Aaj ka Rajniti meets Mahabharata

Interesting. Fact adroitly meshed with fiction with an overly generous dollop of melodrama.

I have to say, the film does have it’s moments, at either end of the spectrum, and I’m not even referring to the outrageous excesses displayed to get a point across. In keeping with tradition, it’s only post the interval that you get an extended period where you go from thinking, Bullshit, unbelievable bullshit and you’ve GOT to be fucking kidding me. But despite the weakness in the storyline (post interval), all the actors are deeply impressive in their interpretation of the characters (the Kaif chick actually improves after the break, but that could be coz she has only 3 lines).

The casting is pretty damn good, and miraculously, Ranbir Kapoor seems not to have inherited any of his parent’s celluloid talents. I thought he was a natural in Wake up Sid, but here, it was unexpected. The boy has talent and a good eye given his choice of films (although his role is the least credible), but he could really do with a lesson from Naseer on how to kiss on screen like you mean it. Nana Patekar, is well, Nana and well suited to the role of the master manipulator, as is Ajay Devgan to a Dalit saviour. Manoj Bajpai is brash, cruel yet vulnerable while still coming across as a slimy politician, while Vinay Apte is ruthlessly good as the party faithful fixer and even hough Arjun Rampal is just too damn good looking not to mention outrageously hot to be a heartland desi political aspirant, he is charismatic in his arrogant, callous and wildly emotional heir apparent role. The women are incidental (even the rally’s ring out with bhaiyon with nary a mention of beheno), if excessively fertile and not much of a loss.

What is interesting is that it’s such a telling commentary about the Indian political system, not insomuch in its depiction of the corruption and casteism, but in the portrayal of the electorate. Culturally, we don’t choose our government for principles, policies, economics, administrative capabilities or even long standing party loyalties. No, we elect our government with our hearts and emotions. The world’s largest democracy. 1.2 billion people. A growing economy, now, part of the world stage. Quite remarkable, that we’ve achieved what we have, despite our politicians.