Address: Nishikant Kamat
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Vishesh Bansal, Jimmy Sheirgill, Tushar Dalvi and Nitesh Pandey
Difficult: 2 hours 13 minutes
Genre: Political drama
The film tells the compelling story of a father who does everything he can to send a message to the perpetrators behind the death of his only son. It is not what you are thinking! Unless you’re thinking like the writer… This isn’t your traditional revenge story. It’s a revenge story, albeit with an interesting twist.
Corruption is so deeply ingrained in the Indian political system that there seems to be no cure. Every once in a while, Bollywood plucks up the courage to develop a politically charged film with a strong message. Depending on the nature of the movie, one can expect to attract an audience. It seems that good movies without the typical masala just don’t sell. However, Madaari did quite well at the box office despite going down a different path. There is no article song here. Only two songs are played in the film. The sound tracks are well chosen and help maintain the suspense and drama. The story is brilliant and the acting brings out the raw emotion behind the drama. Irrfan is flawless as a grieving father and kidnapper. Apart from conveying a strong political message, the movie is also quite educational. It not only reveals the dynamics in party politics and the fake democracy being practiced in India, but also educates in basic human psychology and the use of social media.
There are a number of themes explored in the film, but one of the main ones is the relationship between parents and children. The film contrasts two parents who have ‘lost’ their children. One has lost his son to corrupt politics and shoddy development, while the other, who happens to be the country’s Home Secretary, loses his son to his blind ambition for power and prestige. The film masterfully plays on this emotional bond to drive home a vital message.
This is definitely a movie for this year 2019! This is the year of elections in our country. All citizens would benefit from watching this film as it clearly reminds us of the state of democracy and the actual quality of the politicians we will vote for power. It is definitely a relevant film for years to come and will hopefully continue to inspire people, especially the younger ones, to make a difference in our beautiful country.