Sarkar – well-directed film which leaves a good impact

Rating:- ***

SARKAR is partly inspired by Mario Puzo's literary classic THE GODFATHER (which Francis Ford Coppola immortalized on the big screen in Hollywood) and partly by the real life story of
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. No wonder, therefore, SARKAR has a typically Mumbaiya milieu.

SARKAR is undoubtedly an interesting film. The power-play depicted in SARKAR is seeped in Mumbai ethos. SARKAR deals with crime, greed, family relationships and revenge.

Subhash Nagare [Amitabh Bachchan] is Sarkar, the de jure kingpin who virtually rules Mumbai. He possesses the magnetism, aptitude and power to control the workings of the city. He even metes out justice when the common man does not get it from the law keepers.

The film begins with Nagare listening to the heart-wrenching story of a hapless father [Virendra Saxena], whose daughter has been raped, and what is worse, the rapist is acquitted by the law. The victim of the rape, we're told, has committed suicide. Naturally, the father of the girl
wants him to be punished. Sarkar instructs his trusted lieutenant [Ravi Kale] to do the needful. Reminds one of Vinod Khanna telling his trouble shooter Feroze Khan doing the needful in
‘Dayavan’.

Nagare has two sons. The elder, Vishnu [Kay Kay], is a film producer, while the younger, Shankar [Abhishek Bachchan], has returned from U.S.A. after completing his studies. The story takes a turn when Vishnu shoots the hero of his film [Carran Kapur] in broad daylight when he learns that he has been romancing the heroine of the film with whom Vishnu is himself besotted.

Nagarer decides to support the heroine who, in turn, becomes the prime witness against Vishnu. The father and son have a heated argument, resulting in Sarkar throwing Vishnu out of his house. But Vishnu gets refuge in Vishram's [Raju Mavani] hideout. Vishram had been a follower of Sarkar up to a but has now joined hands with Sarkar's rivals.

A gangster based in Dubai, Rashid [Zakir], plans to strike a deal with Sarkar, but the latter refuses to go ahead on ethical grounds. Apprehending that he would lose crores, Rashid approaches Vishram and Swamiji [Jeeva] to eliminate Sarkar. A conspiracy is hatched and Sarkar is arrested for eliminating his opponent Khurana [Anupam Kher].

Friends turn their backs on the Nagares. Shankar takes things in his hands. Having ensured that Sarkar is cooling his heels in the lock up, Rashid now thirsts for Shankar's blood. Not only that, another conspiracy is hatched to eliminate Sarkar in the police lock-up, but Shankar thwarts the attempt.

Sarkar gets bail and returns to the cool confines of his fortress-like home. He is well aware of the role played by Rashid and his associates to eliminate him. But before he moves to avenge what had been done against him,Rashid and associates fire another salvo: Vishnu is entrusted with the task of eliminating his father Sarkar, but Shankar arrives at the nick of time. Shankar decides to take the evil-doers to task and settle scores.

The post-interval portions focus on Shankar, more than Sarkar and this half also has its share of some well penned and well executed sequences.

RGV's direction is competent. Although a number of films on power-struggle have been attempted in the past, an RGV films bears its individualistic stamp and stands out in a league of its own.
The background score is another highlight of the film. Cinematography is eye-catching. Dialogues as well as sound effects are of standard.

As for performances, SARKAR can well be described as one of his best films.

Abhishek Bachchan gets more scope in the post-interval portion and he handles his part with aplomb.

Kay Kay merits an award for his performance in SARKAR. The actor is truly outstanding in a role that fits him like a glove. Zakir is excellent. Ravi Kale is another actor to watch out for. He is first-rate. Raju Mavani plays the scheming politician with superb timing. Ishrat Ali, Jeeva, Deepak Shirke, Anant Jog, Virendra Saxena and the South gangster are appropriate.

Katrina Kaif shows improvement over her maiden release [BOOM]. She makes her presence felt in a brief role. Tanisha also acts with conviction. Supriya Pathak and Rukhsaar are alright.