Raajneeti [DVD]

This is definitely not masala, this is an Indian "The Godfather" meets The Kennedys. It is shot on an epic scale, in realistically hot and dusty locations, with violence, corruption and hardly a pinch of romance or song.Following the paralysing heart attack of the leader of a family-based political party, his sons and grandsons fight to take power, with assassinations, coups and revenge attacks. The plot twists like a snake so that you'll forgive one cliched coincidence obvious from the start. No character is black or white - just as you think "Ahah, he's the one behind the dreadful acts, he's the villain", someone else will appear as the manipulator behind the violence or the apparent villain will perform a redeeming act.This is a strong ensemble piece including unexpectedly impressive performances from Arjun Rampal and Katrina Kaif so it seems almost unfair to single anyone out. However, for me the standouts were Ranbir Kapoor as the grandson with the PhD in poetry who is dragged into the bloody moil as seemingly the coldest hearted member of the family and Nana Patekar as his apparently passive uncle.A gripping, bloodstained saga. Top quality English subtitles enhance the experience.

This is definitely not masala, this is an Indian "The Godfather" meets The Kennedys. It is shot on an epic scale, in realistically hot and dusty locations, with violence, corruption and hardly a pinch of romance or song.Following the paralysing heart attack of the leader of a family-based political party, his sons and grandsons fight to take power, with assassinations, coups and revenge attacks. The plot twists like a snake so that you'll forgive one cliched coincidence obvious from the start. No character is black or white - just as you think "Ahah, he's the one behind the dreadful acts, he's the villain", someone else will appear as the manipulator behind the violence or the apparent villain will perform a redeeming act.This is a strong ensemble piece including unexpectedly impressive performances from Arjun Rampal and Katrina Kaif so it seems almost unfair to single anyone out. However, for me the standouts were Ranbir Kapoor as the grandson with the PhD in poetry who is dragged into the bloody moil as seemingly the coldest hearted member of the family and Nana Patekar as his apparently passive uncle.A gripping, bloodstained saga. Top quality English subtitles enhance the experience.

its inspired from ram gopal verma's sarkar raaj.its references to mahabharat are really tacky and forced.the woman playing Kunti or ranbir's mother is totally vapid.Ranbir Kapoor's role is generally grey ,who goes around bumping off political opponents.the way he kills off a gay politician and his companion is really hideous.Arjun Ram Pal shines in this movie his character is rooted and real.its his one of the best.Katrina Kaif too is great ,very mature performance.Ajay Devgan is wasted in the movie.Nana Patekar did his bit.Manoj Bajpai is ok.Sarah Thompson has a pivotal role does good until blown up by a car bomb.one or two songs are good.just a work of fiction,politics in Indian state of Bihar is not that trigger happy.political opponents hardly go around blowing up each other like gangsters.

Raajneeti is a fantastic political drama in the vein of 'the godfather' but with politicsinstead of mobsters. It concerns the breaking apart of a political family after the leader(and the father of one) suffers a stroke. He then appoints his brother & his son leader in hisstead. Meanwhile his own son, who feels he has been shamed, sets about grasping power for himself.Dragged into this are a family member recently returned from america, the indian girl who loves him,and his american girlfriend..who he loves.Manoj bajpaj & ajay devgan were as good as to be expected in this, i was really made to quitedislike their characters.Ranbir Kapoor was good. His character was quite cold, but you could sympathise with him.katrina kaif did better than i expected her to, and she is beautiful.Sarah Thompson was good also, a likable character.but Arjun Rampal, i have forever despaired of his acting abilities. I didn't expect him towow me in this but he DID! Yey arjun! you have finally hit the mark.great film, recommended!