Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Cast: Amitabh, Abhishek & Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rajesh Shringarpure, Govind Naidu
Information: Contains moderate violence and threat
Running time: 124mins
Release date: 6 June 2008 by EROS International
Rating: 4/5
When London-based CEO Anita Rajan (Aishwarya) brings a power plant proposal to Mumbai, her plan is rejected out-right by Sarkar Nagre (Amitabh) - an influential man on the Mumbai political scene.
Sarkar Raj poster
He believes that 40,000 people would lose their homes if this project was to go ahead.
Meanwhile, Sarkar's shrewd, business-minded son, Shankar (Abhishek), is convinced the project will benefit the villagers once he gets more details from Anita.
But Shankar's ideas are immediately opposed by hot-tempered social activist, Sanjay Somji; grandson of Mr Rao - who happens to be Sarkar's mentor.
Meanwhile, Sarkar's bribe-accepting middleman (Govind), the deputy Chief Minister (Sayaji) and businessman Mr Vora, gang up against Shankar.
Their motive is to bring down the Sarkar regime and obliterate Shankar's name from the political horizon in this tense drama.
Ram Gopal Verma's outstanding direction, a well-defined screenplay and superb performances have all contributed to create a powerful and riveting political drama.
The director holds your attention throughout with his skilful story-telling and springing surprises every five minutes.
Verma's ingenuity with unusual fleeting camera angles cleverly transports the viewer into the dark, bleak world of the Nagre household.
Exceptional cinematography coupled with a poignant musical score further enhance the on-screen scenarios.
Bollywood legend, Amitabh Bachchan is at his cinematic best as the ferocious and revengeful Sarkar in the second half of the film.
Abhishek surprises you as the quiet and brooding Shankar, convincingly showing his emotions and anger when situations become tense. This is particularly well communicated through his eyes – a clever art which most Bollywood actors are learning to do these days!
Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai as the beautiful businesswoman Anita, gives her usual best and she is ably supported by all the co-stars .
On the whole Sarkar Raj can be described as spellbinding in both the technical and casting departments. A definite must see – Indian cinema at its best!
Reviewed by Manish Gajjar
BBC Bollywood Correspondent
