Sarkar - the Leader. Review on Sarkar

”Kuch log bhagwan ke naam lete lete baaki logon ko maar rahe the, yeh kaisi picture thi?”

It’s a movie about some people killing others, while the background music is constantly chanting the name of God; what kind of movie is that?

Exasperated, my father and I rolled our eyes. Ma always had an affliction when it came to understanding or appreciating action packed movies. A PhD, but well, you can’t be blessed with everything.

Sarkar - the Boss / Godfather / Don / Amitabh Bachchan / Abhishek Bachchan. Alright, I agree that the last two weren’t exactly synonyms for the word Sarkar, but after you’ve watched the movie, or finished reading this review, you’ll get what I meant to say.

”I have been deeply influnced by Francis Ford Coppola’s unforgettable movie The Godfather.” Ram Gopal Verma openly admits that his movie is deeply influenced.

Hey! Everybody hold it for a second, before the excitement that even Rammubhai is a traitor to the film world so excites and enthrals you, that you bubble over with glee. Well, I expect if you take movies like ”D” and Gayab into the equation, then absolutely. However, with stuff like Ek Hasina Thi, Satya, Company etcetera, you can’t afford to totally condemn the man, can you? Then give Sarkar and chance to explain itself – or should it be himself? (I could hear a voice in my ear, “You girls na, totally confused silly girls…” – got to stop watching Humtum repeatedly)

Sarkar is very much like The Godfather - but then again, it’s not. Yes, the theme is basically the same, the story revolving around a main figure who is powerful politically, and his sons. And within his sons, one rises to become a hero. Yes, that’s the basic storyline, isn’t it?

I mean, for those of you who, like Rammubhai have admired The Godfather, Sarkar’s storyline should be known. For the rest who haven’t watched The Godfather (I am presuming that watching The Godfather is the same as admiring the movie) you should watch Sarkar, so mum’s the word for the plot of the movie.

The only part I would like to point out is the difference of perspectives of the two main figures in the movies. While Marlon Brando is a pivotal political figure, and a shrewd businessman, Amitabh Bachchan is a character that harbours more the moral responsibility and independent opinions of an individual.

There is a subtle difference in the perspectives of the men – they are rather like comparing Mumbai to Kolkata. While Mumbai is rich and impersonal, thriving in her secular nature, Kolkata bears a soul and a mind that none can resemble. (I’m really beginning to miss home.)

Let me come down to analysing the actors – my favourite part of any review.

Amitabh Bachchan fits with ease into his role as Sarkar majestic and domineering, but never forgetting his humble roots. He does what he perceives to be right, listening to no one, revering and conferring to no specific belief. He loves his family to the ultimatum, and also the common people of India. Where these people thirst for justice and support, which Subash Nagare has given them. To them, he is Sarkar, the leader, who they love and depend upon.

Can anyone match up to Amitabh Bachchan in his new role?

Only one person. Abhishek Bachchan acts mind-bogglingly well as Shankar Nagare, Subash Nagare’s younger son. Shankar has nothing in common with his seemingly conventional background – he has studied abroad, has a girlfriend and expects to go back and live the rest of his life happily with her, far away from India. However, whether he has discovered it or not, Shankar has much in common with is father. They have a deep love for their family, an independent and alert mind and an insatiable thirst for justice. He is indeed the hero among Sarkar’s sons.

The other son, Vishnu Nagare is a traitor to his own blood and heritage. He exalts in the power of his father, which Subash’s humility didn’t allow him to. He desires nothing but the world to run on his beck and call. Unfortunately for him, his father and brother are the only two obstacles to his goal. Kay Kay is fantastic in his role – to the point that he creates the effect that Aamir managed to, in 1947 Earth, where you begin to hate his character.

All in all, an excellent movie – very much a Ram Gopal Verma treat to his adoring public.