Raajneeti

Direction: Prakash Jha
Writers: Prakash Jha & Anjum Rajabali
Cinematography: Sachin K Krishnan
Editing: Santhosh Mondol

Prakash Jha, who gave us gems like 'Gangaajal' and 'Apaharan', comes out with a mammoth size, star studded, Political drama entitled 'RAAJNEETI'. Now as soon as the titles roll in, the drama builds up like ocean waves on a sea shore and keeps you thrilled and awe stricken with its sheer energy!

Supported by great performances, the movie is delicious in parts. It had great potential to become one of those memorial Political dramas in the history of Indian cinema; but sadly, the screenplay goes on like a free bird, post intermission!

Ajay Devgan was back in great form in the first half, but was completely wasted post intermission. Katreena Kaif gives an honest show, while Nana Patekar shines in his new avtar as the political 'Krishna' and Ranbir Kapoor steels the screen with a cold, yet highly expressive look on his face; well, Abhishekh Bachchan gave a better performance with a similar role in our very own RGV's Sarkar! In the end, its Arjun Rampal who surprises you with a consistently gritty performance, which is sure to blow your minds up! On the other hand, I found it ridiculous that an actor like Naseerudhin Shah was given such an awfully written character!

Heavily inspired from The Godfather, this modern day take on Mahabharata suffers from good thinking at most parts. Though the film is technically sound with neat camera work, art direction, costumes, and moreover high production values, the merciless editing, which concentrates more on the Ranbir-Katreena plot, adds to the trauma.

Its a pity, for if the makers had worked more on the screenplay, which seems to be still on the first draft, the film would have been much more! I felt a lump on my throat witnessing the makers wasting a brilliant opportunity. But Raajneeti is still worth a watch for the rich, yet inconsistent drama it showcases.

Rating: 3/5 Nearly 'Good'

PS: This is not the Prakash Jha we had seen before. Please go back to your old self.