Raajneeti had generated enough interest in the days leading up to its release. People wondered what gamble director Prakash Jha had taken by roping in Pop Corn stars in a film like Raajneeti! Seasoned actors like Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgan, Manoj Bajpai vs the likes of Ranbir kapoor, Katrina Kaif & Arjun Rampal.
Well the formula has worked very well. Raajneeti can definitely be ranked as one of the best films of 2010 till date. Taking inspiration from the epic Mahabharta & some resemblance to Godfather, Prakash Jha has woven a story that shows how dirty politics can get. As the story moves, it keeps on getting dirtier - to a point where you might want to pinch yourself. Is this the real politics?
The story revolves around one extended family with political background where everybody is thirsty for power. Prithviraj Pratap (Arjun Rampal) & Veerendra Pratap (Manoj Bajpai) are cousins vying for the power after Veerendra's father & party leader suffers a stroke & is paralysed. While Veerendra takes Suraj (Ajay Devgan) - a dynamic young leader of the masses under his wings - Prithvirajl has the master politician Brij Gopal (Nana Patekar) - a party veteran - to back him. Things get dirty when Prithviraj's father is shot dead by Veerendra & Suraj in the quest for the CM's seat.
In between, politically disconnected Samar Pratap (Ranbir Kapoor - Younger brother of Prithviraj) is on a short trip to India & has plans to return to his Phd & his girlfriend in USA. However his father's death makes him stay back & join the family business (politics) - kindof Godfather style.
The story unfolds with both camps sparing no opportunities to finish each other off. What follows is a gory blood bath where all ethics, morals & relationships are sidelined for the ultimate quest of power!
You may get lost during the first half with so many characters unfolding. However as the first half sets in, you get a clear picture of who's who & the stage is set for a riveting second half.
Ajay Devgan
Ajay Devgan as Suraj does well in his role of being the revolutinary from the lower strata of the society. As a right hand man of Veerendra Pratap, Ajay Devgan's character is sometimes sidelined & remains in background. Its a role which in no way can be called meaty. However Ajay Devgan tries to do his best & delivers with his expressions.
Manoj Bajpai
Another fine actor, Manoj Bajpai plays the role of the hurt heir - who believes its his birth right to get the reins of power. As the conniving politician, Manoj Bajpai essays his role well in first half. There isnt much for him to do in the second half.
Arjun Rampal
Arjun Rampal manages to give a decent performance - talks like a rockstar during rallies.
Katrina Kaif with her looks lights up the screen. A bindi & salwar clad Indu (Katrina Kaif) looks beautiful, but is unable to get Ranbir Kapoor reciprocate her love. Katrina does well in her scenes with Ranbir where she finds out that she is just being USED. Her transformation into the Saree Clad politician (Sonia Gandhi??) at the fag end of the movie is well depicted & she executes her rally speech with elan.
Nana Patekar
Nana Patekar is the perfect match for the role of Brij Gopal - A man who understands politics to core & knows all the moves beforehand. He is the seasoned politician & manages to deliver a master stroke during every crunch situation. The scenes where he gives out that 'I know it all' look & smile are the highlight of the movie!
Ranbir Kapoor
This guy is the master mind behind all the twist & turns. His transformation from being naive in politics to delivering killer blows is somewhat hard to digest. But he just snatches the limelight from everyone in the second half. The cold blooded Samar is ready to go any lengths to take revenge & gambles everything that he has. Ranbir Kapoor is definitely one of the prime reasons to watch Raajneeti.
Raajneeti is a long movie with a running time of nearly 3 hours (that too without songs). However fine acting & constant twists do make it a enjoyable ride. You do end up smiling at the various games that power hungry politicians play. Its a movie which may attract you to politics & drive away from politics at the same time! Dont give it a miss!
Rating: 4 out of 5 - Definitely watchable!
