Don't miss it... Review on Gangajal

Unexpectedly we received two tickets for the matinee show of “Gangajal” and very reluctantly we agree to accompany our friends for this show. Not so keen to see this movie which was the last in our to see list of movies, we finally settle in our seats. Sensible Cinema comes our way, Here is what we saw :

Gangajal…the story :

Amit Kumar, Superintendent of Police (Ajay Devgan) gets his first posting to the notorious district of Tejpur of Bihar. This district is lawlessly ruled by Sadhu Yadav (Mohan Joshi) and Sundar Yadav (Yashpal Sharma). Amit tries to clean up the system but meets with rigourous resistance and opposition. He tries to put in life into the decaying police force in order to regain the lost confidence of the people in the system. He becomes successful to certain extent and gains the confidence of his subordinates who happened to be the slaves of Sadhu Yadav.

One such incident provokes these police officials when they see Ajay Devgan fighting single handedly with the criminals (Sadhu Yadav’s men) and then dragging them to the Police station. This incident happens to be the turning point of the film. The criminals abuse the police force and these subordinates of the SP mercilessly assault these criminals by poking sharp edged weapons into their eyes and throwing Gangajal into it. Here a weapon is found out in form of acid which means Gangajal – religious symbol of purification. Thus lies the relevance to the title of this movie. This atrocious act by these subordinates result in opening the eyes of the public who otherwise were dwelling in fear of Sadhu Yadav and his men.

The SP as honest as he is, is enraged by this act and warns these officials of strict legal actions. An enquiry is set up and all the officials claim to be innocent in front of the court but the SP agrees of all the charges. How this SP gets free and how he drags the merciless Sadhu Yadav and his son behind bars to know this one has to go and see the movie..

Direction :

Prakash Jha is known to come up with though provoking and meaningful cinema. Remember “Mrityudand” or “Bandish” , Gangajal is no exception. He treated this subject very realistically creating an environment of terror and at the same time depicting the tensions on the common man due to the atrocities of the local politicians or dada. No songs or no romantic appeal (except for that nautanki number which can be easily eliminated) has made this movie look more realistic. He has to be congratulated for been able to take out some great performances from his cast and crew.Great commendable job done by the director.

Performances :

Ajay Devgan : Just recognized with his second national award, can anyone underrate his performance ? He was simply at his best. Shown as a man of few words…..but very sensible and significant words, his eyes speak volumes. The scenes where he addresses the agitated mob from throwing acid onto the devils of the society is worth a watch. No loud dialogues and no shouting, yet he shines in the movie with a glow that the masses would remember for a long time.

Mukesh Tiwari : This one actor has a long way to go..!! He entered bollywood with “ China gate”. Played the role of “Bacha Yadav” one of the subordinates of the SP. Once totally under the control of Sadhu Yadav and then getting out of it following the advise of the SP. Mukesh has come up with the most dedicating, engaging and the best performance. One can clearly see the dept that this actor has. Wonderfully played and he happens to be a key person in this movie.

Mohan Joshi : The character played by Mohan Joshi is Sadhu Yadav (who happens to be the brother of Bihar CM Rabri Devi..) So this invites lots of controversies surrounding this movie. Mohan Joshi, justifies this character. He has tried to be dreaded devil behind the polite politician. Only I can say that you would love to hate this character, that means he’s done a good job.

Gracy Singh : Playing the role of Anuradha, wife of the SP. She looks gracious and beautiful and but does not have much to perform. The only drawback in this movie was that the director has wasted her as an actress.

My last words :

All I can say Gangajal is worth a watch and after such a long time, a good sensible movie has come our way. So don’t miss it..