When
a
film
title
quotes
'a
film
by
Prakash
Jha',
it
is
inevitable
that
the
film
will
have
a
plenty
of
food
for
thought.
After
delivering
films
like
Damul,
Mrityudand,
Gangaajal,
Apaharan
and
Raajneeti,
there
is
definitely
high
expectations
from
Jha's
upcoming
Aarakshan.
Like
others
Aarakshan
also
deals
with
a
serious
issue
of
caste-based
reservation
in
the
society.
The
film
also
goes
on
to
talk
about
the
commercialization
of
educational
institutions.
Aarakshan
portrays
the
torment
that
the
youth
goes
through,
who
believe
in
equal
rights,
still
continues
to
follow
the
caste-based
society.
Prakash
through
Aarakshan
ventures
to
untouched
themes
of
Indian
Cinema,
caste-based
reservations
in
government
jobs
and
educational
institutions.
Aarakshan
tells
the
story
of
Prabhakar
Anand
(Amitabh
Bachchan),
an
idealistic
principal
of
a
college
that
has
turned
out
to
be
state's
best,
solely
through
his
efforts.
It
is
the
story
of
his
loyal
disciple,
Deepak
Kumar
(Saif
Ali
Khan)
who
can
do
anything
for
him.
Aarakshan
speaks
about
Deepak's
love
for
Prabhakar's
daughter
Poorbi
(Deepika
Padukone)
and
about
his
friendship
with
Sushant
(Prateik).
Aarakshan
based
on
a
controversial
issue
promises
you
a
rollercoster
ride
full
of
high
drama,
conflict
and
rebellion.
It
shows
the
test
of
love,
friendship
and
loyalty
towards
Prabhakar
Anand.
Plus
Points
Prakash
Jha
is
one
among
those
filmmakers
who
can
even
drive
audience
to
watch
a
film
based
on
practical
social
matters.
Be
it
Raajneeti
or
Aarakshan,
Jha
has
always
delivered
the
harsh
realities
through
his
cinema.
Aarakshan
bang
on
hits
to
point
that
it
wants
to
deliver,
caste
based
politics,
gender
bias,
commercialization
of
educational,
etc.
Though
initially
one
will
take
time
to
comprehend
what's
going
on,
as
the
film
has
multiple
characters
being
introduced
and
there
are
several
plots
running
simultaneously,
but
things
fall
into
places
as
the
story
proceeds.
The
first
hour
of
the
film
is
impactful,
while
the
second
half
comes
across
as
a
mixed
bag.
Handing
two
important
societal
issues
in
one
film
is
not
an
easy
job,
Jha
has
brilliantly
tackled
the
plot
delivering
an
accurate
Aarakshan.
One
relates
to
the
subject
of
Aarakshan
instantly
as
it
is
picked
from
the
real
life,
every
family
is
genuinely
concerned
about
the
education
and
job
of
their
child.
The
conflict
between
Amitabh
Bachchan
and
Manoj
Bajpayee
in
particular
is
shown
brilliantly
and
leaves
a
a
solid
impression.
An
issue-based
film
rarely
gets
scope
for
music
(Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy),
and
Aarakshan
was
no
different.
However,
Jha
has
weaved
the
songs
smartly
in
the
narrative
of
the
film.
Like
any
other
Jha's
film
Aarakshan
too
has
hard-hitting
dialogue
(Anjum
Rajabali).
Sachin
Krishn's
cinematography
is
top
class.
Loopholes
Though
the
conflict
between
Amitabh
and
Manoj
is
well
presented,
the
narrative
tends
to
get
lengthy
and
a
tad
uninteresting
and
repetitive
towards
the
second
hour
of
the
film.
The
sequences
when
Amitabh,
Deepika,
Saif
and
even
Prateik
start
conducting
classes
and
educating
the
students,
dilute
the
impact
generated
by
the
first
hour.
Even
the
part
of
the
film
when
the
government
officials
and
commoners
confront,
though
well
executed,
could've
been
more
impactful.
In
short,
the
excessive
length
of
the
film
will
act
is
a
loophole
for
the
film.
Performance
The
Principal's
role
was
written
after
keeping
Amitabh
Bachchan
in
mind.
In
Aarakshan,
the
actor
gives
a
completely
new
dimension
to
his
character
as
a
Principal.
It
requires
great
courage
to
cast
Saif
Ali
Khan
in
the
role,
but
he
comes
across
brilliantly.
The
actor
carries
of
his
character
outstandingly.
His
Shudh
Hindi
diction
is
perfect.
Deepika
Padukone
also
plays
a
challenging
part,
but
his
confident
portrayal
of
the
character
comes
clearly.
Manoj
Bajpayee
is
remarkable
in
his
negative
character
of
a
person
who
treats
education
as
a
business.
Prateik
needs
to
loosen
up
a
little
bit.
Tanvi
Azmi
is
first-rate.
Mukesh
Tiwari
is
top
notch.
Yashpal
Sharma,
Darshan
Jariwala,
Saurabh
Shukla,
Chetan
Pandit,
Vinay
Apte
are
perfect.
Anita
Kanwar
and
S.M.
Zaheer
are
alright.
Hema
Malini
appears
towards
the
end
of
the
film.
Over
All
On
the
whole,
Aarakshan
tells
an
engaging
story
with
very
characters
taken
directly
from
the
real
life.
Though
the
film
is
convincing,
but
the
running
time
to
almost
2.45
hours
may
be
irritating.
Aarakshan
works
as
a
film
that
delivers
a
forceful
message.
Don't
miss
it!
Cast
&
Crew
Starring:
Amitabh
Bachchan,
Saif
Ali
Khan,
Manoj
Bajpayee,
Deepika
Padukone,
Prateik
Babbar
Director:
Prakash
Jha
Producer:
Prakash
Jha,
Firoz
A.
Nadiadwala
Screenplay:
Anjum
Rajabali,
Prakash
Jha
Music:
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Cinematography:
Sachin
Krishn
Editing:
Santosh
Mandal