Nazar (1991 film)

Nazar is a 1991 Indian Hindi-language crime drama film directed by Mani Kaul. The film is based on a short story, "The Judgement", by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and social injustice through a non-linear narrative style typical of Kaul's work.

The film stars Shekhar Kapur in the lead role, alongside Surekha Sikri and Gopi Desai. Kapur plays a tax inspector haunted by a past incident where he may have contributed to the wrongful conviction and execution of an innocent man. The narrative unfolds through fragmented memories, dreams, and psychological explorations, reflecting the inspector's internal struggle with his conscience.

Nazar is noted for its experimental approach to filmmaking, challenging conventional storytelling techniques. It employs a minimalist style, utilizing sound and visual elements to create a sense of unease and psychological depth. While not a commercial success, Nazar received critical acclaim for its artistic merit and is considered an important work in Indian parallel cinema.