WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Ruling by fear or dominating through respect. Two schools of thinking and two decidedly different methods of keeping those under you in line. One implies potentially ruthless intimidation while the other invokes a firm but mutually beneficial arrangement where those being ruled have a sense of their needs being heard and met. But, what happens when both of these ideologies are suddenly on a collision course? Subhash Nagre (Amitabh Bachchan), aka: Sarkar, has demonstrated his overt political clout and unyielding yet fair leadership, despite the illicit dealings and events that transpire within his organization. Refusing to be pressured or harassed, Sarkar has imposed his will and sometimes harsh decisions upon anyone who would attempt to upset the status quo.
However, a newly forming set of potentially unsettling circumstances begin to emerge for Sarkar as an ambitious, volatile rival politician named Govind Deshpande (Manoj Bajpayee) begins stirring up possible uprising against him. Also standing as an unforeseen obstacle is Sarkar’s grandson Shivaji (Amit Sadh), who believes a much more–direct–approach is the way to remain in power. Added to a corrupt businessman Gandhi (Bajrang Bali Singh) and his boss, the merciless Michael (Jackie Shroff), plus Shivaji’s revenge-minded girlfriend Annu (Yami Gautam), Sarkar finds enemies surrounding him, fewer and fewer people to trust outside of his right hand Gokul (Ronit Roy) and head “soldier” Raman (Parag Tyagi), and finding that options for any negotiations are running out. Yet, things are not always as they seem, even as events spiral out of control, and a lion, when cornered and wounded, is at his most deadly.
Next, my Mind:
Delivering a tension-filled, tangibly ominous, and atmosphere of menace throughout, the 3rd film in Ram Gopal Varma’s “Sarkar” trilogy carries itself with a taut edginess greatly aided by the film’s excellent lead and supporting cast members along with the additional utilization of an effectively suspenseful music score and oft shadowy visual presentation that emphasizes the dark nature of its characters. The film’s primary themes of fear vs. respect, anger vs. calculated temperance, and reality vs. guile come across vividly via acute execution and solid writing that once again sweeps the viewer up into the wily stratagems of veteran politician Sarkar, encased in a world where negotiation is the aim, but violence tends to be the answer. Now, this reviewer has actually never seen the previous two efforts in the series, yet was still able to feel like I knew these characters and what their agendas were, though some backstory and events were indicated that would be nice to have filled in by screening those.
Bachchan, as if it is any surprise, completely dominates his scenes as Sarkar, a man of means, political knowhow, the affection of his followers, and the cunning to maintain his power base through deliberate but wisely chosen implementation of action plus sheer force of will, ideally not desiring to use more severe methods to do so. Watching as he is soon having to ascertain who is truly on his side and who’s not, making a potentially fateful choice to strike back at his enemies, is intensely enacted to perfection by Bachchan, deep voice rumbling like the storm his character can bring if needed. Fellow veteran actor Bajpayee absolutely excels here as Sarkar’s unpredictable, turbulent rival Deshpande, intentional in his bid to expose Sarkar for the villain he is, and willing to entertain nefarious dealings to do so. His attitudes get him on Sarkar’s radar and could prove to be a huge mistake, and this is all well-performed by Bajpayee.
Sadh’s Shivaji is a study in youthful arrogance and impetuousness in trying to convince his grandfather to become more lethal in his responses to the building threats around him, much to Sarkar’s willful hesitancy and Shivaji’s growing intolerance of seeing inaction. Roy is excellent as Sarkar’s right hand man Gokul, whose seemingly unshakable loyalty gets pushed to the limits as outside forces begin to whisper mutiny in his ear. Roy’s steadfast delivery and calm yet palpable fire serve the character well here. Tyagi likewise carries of a fine performance as Raman, Sarkar’s other primary enforcer, who may be mute, but needs not speak to garner results when needed. Gautam’s Annu, initially what could have just been a minor part in the grand scheme of events, turns into quite an important element in this narrative, with her beauty aiding in masking the character’s understandably cold-hearted reasons for being involved with events and with Shivaji.
Singh renders a wonderful turn as the weasely businessman Gandhi, honestly a pawn of stronger men who wish to exploit Gandhi’s greed and street smarts for their own purposes, even if he himself doesn’t always recognize he’s being used. Finally there is Shroff as the snarling, unscrupulous businessman Michael, whose master plan everything hinges on even as he remains safely behind the scenes calling the shots. In total, “Sarkar 3” is a compelling, relentlessly paced political crime thriller that unflinchingly hurls you into the arena of heavily blurred lines, nebulous loyalties, broken trust, high-level risks, and unforgiving retribution.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
