Department

Department is a Bollywood action film released in 2012, directed by Indian film legend Ram Gopal Varma. The assembly of star-studded talents, such as Sanjay Dutt, Rana Daggubati, and Lakshmi Manchu, reflects an array of individuals who all contribute uniquely to the plot. The movie establishes an intriguing premise in which the themes of crime, law enforcement, and political corruption intertwine to create a complex narrative that captivates the audience throughout its duration.

Sanjay Dutt and Rana Daggubati's characters emerge as the central figures in the story. Dutt portrays Mahadev Bhosale, a seasoned, skillful and hardened police inspector known for his ruthless methods in crushing Mumbai's underworld. He believes that the conventional rules of law limit the possibility of eliminating crime entirely. In contrast, Rana Daggubati stars as Shiv Narayan, an idealistic, forthcoming, and righteous cop who advocates for the same objective but strongly believes in adhering to the law.

Their initially working relationship develops into an unlikely but strong partnership as they come together to form what they coin as the 'Department'. This new off-the-books, rogue police force is supposed to operate outside the purview of the regular Mumbai police force, using unconventional and at times, illegal methods to combat the criminal activities in the city. Their goal is to rid the city of the underworld and make it safer for the common people.

However, the maverick force's whimsical and hasty decisions cause friction within the police department - a consequence they were unprepared for. The dichotomy of their philosophies on the system’s effectiveness leads to an inevitable clash. The political pressure from the underworld, combined with frequent hurdles from justice system representatives, adds layers to the overall plot.

Adding flavor to the male-driven narrative, Lakshmi Manchu defies the stereotypical roles women are often assigned in such crime-based thrillers. She plays a smart, ambitious, and tenacious news reporter who is not afraid to dig deep and expose crime and corruption.

The pace of Department accelerates with regular twists and turns in line with events, from political assassinations and secret dealings to suspenseful hideouts. With Varma's unconventional storytelling style, the film exhibits a gritty and realistic representation of Mumbai's underworld scene. From narrow alley shootouts, high-speed vehicle chases to strategic take-downs, the movie offers all the elements an action-film enthusiast could ask for.

The film also explores the dichotomies and paradoxes of lawfulness at its core, hinting at the blurred lines between upholding the law and blatantly breaking it. It examines the difficult decisions officers face on the ground, and what happens when the very individuals sworn in to maintain law and order feel compelled to circumvent it to serve a greater purpose.

On the technical front, Department employs some extraordinary camera-work and background score that compliments the narrative's intensity. The quick, experimental cuts and the adventitious use of handheld camera contribute to the raw, reality-based aesthetic the film aims to create.

The music, composed by Dharam Sandeep, Bappa Lahiri, and Vikram Nagi, has a few foot-tapping numbers that add entertainment value to the serious narrative. The film's prominent song "Dan Dan Cheeni" has an attractive rhythmic groove that gives discernible identity to the movie's sonic spread.

Whilst Department is loaded with high-octane action sequences and intense performances, it is also an exploration of human emotions. Inside the hard exterior of these law enforcement agents resides a desire to improve their city regardless of personal cost. These emotional moments humanize the characters, amplifying the depth of their struggles and making them relatable.

Department provides an arresting blend of all the signature elements expected from a Ram Gopal Varma film: relentless action, gritty aesthetics, complex narratives, and a different perspective on the crime genre. Sanjay Dutt, Rana Daggubati, and Lakshmi Manchu individually shine as they take on characters that are not black-and-white but live in the grey areas of the law. The film, in essence, is a volatile, high-stakes thrill ride that takes the audience through the intricate labyrinth of Mumbai's law and underworld, one bullet at a time.