Dir: Nishikant Kamat
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Vishesh Bansal, Jimmy Sheirgill, Tushar Dalvi and Nitesh Pandey
Dur: 2 hrs 13 mins
Genre: Political Drama
The film tells the gripping story of a father who goes to great lengths to send a message to the perpetrators behind the death of his only son. It’s not what you think! Unless you’re thinking like the writer… This is not your traditional revenge story. It is a revenge story albeit with an interesting change.
Corruption is so deeply rooted into the Indian political system that it seems as though there can be no cure for it. Every now and again, Bollywood musters up the courage to develop a politically charged film with a strong message. Depending on the nature of the film, one can expect to attract an audience. It seems as though good films without the typical masala just don’t sell. Madaari however, did quite well at the box office despite treading a different path. There is no item song here. Just two songs are played in the film. The sound tracks are well-chosen and help in keeping the suspense and drama tight. The story is brilliant and the acting brings out the raw emotion behind the drama. Irrfan is impeccable as the bereaved father and kidnapper. Besides carrying a strong political message, the film is quite educative too. Not only does it reveal the dynamics in party politics and the sham-democracy that is 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 key one’s is the relationship between parents and children. The film contrasts two fathers who have ‘lost’ their sons. One has lost his son to corrupt politics and shoddy development, while the other, who just happens to be the Home Minister of the Country, loses his son in 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 film for this year 2019! This is the year of election in our country. All citizens would benefit from watching this film as it clearly reminds us of the state of democracy and the real quality of the politicians we will vote to power. It is definitely a relevant film for years to come and hopefully will continue to inspire people, especially the younger ones to bring about a change in our beautiful country.
