Rajneeti

Once in a while something comes along that makes us see a long existing thing in a new light. Rajneeti is just that something. For all you who thought the Mahabharata was a historical, moral epic that along with Ramayana form the base scriptures of Hinduism, this movie will make you alter that perception. It will force you to think of this as a political saga, a blockbuster of sorts when you see the modern day rendition of the so-called religious epic. You will once again question dharma. Not only that you will also question the god himself – Krishna.

The Mahabharat is the greatest lesson in politics. And it also forms the basic premise of the latest offering by Prakash Jha…Rajneeti. Many characters from the Mahabharat find their way into the modern day tale of the epic. Karna, the eldest brother of the Pandavas, a prisoner of birth, spends his whole life carrying the burden of one moment of insanity and passion of his mother. His fate is sealed at conception itself. And then there is Duryodhana, what do we say about him? Born into royalty, the rightful owner of the throne, but a cruel twist of fate robs him of his destiny, the quest for which means self-destruction. But, in the modern day Mahabharat of politics, there is no place for the Dharmaraj Yudhisthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, and his modern day counter-part has principles and equal no. of flaws and short-comings to make him believable and human. Yet, plenty of place for the deceiving, conniving and the wily Krishna…the master manipulator, the king-maker and the ace strategist. Ditto for Arjun, who only focuses on the target; the eye of the fish; the seat of the supreme power, and the he will not rest unless he attains it, no matter what the means and the price. All is fair in the treacherous game of politics. Indeed what a game it is, where there are no permanent friends or enemies, where friendships of convenience are forged just as easily as enmity is forgotten and pride is swallowed for the bigger reward. Even the dead have a role to play, who come back to haunt from the grave. In politics it is self first, self above all and indeed it is imperative to save ones own rear rather than dwelling on petty and insignificant issues of loyalty and kinship…and why not, with only one seat of power and many players. Kings are pawns themselves too. The lust for power is all consuming.

On this treacherous and murky web of deceit and ambition is based Rajneeti, which, with its brilliant star cast, stellar performances and edge-of-the-seat pace seems to be a sure winner. Manoj Bajpayee, after having done some insignificant and almost ridiculous roles, is back with a bang. If you thought Arjun Rampal is just a clothes-horse, think again, as he comes up with an ace performace. Ajay Devgan is his usual intense, brooding self, and then there is Nana Patekar, in his most restrained performance ever…no loud dialogues and no exaggerated hand movement!! But the surprise package is Ranbir Kapoor, in his most intense performance till date. That of the son, who by twist of fate is pushed into the political arena and once on the battle ground he emerges as the modern day Arjun who will stop at absolutely nothing to avenge the family honor and to return the power to the rightful owner; he has enough mind that he almost does not need the wily Krishna and his scheming mind. Then there is the lovely Katrina Kaif, an unwilling participant in the dangerous game, a mere pawn used to further ones own greed for power and supremacy, who loses all to emerge as the prime candidate. A small yet significant role. A must watch movie; it is not for the faint at heart. The only short-coming…a complete waste of Naseeruddin Shah.