Satyagraha

Satyagraha, released in 2013, is a remarkable movie that intelligently weaves Indian politics and social issues into a stirring narrative, spearheaded by an impressive ensemble cast. Amitabh Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, along with Amrita Rao, Arjun Rampal and Manoj Bajpayee, catalyse the chemistry of on-screen storytelling, enhancing this socio-political drama's impact.

The movie opens with the veteran Amitabh Bachchan, recognized by his screen name 'Dwarka Anand', playing a conscientious retired school teacher living in a small town. The tragic event of his highly principled engineer son, Akhilesh's sudden demise, paves the way for the initiation of a national-level campaign against corruption. The plot draws heavily on the Gandhian principle of 'Satyagraha', a form of passive political resistance, from which the film derives its title.

Amitabh Bachchan's character is based on the Gandhian philosophy – an ethos that dictates him to stand up against the system when it goes askew. Dwarka's righteousness and sense of justice trigger a tranquil but persistent fight against the system, which evolves into a nationwide movement, challenging the governing powers. The conflicts, obstacles, and the strategic responses applied by the other characters to salvage the situation are what constitute the rest, and arguably the real meat, of the plot.

Ajay Devgn plays 'Manav Raghvendra', a business tycoon and strategic maven, who initially disagrees with Dwarka's philosophy of peaceful protest. He believes in pragmatic yet impactful action rather than peaceful resistance. Despite the apparent ideological discord, he stands by Dwarka's side, becoming the driving force behind their collective movement.

Kareena Kapoor plays 'Yasmin Ahmed', an ambitious and headstrong journalist, beautifully capturing the media's dynamics as the fourth pillar of democracy. Being in a relationship with Manav Raghvendra, she also finds herself in the web of events, culminating in the public's struggle against corruption.

Arjun Rampal astounds in his role as 'Arjun Singh', a local politician who is compassionate and driven by moral ethics, joining the movement to change the society around him. His portrayal is noteworthy as he represents the idealistic side of politics.

Amrita Rao, cast as 'Sumitra', embodies the charm and pain of a grieving widow. Her character provides an emotional aspect to the narrative, highlighting the personal losses resulting from systemic corruption. Manoj Bajpayee brilliantly portrays 'Minister Balram Singh', presenting the darker and malicious side of politics, the antagonist against whom the fight is directed.

The narrative of Satyagraha is a poignant illustration of India’s political backdrop, laden with deep underlying issues such as corruption and civil disobedience. It potently sheds light on the dilemmas and complexities of Indian democracy, while stoking the audience's patriotic sentiments. The movie draws a number of parallels with actual contemporary events in India, making it a relevant and compelling watch.

Satyagraha is not just a socio-political drama, but it also comes layered with multiple emotions. It engages the audience with moments of tragedy, loving bonds of kinship, strong friendships, and the sheer courage of common people standing against injustice. It is a narrative that captivates with its powerful portrayal of the real struggles plaguing Indian society, inspiring people to stand up and voice their grievances.

Director Prakash Jha, known for his penchant for socio-political subjects, skilfully communicates the essence of Satyagraha - peaceful resistance. Jha, along with co-writer Anjum Rajabali, has adeptly infused the narrative with the nuances and colours of Indian society and politics. However, they have taken care not to give away any specific political affiliation, which looks quite deliberate to avoid taking sides in the national political scenario.

The cinematography of Sachin Krishn enhances the narrative's emotional connect, while the heart touching music composed by various artists blends seamlessly with the storyline, adding another dimension to the movie.

Overall, Satyagraha is an intense, engaging political saga that carries a strong social message reflective of modern India's issues. It's an amalgamation of strong performances, smart screenplay, and dedicated direction guaranteed to resonate with audiences long after they've left the theatres—a must-watch for those intrigued by political dramas and the complexities of democracy.