Sarkar Raj is widely believed to be the make or break film for Ram Gopal Varma, director of the epic disaster Aag (remake of Sholay). But one must not forget the unforgettable classics like Satya, Company, Rangeela and Sarkar that RGV has delivered over the years. Back to Sarkar Raj, the expectations are high for several reasons.

• The Bachchans – Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya – share screen space for the first time since the much celebrated Ash – Abhishek wedding last year.
• Sequel to the 2005 blockbuster Sarkar, which was critically acclaimed too.
• Ram Gopal Varma is a master in this genre.

So does Sarkar Raj manage to live upto expections?

Sarkar Raj Story

Anita Ranjan (Aishwarya Rai) Chief Executive Officer of the International company, Sheppard Power Plant presents a power plant project before Sarkar, which is to be setup in rural Maharastra. Sarkar disapproves the projects as the land chosen is home to over 40,000 villagers. Shankar Nagre (Abhishek Bachchan) is quick to realize all the benefits the power plant can bring to the people of Maharastra and to the growth of the state.

Shankar convinces Sarkar and embarks on a journey with Anita to the villages of Maharastra to muster public support. But things take a new turn. The controversial project leads to a political minefield. The evil forces gang up to bring down the Sarkar legacy and displace Shankar.

Sarkar Raj Review

With a powerful but not-without-its-share-of-flaws script, Ram Gopal Varma proves yet again, that he is a master at this genre of film making. His execution of the script is praise-worthy. Basically what works for Sarkar Raj is the performances, direction and the twists and turns. Some sequences just hit you hard, the unexpected happens. The second half takes the movie to a different level, its powerful its got a lot of shock value attached to it and the climax is thrilling. Background score is fantastic, the chants of “Govinda Govinda” in the background adds to the overall thrill. The cinematography (Amit Roy) is top notch. The close-up shots, in abundance throughout the movie, have been captured and performed well. The editing is crisp and brilliant.

A few scenes that make an impact.

- Abhishek about to touch Dilip Prabhawalkar’s feet, but is stopped.
- The sequences that follow just when Abhishek accepts Aishwarya’s love for him.
- When Ash asks Abhishek about his life’s most difficult decision.
- The climax. Outstanding!

But Sarkar Raj is not without its share of flaws, more in the script than the execution. (Spoiler Warning). The love-angle between Aishwarya and Abhishek isn’t convincing. More so when its barely days since the tragic death of Abhishek’s wife Tanisha, who is expecting a kid. Aishwarya’s character too is under developed and unconvincing.

Coming to the performances of Sarkar Raj, Abhishek Bachchan’s character demands intensity, but he looks more angry than intense. Overall a good performance nonetheless. Aishwarya Rai looks great, performs well throughout. Tanisha Mukherjee is decent in a small role. Dilip Prabhawalkar is excellent. Every other supporting character actor in Sarkar Raj is brilliant.

But then, one man outshines every other actor who shares screen space. His dialogue delivery and the intensity that he displays, just through his eyes, without uttering a word is mind blowing. No prizes for guessing. Sarkar Raj is Amitabh Bachchan’s show all the way. Truly truly a Legend!

Overall, Sarkar Raj is a great movie for the weekend. A worthy sequel to the brilliant Sarkar of 2005. At the box-office, the movie is sure to grow with strong word of mouth and should prove to be a winner in coming weeks.

Highly Recommended.

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