POLITICS...and BEYOND!. Review on Raajneeti

The present-day Indian political scenario is infested with corrupted netas and mantris with goondaism, rigged elections and dynastic partiality a regular feature of it. Raajneeti deals with all this and much more. However, let me break the myth that Raajneeti is not only for the intelligentsia or for serious cinema lovers. This is a complete entertaining film and those having no interest in politics will also love the goings-on. There’s so much happening in the film and the turn of events at each and every point is so sudden and unexpected that one won’t get a chance even to blink. This and the award winning performances are the strengths of Raajneeti and enough reasons to go and watch the film ASAP!

The story of the movie: Prithvi (Arjun Rampal) is the heir apparent to the throne of the Rashtrawadi Party. His ultimate rival is his cousin Veerendra (Manoj Bajpai), a fierce and impatient man who can do anything to reach the top. On the other hand, Sooraj (Ajay Devgn), born and brought in a Dalit area has strong political ambitions and wishes to secure the election ticket from his constituency. Veerendra uses him to thwart Prithvi. Soon, a family tragedy forces Prithvi’s younger brother Samar (Ranbir Kapoor), a person miles away from politics, to enter the corruption-infested waters of his family conflict. He’s pursuing a Ph.D from US and even has a girlfriend (Sarah Thompson) there. Indu (Katrina Kaif), Samar’s childhood friend loves him to death. However, fate proves treacherous for her as well. She’s used in this game as a pawn and has to face tragic and unforeseen situations. Brij Gopal (Nana Patekar) proves as a guide and mentor to Samar and Indu and helps them fight this nasty political battle.

Raajneeti begins wonderfully with the Naseeruddin Shah track. The film then gets little confusing when too many characters and their aspirations is put forward to the viewers. However, the film gets on the right track as soon as Ranbir and Ajay (excellent entry!) enters the narrative. And then, you are immediately sapped into the family v/s family battle. The best part of this conflict is that at every step, some character or the other is playing a dangerous double-crossing game that is a treat to watch on screen. Every character has shades of grey and the dangerous game they indulge in make it a brilliant cinematic experience!

Every character is very well written and sketched. The film is treated with aplomb perfection and it is evident that people with the right sense, knowledge and expertise has handled it. And the unique part is that the film has beautifully seamed Mahabharata with Indian political system! Truly brilliant!

In this supremely multi-starrer flick, every actor stands out, leave a mark and doesn’t disappoint. Ranbir Kapoor has the biggest role and yet again comes up with a sparkling performance. His role here is something that he hasn’t done before but he comes out with flying colours. Watch out how he speaks so much without saying a single dialogue in several scenes! Ranbir’s fan base will surely increase after Raajneeti! Great going!

Manoj Bajpai is the surprise of the film! After Ranbir, it’s Bajpai who leaves a tremendous mark. In every film, he has honestly come up with brilliant performance but unfortunately, he never got the justified fame and appreciation. It’s high time this performer gets his due! Arjun Rampal amazes once again and this time he has undoubtedly silenced all his critics who cry that he is a ‘woodden actor’! He infuses life in several scenes! And watch out when he suddenly breaks into ‘Ankhiya milayi tune ankhiya churayi’ in one of the scenes! YOU JUST ROCK DUDE!!

(CONTINUED IN THE 1ST, 2ND AND 4TH COMMENT)