Rajneeti | Movie Review | Critique

Rajneeti, released on June 4th, this year is a movie that is going to influence cinema for some good time. Director and co-writer Prakash Jha is one of the most respected name in current scenario in Indian Cinema and with this movie, strengthened his claim of respect. This movie delivered what the viewers wanted. Great performances and awesome dialogs carrying a strong script.

Movie is undoubtedly written on the lines of Mahabharat and took subtle but evident inspiration from The Godfather. Political background drew attention but barely has anything to do with Gandhi family (except a small part in climax where Katrina, a widow leads the party). These inspirations were the basic problem. In Mahabharat times and in Mafia, so much bloodshed seems logical but in current political scene, it’s not logical at all. Violence should have been substituted with more subtle alternatives like jail and political stalemate. Mindgames would have been a better way to show it.

Notable performances by Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. Rampal performed like one who has a National Award on his rack. Ranbeer excelled his past performances. Nana Patekar and Manoj Bajpeyee were simply awesome in their portrayals. Ajay Devgn got a raw deal in a highly underwritten/ edited role. He deserved more space. Katrina and Sarah (Ranbeer's lady in movie) put apt performances. Everybody else including Chetan pandit (Ranbeer's father) did a fine job.

Music was okay but editing was good considering the canvas of movie. Direction and writing deserves praise as they won the battle for the movie. They were the real stars. Watch it if you want to play with your gray cells.