Movie Review: Rajneeti-a powerful film about politics and beyond

Raajneeti, as we all know is an adaptation of Mahabharata by one of the most ‘powerful’ film makers Prakash Jha and has some of the most ‘powerful’ performers of the Hindi film industry.

Despite knowing that the movie comes from Mahabharata, you are not able to guess what’s coming next. The story changes constantly, bringing out new twists in the tale and all you can do is applaud for Prakash Jha. The USP of the movie is its UNPREDICTABILITY!

Rajneeti tells the story of Indian politics, Indian democracy and Indian elections. Above all, it narrates the tale of a few people who control the destiny of millions, their unstoppable ambition, and their bitter and violent battle to achieve it. It is a story of people who understand power – and know how to wield it at will. Raajneeti is about politics. And beyond. (Loved this synopsis…Source – imdb.com)

Prakash Jha deserves all the praise for picking up a complex story and adapting into the modern era with perfection as well as choosing performers who fit the role to the T. Great work! The screenplay by Prakash Jha and Anjum Rajabali is just perfect to bring out the darkness in each and every character. Like I mentioned earlier, the twists and turns are the highlights of the movie. A special mention for the dialogues –they are remarkable.

There is not much scope for music in the movie; the only number that appears briefly is the very popular ‘More Piya’.

Now for the most interesting part, the performances. Every actor is the movie delivers a top notch performance and it would easily rank amongst their best performances. Ranbir Kapoor delivers a stunning performance. The way he changes gears from a simple young man to the brain behind the election campaign is stunning. Manoj Bajpayee is in form after a long time. After Aks, this should be his best performance till date. Ajay Devgn, is at his intense best and plays his part brilliantly. Arjun Rampal delivers a fine performace as the angry young man. He is evolving into a fine actor now. Nana Patekar is superb in an act that is so unlike the Nana we have seen earlier. He speaks less and yet remains the power holder all the time. Katrina Kaif is first rate; she suits the character and plays it to perfection.  Naseeruddin Shah, doesn’t have much to do. Sarah is good.
A number of talented names are present in the film and each of them do well – Dayashanker Pandey, Chetan Pandit, Darshan Jariwala, Shruti Seth, Kiran Karmarkar, Vinay Apte. Nikhila Trikha.

Final word, Rajneeti is a powerful film that gives you the inside story of Indian politics through the epic Mahabharata. Yes, a couple of things could have been improved here and there but you want an entertainer…oops a sensible entertainer (not something like a Housefull) and that’s what you get…Rajneeti is highly recommended!

Rating – 4/5