Satyagraha (2013) - Political Thriller

The quality of Prakash Jha’s movies have started going down in last decade or so – I guess the best he made in last ten years will be “Gangajal” followed by “Apaharan” and finally “Raajneeti” which was still good. The reason as per me – why that’s happening is because he started making movies every year – no heart – no research hence the result an undercooked story trying to cover up too much as they say – too many cooks spoil the broth. Here too – he end up taking too many stars in a movie which he should have kept simple and straight to the point. Unfortunately it turns out to be a yawn inducing movie which is too long saying too little and all drama with no substance. Although it starts off pretty well but loses the steam midways starts going nowhere and the audience just wait for the end which is not even convincing and looks like a hap hazard ending of a Priyadarshan movie. The best part of the movie is the scenes with Ajay Devgn and Amitabh Bachchan (Together) – superb! I will give it one star each for their performances and a half star for the background score “Satyagraha (Song)” will run in my mind for next couple of weeks – awesome music with fantastic use of guitar in it, Salim Sulaiman simply rocked it. Undercooked characters and script is the culprit here. Kareena Kapoor is miscast big time – you’ve got to watch out for her scenes – they are simply hilarious with her fake pout and poses – every time camera comes towards her is laughable, she is totally out of place in this one and less we talk about her affair with Ajay is the better. Fortunately I had no expectations this time around with Prakash Jha that’s why it was a little easy for me to digest this movie – and I will definitely call it a great opportunity missed by him – it could’ve been so much better in the current context of Indian political / economic situation but I guess what he wanted to make is something which will work commercially too – it will but will never be called a good or great movie on the subject. No problems if you have missed it – its tough watching it full in one go anyway – I will still give it 2.5/5 just for the effort and Ajay / Big B’s heartfelt performances.