzongpa, kidnaps a bumbling Minister Mishraji played by Govind Namdeo and demands `safe passage`. Major Jaidev Rajvansh played by Anil Kapoor and his fellow officer Hussein played by Om Puri manage to rescue a leading politician as well as capture his kidnapper, Abhrush. The terrorist has been searched for years and he is finally captured by the two officers. Jai returns to a joyous welcome, and is declared a national hero. He takes a break from the army and returns to his hometown. There he meets his childhood friend Anjali played by Madhuri Dixit who has always harboured love for Jai. Anjali is determined to make sure she and Jai stay together all the time and he does not go to the Army again.

Anjali uses `Court martial kar doongi` whenever she wants to threaten somebody but, innocently. Jai, however, falls in love with Pooja played by Namrata Shirodkar, daughter of a Colonel. At a party, he meets Miss India, Pooja Mallapa. As they spend more time together, he begins to love her and she too begins to love him. Jai and Pooja have an ardent affair and the two decide to wed. In the mean time, Jai`s parents Lt General (retd) Rajwansh and Gayatri Rajwansh though, are aware that Anjali is in love with their son. They arrange his marriage to Anjali but when they find out about Jai`s love for Pooja, they realise that they have to tell Anjali everything.

After knowing the fact Anjali becomes angry. Anjali, heartbroken and jealous swears revenge on Jai for rejecting her. Realising her hatred for him Abrush takes advantage and together they plot to destroy Jai`s reputation and life. She gets desperate and connives with Mishra`s secretary Tiwari played by Anjan Shrivastav and Col. Rana played by Shivaji Satam to plot Abrush`s escape to teach Jai a lesson. Anjali also manages to steal some important documents regarding Abrush`s plans. The events following leads to Jai being dismissed from the army and he is declared a traitor to the country and also responsible for Abrush`s escape. He gets isolated and finally court-martialled for his `crime`. Even fiancé Pooja ditches him, as her parents will have nothing to do with a `traitor`.

Jai, determined to prove his innocence and redeem himself, decides to pursue Abrush alone. A repentant Anjali is unable to speak out the truth. Jai learns the truth and the identity of those behind the conspiracy. The climax of the film offers lot of chance to Anil Kapoor to act and he does it successfully as he works as a true national hero and saves the life of more than thousand school students attending the Republic Day function. Anjali helps him in his way like a true partner. Jay understands his fault and finds his true love.

Cast and Crew of the film `Pukar`
The star cast of the film includes Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Namrata Shirodkar, Rohini Hattangadi, Danny Denzongpa and Om Puri. The film is written and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi while it is produced by Boney Kapoor, and Surinder Kapoor. Music in the film is given by A. R. Rahman while the cinematography is done by Santosh Sivan.

Awards for `Pukar`
The bollywood film `Pukar` received many awards and nominations, the most important being Anil Kapoor who won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance. Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit won the filmfare best actor and best actress award respectively while they also got nominated in the IIFA awards. Namrata Shirodkar was nominated as best supporting actress in IIFA awards. The film also got enough nominations in the Star Screen awards such as best actor, best actress, best comedian, best female playbacka and best choreography. Himanshu Nanda and Rahul Nanda got Star Screen Award for best publicity design. The Rajkumar Santoshi got Nargis Dutt award for best feature film on National Integration.