Rajneeti - Mahabharat Revisited

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Watched Prakash Jha's much awaited "Rajneeti" on the day of its release. With so much hype around it, and acclaim of Jha's earlier ventures - Gangajal and Apaharna, the expectations were very high. Here is my own opinion about the film.


Bottomline An excellent movie, worth every penny, elaborate plot, powerful performances, grand cinematography and a gripping story telling under Jha's superior direction.

What Works:
  • Elaborate Plot: One of the few movies in the recent past (after Kaminay, I guess), that has a strong plot. You really need to watch the movie carefully to get it completely. Its today's incarnation of Mahabharat. You can easily place all the major characters of Mahabharat. Duryodhan, Arjun, Krishna, Kunti, Karna and so on. Still, Jha has been immensely successful in making it look absolutely contemporary. The earlier attempt by Suraj Badjatya to modernize Ramayan (HSSH) was a disaster. This one is the opposite.
  • Powerful Performances by a Powerful Cast: The second most famous Bhajpai on the planet delivers his second performance of lifetime - after Satya. Watch out for his expressions when his rival brother tells him that he is quitting politics for ever. He deserves a standing ovation. Arjun Rampal is further on his journey towards a matured actor after OSO, Rock On. Nana and Ajay both are very impressive, as usual in a very intense role. It is Randhir Kapoor who walks away with your attention. Simply superb. His transition from a foreign university student to a hard core politician is amazing. Katrina is suited to the roll, but cant make an impact amidst such a star cast
  • Superior Direction: Kudos to Prakash Jha for pulling off such a huge star cast, a complex storyline and a potentially sensitive topic with such an ease. The movie hardly drags anytime. He makes perfect justice to all characters... almost
  • Grand Cinematography: Some of the scenes of Political rallies and gatherings are so huge and real that I wonder if Jha used any special effects. Simply awesome.
What Doesn't Work:
  • The film becomes little non-realistic towards end. I mean, Politicians might kill each other... but not themselves. That was Mahabharat... this is Indian Politics
  • There is one loop hole in the plot. Which political party will get the rival party's leader killed just before the elections? Its anybody's guess that the rival will get the sympathy vote.
  • Some performances are weak... Ranbir's mother, especially.
  • If you miss first 5 mins, you will never see Nasir. Such a fine actor, only as a cameo?? It might be purely my love for Nasiruddin that I felt he was wasted :-(
Finally
  • Rajneeti works for its story, performances and direction. Worth every penny.
  • Going by the media, it seems there has been enough Rajneeti behind Rajneeti. Well, some hands-on experience might have helped Mr. Jha.
  • Last but not the least.... The story of Mahabharat written by Vyaas thousands of years ago is still very much valid. I wonder should we still call it a Mythology?

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