SATYAGRAHA : Exclusive Movie Review
Directed by Prakash Jha
Produced by Prakash Jha/Ronnie Screwvala/Siddharth Roy Kapur
Music by Salim-Sulaiman/Meet Bros Anjjan/Aadesh Shrivastava
Written by Anjum Rajabali/Prakash Jha/Rutvik Oza
Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee & Amrita Rao
Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair
Theater – Grand Al Mariah Cinemas, Abu Dhabi, UAE
29/08/2013 – 10.40pm Occupancy – 70%
Director Prakash Jha is known for his political and socio-political films such as Damul, Mrityudand, Gangaajal, Apaharan & Raajneeti. Most of his films were box office hits. However the director's last two movies Chakravyuh & Aarakshan were flops at the box office. Both films without his favorite actor, Ajay Devgn.
Satyagraha is the 5th film of 'Prakash Jha - Ajay Devgn' team. Like all Prakash Jha films, Satyagraha is also a multistarrer with Mr.Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee & Amrita Rao. Satyagraha is a UTV film. The makers are riding high this year with all of their movies worked big time at the box office, blockbusters like Chennai Express & YehJawaaniHaiDeewani (Distribution), Hits like Kai Po Che & ABCD and an average grosser in Ghanchakkar.
Story
Retired teacher Dwarka Anand (Amitabh Bachchan) is an idealistic man. His engineer son Akhilesh's buddy Manav (Ajay Devgn) is an ambitious capitalist. Manav cherishes his friend - who suddenly dies. Minister Balram Singh (Manoj Bajpai) announces compensation which Akhilesh's wife Sumitra (Amrita Rao) cannot get despite daily applications before government babus. Incensed, Dwarka slaps an arrogant official and gets imprisoned. Manav starts a campaign to free him, using social media, roping in wannabe-bahubali Arjun Singh (Arjun Rampal) and journalist Yasmin (Kareena Kapoor).
Positives
The only positives of Satyagraha are the acting
of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan & Manoj Bajpayee. Their performances are of a
high standard. It's a delight to watch Mr.Bachchan in complete form
after a long time. Mr.Bachchan as Dwarka Anand is excellent. He has some
of the toughest scenes in the film. In fact, a lesser actor would've
failed to do justice to the role. But Mr.Bachchan's expressions, voice
and movement bring the character to life.
Manoj Bajpayee delivers
yet another performance that he can be proud of. The actor is flawless
in a role that seems tailormade for him. Special 26, Shootout At Wadala
& now Satyagraha, 2013 turning out ot be a good year for the actor.
Ajay
Devgn & Arjun Rampal are average. The powerful punchlines are
missing this time. Kareena Kapoor is strictly ok. Amrita Rao leaves a
mark in the first half. But in the second half her role is limited and
have very few dialogues. Bengali actor Indraneil Sengupta is good in a
limited role.
The film has quite witty one liners. Mr.Bachchan's
'Aap Ka Time Shuru Hogaya Hai Ab' & Manoj Bajpayee's "Tum Jiase Dost
Hai To Dushman Ka Kya Zaroorat Hai" is extremely funny! The role of
social media (Facebook & Twitter) in modern day revolution is
highlighted well in the film. Prakash Jha's direction is good. Some
scenes are directed brilliantly. Cinematograph by Sachin Krishna &
Editing by Santosh Mandal are good.
Negatives
The problem with Satyagraha is film is so predictable & very slow. First half is strictly ok, but second half is unforgivably long! The film has moments of optimism, but failed to impress any real passion. The romantic angle between Ajay Devgn & Kareena Kapoor was unnecessary. So is their romantic song just after the interval. There is no scope for music in political thrillers, yet the makers added few songs in the second half. 'Janta Rocks' song in every 20 minutes is irritating. Music by Salim Sulaimaan, Meet Bros Anjjan & Aadesh Shrivastava is ordinary. Script by Anjum Rajabali, Prakash Jha & Rutvik Oza is confusing.
Kareena Kapoor's role is just ok. Infact not an ideal role for her after Talaash. Arjun Rampal is miscasted.The actor had a rocking role in DDay, but in Satyagraha nothing to offer. Mugdha Godse is wasted in a miss-before-you-can-blink role! Sad to see Ajay Devgn's poor acting (which is very rare) in Satyagraha. Just watch out for his crying scene in the first half. Shockingly horrible expressions. Himmatwala & now Satyagraha, not a good sign Mr.Devgn!
Actually it's not the actors fault. Satyagraha is a just an average film with a bad script & good actors. That's why the result is mixed! It's hight time... Mr. Prakash Jha should make films without 'politics' theme. Satyagraha is promoting so many advertisements in it. Advertisements in a political thriller?
Overall Satyagraha is a mixed bag from Prakash Jha. Film has some moments, yet not enough to evoke any real patriotism or any good message. Watch it for Mr.Amitabh Bachchan & Manoj Bajpayee's acting and to see some real truth. At the box office will film have an average opening 6-8cr with a weekend of 18-22cr! A long run is ruled out due to the back to back multiple films from next friday onwards.
P:S:Watch it for Mr.Amitabh Bachchan & Manoj Bajpayee!!!
Verdict - SATYAGRAHA ... Film has some moments, yet not enough to evoke any real patriotism or any good message!!!
Rating - 2.75/5! Average !!!
Reviewer can be contacted on Twitter : @i_spn :
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