Aarakshan (2011)

Director: Prakash Jha,
Producer: Prakash Jha, Firoz Nadiadwala
Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, Deepika Padukone, Prateik Babbar,
Release Date: 12-08-2011

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Prakash Jha film has always left an indelible impression on the minds of the viewer. So, quite naturally, the expectations from his new release AARAKSHAN are massive.

Aarakshan, revolves around Prabhakar Anand (Amitabh Bachchan), who has been the pillar of a private college in Bhopal for more than 30 years. The idealistic principal believes in merit, but at the same time is considerate towards poor students who can't score great marks. Deepak (Saif Ali Khan) who is immensely helped by Prabharkar, is in love with his daughter, Poorbi (Deepika Padukone). Sushant (Prateik) is a good friend of Poorbi and studies in the same college.

Based on one of the most controversial issues of Reservation the story becomes a rollercoaster ride of high drama and conflict which tests their love and friendship for one another and their loyalty to Prabhakar Anand.

Prabhakar lands in a tough spot when he makes a comment in a newspaper on the Supreme Court's order on reservation. After a much drama he resigns from his post giving way to the scheming Mithilesh Singh (Manoj Bajpai), who's part of the institute but concentrates more on his private coaching classes. Due to his evil plans, Prabhakar and his family are evenforced to give up their home. Will Prabhakar be able to gain back all the respect is what the story reveals.

The film takes quite a long to time to convey the message. The first half of the film has been narrated pretty well while the second half looses the grip of the film and diverts from the track.

The conflict between Amitabh and Manoj is well presented and moves to the next level in the second hour. The film loses the clutch and switch from the issue in the second half. The scenes become repetitive post interval.

The chemistry between Saif and Deepika is flawless. Amitabh and Deepika who shares a father and daughter relationship in the film have been captured incredibly.

Amitabh Bachchan delivers an outstanding performance and fits the role to the T.

Saif Ali Khan acts well while Deepika Padukone has done a decent job. Manoj Bajpai plays his subdued negative character to perfection. Prateik needs to improve a lot. Hema Malini's cameo looks graceful.

Though the film is convincing, but the running time to almost 2.45 hours may be irritating. Aarakshan attempts to convey a significant message to bring revolution in the society.