Raajneeti Movie Reviews

Well, what you expect when you find many famous names on the cast list - Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgn, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai, Ranbir Kapoor and Katerina Kaif, probably wastage of roles, but no, this time its the poweful characterization which gave the strength to this bloody politics movie. Naseeruddin Shah is the only person wasted here for a cameo.

Prakash Jha's Raajneeti has all the political masala, you can look forward to. The story revolves round a family, and the ill-intentions of each and every member of family which led them to play a bloody game with each other, just to get the chair (kissa kursi ka!). Nobody is pure, everybody is behind everyone, and everybody's hands are coloured with red. The most powerful role was given to Ranbir Kapoor, and you can say that this new guy is not just an actor, but he is a very very good actor. His mind-games are the central theme of the whole 2nd half. He always play chess on his mobile, and he also plays chess of politics on the land. Most of the part of this movie was shot in Bhopal, MP, and the cinematography of the real locations (including the MP Vidhan-sabha) is done beautifully, well supported by the background score of Wayne Sharpe.

1st half is the most powerful half of the movie (60% damdaar!), where poilitics is there in every scene. Katrina Kaif's resemblance to Sonia Gandhi will certainly help the audience to relate the character. Her dialogue delivery, speech style, walking style while attending sabha/rallies and showing hands to the aam junta is quite matching. She did the best role of her life (I think she can be called as an actress now!). Ajay Devgn is powerful as always, but probably I still can say that Gangaajal role was his best till date. Arjun Rampal looks equally powerful in the role of a youth neta, while Manoj Bajpai, played the role of corrupted politician very well. Scenes including the bombing of the car in the 2nd half is just ultimate, realistically shown, plus the scene at the climax when Ranbir is pointing gun towards Ajay Devgn, but is not able to shoot, then its Nana Patekar who gave him the updesh, just like Krishna. But there is much violence and you can see much of red colour - the blood on screen.

3 hrs without music and not a single moment of dullness, proves Prakash Jha as the champion of directors. He has guven us Gangaajal, and Apharan kind of realistic movies, and with Raajneeti he proved his stronghold on political and corruption matters. Film's shows are housefull here atleast in Indore., but still remains some flaws like a simple guy like Ranbir, who came from US, how he too become a ruthless killer, and in the end just simply walk away. Climax can be improved a bit (just the last 5 minutes). Ajay Devgn is sometime right and sometime wrong, so that left his character puzzled.

Now after watching this movie, I can define Raajneeti. Earlier Raajneeti means Raj Neeti i.e. Ruling policies or policies for ruling. Then it becomes Raj without Neeties i.e Ruling without Policies. Then it was also called as Raj's Neeties i.e Raj's Policies. But this Raajneeti actually means Raajneeti - with blood, for chair. Watch it.

Ruchir.

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To be really honest, I hate movie reviews. Be it the overrated Nikhat Kazmi and Mayank Shekhar articles that make or break the fate of the biggest masterpieces by trying to scale them on their ‘star’ meters, or the paid-for TV reviews that news channels like Aaj Tak usually air in the weeks preceeding the hype of a big release, mostly if not always, are a mirror of what I feel about a movie. Latest in this league are internet sites like indiafm (aka bollywoodhungama) where people who call themselves trade analysts (a new epithet given to the same old movie critic) give you indepth analysis of why YOU should or should not watch a movie which THEY may or may not like. And I thought we lived in a democracy!

But I’m going to make an exception here. Today I want to tell you about my first day first show experience of watching Raajneeti. But before I begin to tell you about it, first a note of caution- I’ve liked the biggest of ‘flops’ (personally I don’t like this word, I’m using it only for the lack of a better one). I loved Kites that I saw last week and I thought Rann (hope you’ve heard of it- it stars Amitabh Bachchan and Ritiesh Deshmukh) was pretty okay too. The last film I really hated (and I can’t say that for more than a handful of them) was DevD. So if you’re the kind who’s looking for authentic star-meter dependent material, this piece is not for you to swear by, but you can still read it anyway, you’re most welcome!

Throughout this piece, I’ll try and not give you the plot away, but one thing I’d like to do is mention a few dialogues or scenes I liked in the movie, so that you can look out for them if you happen to watch it. I think that’s fair enough.

First things first, with a starcast like this, you’ve seriously got to have a pretty strong reason to avoid Raajneeti. Though Naseeruddin Shah is the only one who has an itsy-bitsy appearance in the beginning, more or less all others have a considerable screen presence. It was a pleasant surprise to see Arjun Rampal act, which can be taken as a fitting reply to silence critics who thought he didn’t deserve the National Award for Rock On. Nana Patekar’s role in the movie made me stand up and take notice of his acting prowess, something that I’d overlooked in the past. Even, Manoj Bajpai is sure to get a fresh lease of life after this one. Latest import Sarah Thompson also does a convincing job in the tiny role that she’s landed.

The promos do a great job of keeping the storyline hard to guess, since Katrina’s role is not entirely centred around what’s being highlighted. The flow of ideas is sewn well together and is capable of gripping the average movie-goer’s attention, making him/her wonder what new twist the next scene will bring. Raajneeti is the story of a family, it’s about power and politics and how these take a lead over everything else in life for that family. I personally liked a lesson which Nana gives Ranbir when he asks “Gadhe murdon ko nikaalne se kya faayda?”, the reply being, “Raajneeti mein murdon ko gaadha nahi jaata, unhe sambhaalkar rakha jaata hai take samay aane par unka mooh khulwaake unka istamaal kiya jaa sake!”

A couple of really funny lines that I can’t stop myself from mentioning-

The driver is gifted an expensive watch by his sahib and is really elated to know that he’s so special to him. That’s when Ajay Devgn (it’s not a typo, that’s how he spells his name now!) comes up to him and retorts, “Ghadi dee hai taake samay par unki gaadi pahuncha sako” to spoil his party!

In a really serious scene, the depiction of Arjun Rampal singing Ankhiyan Churayun kabhi ankhiyaan milaaon kabhI (from the 90’s Madhuri starrer Raja) is sure to evoke a chuckle.

Some events in the movie are highly dramaticized, as is the case with all Hindi movies. For example, there’s somebody getting murdered every few scenes and a few dramatic turns become slightly difficult to believe. Though after watching this movie, I didn’t feel it’s inspired by any individual or family in particular, chances are that you may find a few of the characters being based on a combination of real life personalities.

Prakash Jha has done a flawless job of narrating a kind of story that has always been his forte. Once again, he has succeeded in depicting the goonda raaj based politics of central India with perfection. The rustic UPwaala ‘hum’ instead of ‘main’, the execution of the huge crowd scenes and even the tiniest of nitty-gritties have been taken care of really well. Again, there are a few dialogues that I’d like to draw reference to, to make a point:

In one scene, Manoj Bajpai reminds his detractors, “Aasmaan pe thookhne waale ko yeh nahi pata ki mooh uska kharaab hone waala hai”

In another one, when the pesky paparazzi reminds Ranbir that the freedom of press obligates him to reply to their questions, his impressive reply is “Haan, lekin aapki aazaadi ko aap hamara aatank nahi bana sakte”

You’ll surely like this movie if you even remotely liked the Sarkar dilogy. And to those numbered few who happened to watch Rann like me, Jha has done exactly what Ram Gopal Verma tried to do in his movie, though this time, it’s with the perfection of a skilled craftsman who does an awesome job of storytelling with finesse and élan.

To sum it up, I’ll just say, be prepared for a heavy dose of action and drama and a full-too three hour paisa vasool blockbuster. After all, for me being a Sindhi, it feels much better spending three hours in an air-conditioned theatre watching a stretched out sensible movie for the same price that I pay for a one and a half hour no brainer!

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People of India, welcome to the grand general elections of 2010 called RAJNEETI.

These elections will not harm you personal and social life, but will surely make an impact on your entertainment lives. We are preparing for the elections but the pre-election controversies have already happened. A certificate controversy from the Film Ministry Board or adaptation of  character of Mother of Nation! It's certainly a hyped, controversial and a big huge multi-starred film. So we do have it in real life, our very great politicians are busy increasing corruption and all their own mad things.

So does RAJNEETI really looks on these politics? Yes. Does it looks effectively? Partly! It dosen't to a greater extent because it has something to tell which it cannot tell everything. And it does follow MAHABHARATA and SARKAR. Also does it showcases Bollywood formulaic cliches at every moment. But it does makes a sweeping impact on us with it's brilliant cast, the biggest and only reason to watch or vote for these general elections.

Prakash Jha much known for his hard hitting 2003 Gangajal and 2005 Apaharan gets off right with a big casted RAJNEETI much hyed[mentioned already]. Now with luck in hands, does he hits the note? And does this much awaited works? Mr. Jha, it works, but it's needs to be showcased like MAHABHARATA for days and days to work!

It's better to know first who the contestants are-

Contestants -                                         

Samar Pratap( Ranbir Kapoor), Prithvi Pratap(Arjun Rampal), Veerendra Pratap(Manoj Bajpai), Sooraj Kumar(Ajay Devgan), Brij Gopa(lNana Patekar), Bhaskar Sanyal(Naserruddin Shah) Indu Pratap(Katrina Kaif)

So these contestants will fight the big throne for the elections but before, lets flash back!

We begin with an interesting narrative of Sooraj brought up in a dalit family and inspired from Mahabharata. Then lets go to Prithvi Pratap, the heir of our Congress or Rashtravaadi party. His younger brother, Samar, miles away doing a PhD is ultimately made involved in the corrupt adventure. Then their is Veerendra, their own cousin who can everything to win. We have Indu who falls for Samar who has girlfriend Sarah. And then are Bhaskar appearing and Brij helping Indu and Samar.

Doesn't this appears confusing in a conflict? So I already cleared the names above. RAJNEETI has a share of these confused moments very early and ultimately, Jha uses voiceover to narrate the story. Each time you aren't out, a new twist is introduced. Even though, the first half doesn't bores.

t's in the double hour, the film gets too madly on itself. Grudging much focus on political speeches, romance the film itself loses hands. From those boring and non-ending dialogues beginning from Rajneeti Mein.  it makes an outdated and over imaginated political scenario. And then always using Bollywood tragedies and inspirations, RAJNEETI gets excessively long for these parts.

RAJNEETI needs not to be a lame movie, it has all standards to make out and right-intentions to focus out, only if Jha would have made it simpler, it would have been a little better. Even though, it does has a worth-a-watch factor.

Prakash Jha'ssincere attempts to showcase the political scenario successes to a big time. But only, if he had made it a little lighter and edited a little length. His intentions are well attempted and also narrates it in a cellular manner, but doesn't successes in some manner.

Does the screenplay provides enough space? Certainly not, but it does makes you go deep in the film.

Ranbir's shift from his childish roles to a well matured role works a big way. Never does he dissapoints in the film and enacts his role very well.

Arjun Rampal is in form, Man! He has shown that he isn't a dull one, but an actor, a perfect actor.

Katrina's efforts for the film are visible wonderfully. Her Hindi, manically spoked in a lavish manner that may be inspired from someone but has her role fully justified.

Nana and Naseeruddin are always brilliant actors. But Jha underestimated them this time and keeps them much in a supporting role.

However, the one I find the finest is Manoj Bajpai. He is surpirising, in his every scene makes an eye-watching impact and surely steals the show!

RAJNEETI has all to watch because of these sparkling performances. You can off the minor flaws leaving aside them and focusing more on the characters.

So do I recommend you to watch RAJNEETI? Of course, because everyone has to vote in the elections. The only difference, below 18 also allowed!

From audiences to RAJNEETI, *Karara Jawab Milega!

READERS, YOU ARE THE MEDIA!  SO RATE AND COMMENT!  OTHERWISE MY TRP WILL NEVER INCREASE!

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The maker of hard-hitting movies like Damul, Mrityudand, Gangaajal and Ap-haran, Prakash Jha has now come up with Raajneeti. What has happened to Raju Hirani in 3 Idiots after the Munnabhai series, has happened to Prakash Jha in his third venture in the new millennium as he has made a good movie but it does not live up to his reputation. The reason is simple. He has tried to force the tale of the Indian epic - the Mahabharat in the realistic story of Indian politics. And the result is that he has fallen flat on his face.

The fact is, the Mahabharat is too big an epic to envelop it in a time duration of three hours. Just by showing feud in a political family and unnecessary killings, the Mahabharat cannot be brought on celluloid. Right from the very first scene, the movie proved so engrossing for me that I never knew when it had arrived the interval point. However, the second half could not prove to be that impressive. Reason ! As against its first half, the movie dealt with less politics, more the Mahabharat style relationships and dealings among the protagonists in the second half.

The first half is a typical Prakash Jha one, completely realistic and baring the true face of the Indian politics which is power-based and not people-based. How the tickets for the seats in the election are distributed, how conventional vote banks are kept intact, how power is grabbed and kept under control, how dynastic dynamics takes place in the Indian politics, how meetings are conducted in the Indian political parties, to which extent our politicians are greedy and finally, to which extent they can fall from ethics for the sake of winning elections and grabbing powerful positions, have been depicted with utmost realism. Up to that, it is no less than Gangaajal and Ap-haran.

However, in the second half, the director has shown everything over the top. An industrialist bargaining for a Chief Minister as his son-in-law in view of her daughter's matrimonial negotiations, big political guns taking weapons in their hands and fearlessly killing their opponents, a senior and mature political leader instigating a young one to murder his political opponent as he had killed his father (knowing very well that the would-be victim is none else but the would-be killer's own brother) and several other things which are uncalled for and does not fit in the original plot. Several incidents have been taken from the Mahabharat to justify the claim that the movie is inspired from the epic. However these incidents are not natural to the original story, they clearly look purposelessly imposed and superficial. My biggest objection on the movie is that high profile political killings take place, a very senior police officer is murdered in the day-light and even a foreigner is killed, yet no serious investigation takes place either on the part of the police or any other investigating agency(like CBI or so). This is highly unnatural. Yes, there is anarchy in India, no law of the jungle all the same. Big political leaders arrange murders. They do not commit murders (quite openly) themselves.

The incidents borrowed from the Mahabharat have not been led to their logical conclusions and left as loose ends without proper tying-up. In fact, they are totally superfluous and the movie could have done without them. This is an insult to the great epic. Shyam Benegal had made Kalyug in 1981, bringing the framework of the epic into the story of an industrial family. Prakash Jha has tried to imitate (perhaps inadvertently) the legendary filmmaker in this regard but has not been very successful. In fact, he has drowned himself (the film) by riding two boats at the same time, i.e., making a hard-hitting political drama as well as drawing the Mahabharat saga into the narrative. Had he concentrated upon his first objective only, he would have made a memorable film.

Reducing the female characters to mere puppets in the hands of the male ones as well as showing the central character (Ranbir Kapoor) as using everybody and every relationship is another highly objectionable thing on the part of the director. Ranbir Kapoor (the modern Arjuna) shamelessly uses the emotions of Katrina Kaif and others and murders many people without a hitch. Even then the director very conveniently allows him to return to abroad (from where he had originally arrived) and shows him in a bright light which is quite indigestible. The director has distorted the characters and the situations to suit his purpose but this has snatched the flair of naturalness from the movie. The biggest distortion is in the character of Ranbir Kapoor. The director has emphasized his genuine love for Sarah at many places, yet he gets ready to marry Katrina Kaif for the sake of arranging funds from her father to fight the elections. This is too contradictory.

The character of Nasiruddin Shah has been removed totally after the first reel. This is irritating. His return into the narrative could have provided some logic as well as spice to the story. Besides, the character of Ajay Devgan (the modern Karna) being very emphatic in the first half but sidelined in the second one, is also a factor which disturbs the balance of the movie. Further, the character of Nana Patekar (the modern Krishna) is totally confusing and unconvincing. His reaching Ajay Devgan's house with a pistol in his hand to personally kill him, looks ridiculous. The mother (the modern Kunti) is shown as politically active in the beginning but later on she is totally passive and submissive to anything and everything done by the males in the family. This does not look natural. And finally, except Nasiruddin Shah, all and sundry (including the modern Krishna, Nana Patekar) are shown with low morals, ready to do the meanest things. At least one character could have been shown with some morality in him. Katrina Kaif has been given the get-up resembling Mrs. Sonia Gandhi in the end, without any reason. The scenes of physical intimacy are also unnecessary and they could have been toned down, if not removed totally. The thing Prakash Jha has emphatically shown is that our politicians consider political power as something like their fief.

The look of the movie is realistic. The performances are admirable. Ranbir Kapoor has given an amazing performance in the role of the modern Arjuna. All others have done well. However, Manoj Bajpayee (the modern Duryodhana) appears quite theatrical and over the top which is clearly the director's flaw as he is such a natural actor. Such movies do not need any songs. However the songs played in the background are quite good. Technical and production value aspects are admirable. The movie is too long, yet could not cover the Mahabharat story properly.

Frankly speaking, Madhur Bhandarkar's Satta (2003) was a better political movie which was closer to reality than Raajneeti when we make an overall comparison. Prakash Jha, however, has been able to underscore a significant fact - the canvas of the Indian politics is too large which has space for everything but one.

The public !

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Raajneeti is an example of a film where a director need to tell a lot of things but cannot tell it for obvious reasons. This confusion, dilemma and frustration are visible in Raajneeti. The director is not to be blamed but it is not a product which it could have been.

There is no hero or heroes, only villains in this film, in other words, in politics. Thankfully, there is a heroine in it but her role was limited and her area of expertise was something else than politics.

Katrina Kaif gives out another 'charming' performance. This beautiful lady is yet to be explored by experts in cinematography. For lead actors, it is a kind of difficult fight. Manoj Bajpai, Ranbir Kapur, Arjun Rampal & Ajay Devgan compete one another in their roles and if the film is to be watched that is only for the brilliant performance by these 4 'ACTORS'. Surprisingly the director didn't use the best arrows available, i.e. Nana Patekar & Nassaruddin Shah. Looks like 'N' is not a lucky letter for Prakash Jha. Other actors did their roles well. Performance is one area where the film and the director excel.

The story is filmed in a large canvas involving thousands of people in many frames and doing so the director has undertaken a Herculean task which the director shown he is capable of. However, I wish the director took some initiative to attach a simple message to the entire episode. To avoid resemblance to any living politicians the identity and deeds of characters (whose origins everybody knows are from reality) are twisted and sabotaged mercilessly. Bringing angels out of demons and turning angels to demons needs basic time/work to do which the film refused. Also, it looks like the screen play conveniently changed colours to suite the casts. This undoubtedly diluted the central theme and made the 'larger than life fort' a foot step ploy and the barricade meant for children.

The writer or director it seems that not sure of with which sword they want to fight. This confusion in making decision made them mixing up all. Even the climax lacks preparation and didn't establish a point like in many other important areas of the film. Weak characters (characters without character and reason and many are undeveloped too), mixed feel of situations (Some excellent, some good, some poor), not successful symbols and lack of message (whatsoever) made this mega venture like not fully boiled chicken curry (Vegetarians may pardon me here).

Violence and romance are the best of genres, treated well by Prakash Jha. Then, politics is more of tactics than violence. The director succeeds in bringing tactics in violence but was not successful in creating ploys matching to the current politicians which we watch in every day basis.

Cinematography is good. Editing good to average to weak. In important scenes like climax, the editor failed the film with expressive mistakes.

The film best can be watched for its excellent performance and some excellent violence. The film is a failure for a viewer who goes to theater for entertainment. However, political stands can make the film an entertaining affair with or without our ability to give too much of cinematic freedom and or ignorance. The film is recommended for people who have some kind of political interest or even hatred. This film could have been made better.

My rating: 2.5 stars

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The present-day Indian political scenario is infested with corrupted netas and mantris with goondaism, rigged elections and dynastic partiality a regular feature of it. Raajneeti deals with all this and much more. However, let me break the myth that Raajneeti is not only for the intelligentsia or for serious cinema lovers. This is a complete entertaining film and those having no interest in politics will also love the goings-on. There’s so much happening in the film and the turn of events at each and every point is so sudden and unexpected that one won’t get a chance even to blink. This and the award winning performances are the strengths of Raajneeti and enough reasons to go and watch the film ASAP!

The story of the movie: Prithvi (Arjun Rampal) is the heir apparent to the throne of the Rashtrawadi Party. His ultimate rival is his cousin Veerendra (Manoj Bajpai), a fierce and impatient man who can do anything to reach the top. On the other hand, Sooraj (Ajay Devgn), born and brought in a Dalit area has strong political ambitions and wishes to secure the election ticket from his constituency. Veerendra uses him to thwart Prithvi. Soon, a family tragedy forces Prithvi’s younger brother Samar (Ranbir Kapoor), a person miles away from politics, to enter the corruption-infested waters of his family conflict. He’s pursuing a Ph.D from US and even has a girlfriend (Sarah Thompson)there. Indu (Katrina Kaif), Samar’s childhood friend loves him to death. However, fate proves treacherous for her as well. She’s used in this game as a pawn and has to face tragic and unforeseen situations. Brij Gopal (Nana Patekar) proves as a guide and mentor to Samar and Indu and helps them fight this nasty political battle.

Raajneeti begins wonderfully with the Naseeruddin Shah track. The film then gets little confusing when too many characters and their aspirations is put forward to the viewers. However, the film gets on the right track as soon as Ranbir and Ajay (excellent entry!) enters the narrative. And then, you are immediately sapped into the family v/s family battle. The best part of this conflict is that at every step, some character or the other is playing a dangerous double-crossing game that is a treat to watch on screen. Every character has shades of grey and the dangerous game they indulge in make it a brilliant cinematic experience!

Every character is very well written and sketched. The film is treated with aplomb perfection and it is evident that people with the right sense, knowledge and expertise has handled it. And the unique part is that the film has beautifully seamed Mahabharata with Indian political system! Truly brilliant!

In this supremely multi-starrer flick, every actor stands out, leave a mark and doesn’t disappoint. Ranbir Kapoor has the biggest role and yet again comes up with a sparkling performance. His role here is something that he hasn’t done before but he comes out with flying colours. Watch out how he speaks so much without saying a single dialogue in several scenes! Ranbir’s fan base will surely increase after Raajneeti! Great going!

Manoj Bajpai is the surprise of the film! After Ranbir, it’s Bajpai who leaves a tremendous mark. In every film, he has honestly come up with brilliant performance but unfortunately, he never got the justified fame and appreciation. It’s high time this performer gets his due! Arjun Rampal amazes once again and this time he has undoubtedly silenced all his critics who cry that he is a ‘woodden actor’! He infuses life in several scenes! And watch out when he suddenly breaks into ‘Ankhiya milayi tune ankhiya churayi’ in one of the scenes! YOU JUST ROCK DUDE!!

(CONTINUED IN THE 1ST, 2ND AND 4TH COMMENT)

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Forget the running around the trees sequences, or the brainless comedies, or the candyfloss romance on the silver screen and prepare yourself to face the reality of the cruel, brutal & demonish politics a.k.a. RAAJNEETI.

Producer-Director Prakash Jha's 'Raajneeti' is a blend of Mahabharata & Godfather but the battle field chosen to narrate the story is of politics. Indian politics to be precise, which is fought like a violent battle to attain power by hook or crook.

Assembling a star cast like Ajay Devgan, Arjun Rampal, Nana Patekar, Ranvir Kapoor, Manoj Vajpayee is not an easy task and it becomes more difficult when it comes to give them all a rock solid character that is very important part of the story. But Prakash Jha along with Anjum Rajabali wrote a script that not only provided each actor a solid character, it also removes the makeup from the face of the democracy & brings to the surface the ugly look of it.

Arjun Rampal: A man who is hungry to seize the top position & is ready to fight election fiercely. Come what may.

Manoj Vajpayee: Cousin of Arjun Rampal, who also believes that he is born to rule, will stop at nothing to reach the top slot.

Ranvir Kapoor: Younger brother of Arjun Rampal who visits India to attend his uncle's birthday has to extend his stay as his father is killed. He has to settle his accounts. His character reminds of Michael Corleone's in Godfather.

Ajay Devgan: A dalit, who has support of Manoj Vajpayee will go to any length to win the election.

Nana Patekar: As cool as cucumber, supports Ranvir & Arjun. Speaks less but very powerful words that can actually create havoc. Knows when to speak & moreover what to speak.

Katrina Kaif: Loves Ranvir. He doesn't love her. Due to circumstances, she has to marry Arjun.

Prakash Jha did not waste time & came to the point from the very first scene & did not loose his focus or his intentions till the very last scene. The premises of the film is such that had it been handled by any less talented director it would have ended up in becoming a documentary kind of film but the supremacy of Prakash Jha keeps the viewer's interest glued on the screen throughout the film.

Another beauty of the film is that it is very unpredictable and it does surprise at times but then that is the beauty of politics, it's full of surprises.

Prakash Jha needs to be applauded for filming the crowded scenes with panache. Look at the number of people assembled in huge ground, with cars running in & helicopters landing, screaming of the crowd to cheer their leaders gives the authentic feel of the happenings.

How often have we seen the dramas that takes place in meetings of political parties? Why do political parties give support to other parties? Why do they pull the support from them? There is a lot to be written about the film but that will spoil the show for the people who haven't seen it hence watch the film to know the answers to these questions and to many more.

Music was not required as it would have interrupted flow of the film & with crisp editing the songs are cut to minimum length. All the songs hardly takes 5 minutes in total.

Full marks to Anjum Rajabali & Prakash Jha for writing the watertight script. The dialogues are so good that they stun the viewers at times.

Photography matches the quality of the film and deserves 10 on 10. The cameraman has captured the scenes beautifully.

Performance wise this film is a world of tough competition. Of late Katrina Kaif has shown some improvement in acting & she continues to grow. Ajay Devgan has the less powerful role but does justice to it as expected. Nana Patekar gives a very balance performance with unique dialogue delivery. Manjoj Vajpayee is in form yet again. I would personally like to see more of him. Arjun Rampal is in control and delivers one of his best performances till date. Ranvir Kapoor is a born actor & has the ability to live the character that he is playing. Once again he has done a very good job. And yes, he can look tough, if required.

Gangajal, Apaharan & now Raajneeti, Prakash Jha continues to give the quality product one after the other. It is not easy to direct a subject like Raajneeti but the way Prakash Jha narrated the tale of backstabbing, conspiracy, murders, corruption, etc. confirms the hallmark of a great director. Someone who knows his job.

The only flip side that I can see that this film is not for everyone. The reaction of 2 hens & 4 roosters (all college students attending their classes inside INOX multiplex) confirms this.

But this film is strongly recommended. Do yourself a favour please do not forget your brains at home & listen to everything that is spoken to enjoy the film to the hilt that might bring you across the reality of democracy. Don't forget - Reality bites.

Rating: 4.75 / 5 stars

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