Aarakshan Movie Review.

After the colossal success of  his previous venture Rajneeti, Prakash Jha makes a comeback with his latest social-political magnum opus Aarakshan(Reservation) to woo the cinema lovers this weekend. Some movies are meant for entertainment while some  act as source of enlarging your knowledge base and this movie like many other Prakash Jha's works is a testimony of the second category as it throws light on the quirky topic of Aarakshan. The demon may be familiar to some but is still naive for major section of people especially the masses.But on the flip side, the movie seems to be a half baked attempt on the topic as focus shifts to how education system today is reeling under the political influence and is seen as a medium of making money like any other business in the second half of the movie..So the result is a riveting and  intriguing first half while a rather subdued and filmy second half which drags to the limit of testing one's patience. But somehow this flaw is overpowered by the earnest performance from Mr. Amitabh Bacchan the pillar on which this flick gets its foundation.

The movie apart from tackling the Arakshan issue , is basically a story of Amitabh Bacchan a college dean and the people his world surrounds with on both personal and professional front and the hardships they have to face because of this issue.But the film suddendly takes U turn in its second part focusing more on the aspect of commercialization of education in today's scenario depicting clash between two coaching institutes taking much of its zing and novelty.

Technically the film's background score is among one of its aces. Cinematography provides it the required grandeur and scale. Music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is strictly average to say the least as the need of a potential chart buster is sorely felt.Lyrics by Prasoon Joshi are eloquent as per the situations
in the movie. Prakash Jha has handled this subject with a certain poise and dignity which was expected from the director of such stature.The fact that movie never takes any side to convey its point is his biggest triumph. Dialogues provide the apt dramatic element to the proceedings.

Coming to performances, Saif Khan pitches a fiery and earnest portrayal of dalit in the first half but somehow his role lacks the meat in second half where he is mostly relegated to the background due to  Mr Bacchan onslaught. Deepika Padukone  performs  her part with utmost sincerity and her scenes with Mr Bacchan exudes warmth. Manoj Bajpai excels in some scenes while less convincing in others. The fault lies in his characterization  which seems to be a caricature of old formula movie villains.
Pratiek Babbar surprisingly delivers a rather weak and inconsistent performance as his expressions fell flat in many dramatic sequences.But one man on whose shoulders this movie rests, Mr Amitabh Bacchan gives an awe inspiring portrayal  of a idealistic college dean trapped under the vicious circle of Aarakshan. His dailogue delivery, mannerisms and expressions are a treat to watch. His quest to perform any role to perfection even at this age certainly proves to be an eye opener for many current crop of actors as well as budding aspirants.  


The movie, though may be deviating from its roots through mid half, certainly deserves to be seen for its refreshing take on the issue, skillful direction and towering performance of Mr Bacchan.
Socially relevant movies are seldom found in bollywood and if its presented with a slice of commercial
elements wooven in between then its certainly makes for a compelling watch. Recomended to reserve your seats for Mr Bachhan!

Rating : ***1/2