"Anjaam" tackles several themes that were relevant in the 1990s, including marital rape, infidelity, and the objectification of women. The film critiques the patriarchal society, highlighting the ways in which men exploit and oppress women. The movie also explores the concept of female empowerment, showcasing Shivani's journey from victimhood to empowerment.

The climax of the film, where his character is imprisoned and abused, sees SRK pushing his body to the limit. He appears gaunt, feral, and broken, yet his eyes remain burning with madness. It is a performance devoid of vanity—an attribute rare for a leading man in Indian cinema at the time. While Darr had him screaming "K-k-k-Kiran," Anjaam had him silently plotting murder with a smile, which is far more petrifying.