Film Aarakshan Review

Movie Review: Aarakshan;

Star cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Prateik, Manoj Bajpayee etc.

Directed by: Prakash Jha

After big hullabaloo in country regarding Prakash Jha's latest release Aarakshan, this time Jha is unable to forward his issue based films legacy with confident in this film. This time though, Jha has outdone himself, setting off protests and bans around the country by touching upon the 'touchy' issue of reservations and affirmative action in India's public arenas, like colleges and politics. Alas, a viewing of the movie reveals that while Aarakshan may take its title from the issue, but it’s nothing more for reservation related issue.

The title notwithstanding with the film, Aarakshan is not a film about reservations. Though caste-based policies and politics are issues that demand serious examination in every sense, Jha is satisfied in relatively glossing over the subject, instead using it is as something of a catalyst in the clash between his film's two central characters, Dr Prabhakar Anand (Amitabh Bachchan) and Mithilesh Singh (Manoj Bajpai). While Anand is the ideal, legendary principal of one of the country's top colleges, Singh is a reprobate lecturer in the same institution, always at odds with Anand's values. Amongst Anand's students are Deepak Kumar (Saif Ali Khan) and Sushant Seth (Prateik Babbar), best friends and at opposite sides of the social spectrum, with Kumar being a dalit student, who has been the college topper, while Sushant is the son of one of the college's trustees. When a Supreme Court order reaffirms reservation in colleges for backward classes, the issue splits the college down the middle, with people on both sides of the affirmative action fence. In the midst of this, Singh sees an opportunity to displace Anand at the helm of affairs, and milch the education system through his KK coaching classes, where he charges exorbitant fees to teach the same students he's supposed to mentor at college, something that the idealistic Prabhakar Anand, who has always believed in education for all, rebels against by teaching deserving students for free.

Though one may be dissatisfied by the truth that Jha doesn't truly deal with the subject of reservations in the film, that is not to say that the film isn't a watchable. Indeed, with two powerhouse actors in Bachchan and Bajpai in central roles, Aarakshan does pack a punch. However, more than reservations, Jha's obsession in the film is clearly the commercialization of the country's education system, through the sort of coaching classes setup that people like Mithilesh Singh espouse, something that definitely deserves some introspection. The sort of solution that Jha promotes in the movie, with free education for all, also hits at the roots of doing away with the need for confirmatory action altogether. In that sense, Aarakshan is unquestionably a success for Prakash Jha.

However, the film's strong point come in its characters too, namely, those of Bachchan and Bajpai. Bachchan is sparkling as ever as Anand, channeling palpable emotions in his role as the stern, yet caring principal of the college, a role that seems to have been written just for him. Bajpai's character, on the other hand, does seem a bit caricaturist at times, seemingly composed of pure evil. Still, as one of the best actors of this generation, Manoj brings a level of belief to Mithilesh Singh that a lesser performer simply couldn't manage.
 

Deepika's role, as Poorbi, Anand's daughter, is a bit needless, since she doesn't really play a part in the film's narrative. However, the actress does a splendid job of it anyway. Tanvi Azmi is also quite excellent in her role as Bachchan's wife and pillar of strength. Prateik Babbar, as Sushant, is perhaps the film's biggest displeasure, simply not capable to carry off the intensity of his serious scenes, and looking in dire need of better direction. The actor, who impressed in movies like Dhobi Ghat before this, is the definition of unimpressive here. Hema Malini's cameo is something of a savior, though it is a very, very short role, she impresses, especially with her different look.

Though Prakash Jha perhaps seems to be offering up a solution to the problems of communal unfairness through the education-for-all model he takes up in the film.

Overall, it is worthy to watch once for seeing Big B and others power-packed performances. Not go with much expectations regarding solving reservation problem in the film.

Deepika’s Style Statement for Aarakshan events!

Aarakshan on KBC 5!

To promote their forthcoming movie, Aarakshan, Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone are all set to appear on Sony’s popular tally show, Kaun Banega Crorepati 5. The show goes on air on 15th August and will be hosted by the ever young Amitabh Bachchan. Big B also plays a very significant role, a role of a college principal who is against reservations in the education system, in the movie, Aarakshan.

Blogging about the event, Bachchan writes, “The second episode towards the evening will have invites to Saif and Deepika… who come to promote their film and mine as well – Aarakshan!”

“In many ways the philosophy of the film and that of KBC is quite similar. Given the opportunity, even the lesser privileged shall prosper. Or at least have the capacity to prosper,” the 68-year-old star included.

'Aarakshan' Team Promotes Their Film On UTV Bindass

Bib B, Prakash Jha, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpaiyee

Big B and Deepika Padukone

Prakash Jha and Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone

Prakash Jha says, 'Aarkshan' is a therapeutic story

National award-winning director Prakash Jha isn't sure whether his movie 'Aarakhsan' about caste-based reservations in educational institutions would be able to throw up any stable solution to the problem, but he is sure that it would have salutary value.

'If through a wider and keener understanding, some kind of solution comes out of it, then we will take the pride in that. We have tried to assimilate every kind of feeling. We have tried to understand the equation that works in a fast-paced society,' Jha said in an interview.

'We have tried to tell a story which is kind of therapeutic because it is intended to heal. If it can somehow give everybody his or her solution... but we have not tried to preach through the film,' added Jha.

'Aarakshan' is a high voltage socio-political drama featuring Saif Ali Khan, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpai, Deepika Padukone, Pratieik Babbar and Tanvi Azmi, who play key roles in the movie. It is set to hit the theatres Aug 12.

'I don't think the film supports, contradicts or supplements any ideology. So, probably it won't fall into the category of politics. As education has the same value for everyone, you can call it a social or an issue-based film. It's very contemporary as every family is concerned about the education and job their child will get,' further added Jha.

An inclusive society with equal economic affluence would be able to minimize or remove the need for reservations, Jha considers.

'It's difficult to eradicate it from our society - gender bias or caste are two paramount problems of our society and not easy to handle. What we can try to do is to make a more equitable society. To remove this bias, there has to be inclusive growth,' said the director.

He is in awe at the way Saif Ali Khan played a Dalit in 'Aarakshan' and believes that the industry has failed to utilize his potential as an actor.

'Saif is a fantastic actor but underrated in the industry. You can't imagine what he can do. It was not easy to play a Dalit. He worked very hard on their language and mannerisms. I didn't add anything except a moustache in his look and that also he grew. He portrayed the role so convincingly,' told Jha.

Saif playing a Dalit agitated some groups of socially backward classes, but Jha pacified them.

'I have politely given them my explanation. I hope I could satisfy them. I can't change the fact that Saif Ali Khan being a nawab has played the role of a Dalit. I have told them that the kind of discrimination you have suffered so long, the same discrimination you want to do with Saif, which is not right,' he told.

The filmmaker, who had failed stints in politics in the 2004 and 2009 parliamentary elections, has mostly made issue-based movies like 'Damul' (1986), 'Gangaajal' (2004), 'Apaharan' (2006) and 'Raajneeti' (2010).

'I always try to be careful of what I am doing in terms of product and acceptance. I always keep myself alert so that my narrative can communicate an engaging story with characters with whom audiences could relate to. This is the constant battle that I have and keep hoping that these stories will work. Fortunately they have worked,' told Jha.

Film Aarakshan music review

Film Aarakshan music review

Film: 'Aarakshan'; Music Directors: Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonca; Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi; Singers: Mohit Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Pt.Channulal Mishra, Mahalaxmi Iyer, Raman Mahadevan, Tarun Sagar, Gaurav Gupta, Rehan, Shankar Mahadevan;

Music director team of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is well-known for their foot-tapping fast numbers and touching slow songs, but with 'Aarakshan' the talented composers failed to churn out another chartbuster album. Only one song in the movie stands out and offers something worth appreciating.

The album offers six tracks.

The first song itself gives a mood of deja vu. 'Achha Lagta Hai', crooned by Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal sounds like a blend of two of the music directors' old songs - 'Aachhi lagti ho' ('Kuch Naa Kaho') and 'Agar main kahun' ('Lakshya').

The love song is not very moving and is more like a conversation. Not a great start to the album.

Next comes 'Mauka' that has been sung by a host of singers, including Mahalaxmi Iyer, Raman Mahadevan, Tarun Sagar, Gaurav Gupta and Rehan. This one doesn't electrify the listener too much and is quite regular.

The fast-paced number seems to be a celebratory song and might look more appealing on screen. There are a lot of variations in the song in terms of pitch, tempo and vocal style, yet it doesn't hold the interest for very long. The track has a remixed version too.

'Kaun si dor' is the best track of the album and really a gem. The semi-classical number has been efficiently voiced by Pt. Channulal Mishra with ample support from Shreya Ghoshal.

The completely Indianised track touches the heart from the very beginning and is a welcome break from the more westernized songs these days. Entirely is likeable and a sure shot winner with music buffs.

The song also has a solo version by Pt. Channulal Mishra called 'Saans albeli', which is similarly captivating.

At last, there is 'Roshanee' by Shankar Mahadevan himself. An inspirational track, it is neither bad nor brilliant. The instrumental pieces in between the song are very striking but in total the song is not that great and will not be able to acquire immense praise.

In general, the album of 'Aarakshan' is ok with some melodious tunes.

Deepika wants ex-beau Ranbir’s song for her film Aarakshan!

Deepika Padukone wanted a song similar to Mora Piya from the movie Rajneeti to be picturised on her — just like the way it was picturised on actors Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. Known for the melodic music in his movies, Jha, for his upcoming movie Aarakshan, was surprised when he heard of Padukone’s demand.

A source reveals, “Deepika is a smart girl and knows exactly how to put forward her wishes. Before the film’s shooting, Deepika requested via sms to Prakash Jha to feature a love ballad on her, with a happy face smiley at the end. And her wish was granted. It was bound to — as where most actors reserve peculiar demands for their directors and are in the news for their tantrums. It was clear that Padukone’s charming approach to get her special song worked.”

When asked about the demand, Padukone told “I remember how Mora piya was such a rage. I remember messaging him (Prakash Jha) to please give me a good romantic song in his new film because Prakashji has a really good sense of music. I was really looking forward to shooting this song and it’s turned out amazing. Till now, Mora piya was always played on loop on my mp3 player wherever I was travelling. But now its Seedhe point pe aaona, which is such a playful and cute romantic song.”

The song features Padukone opposite actor Saif Ali Khan.