Sarkar Raj

You are cordially invited to an inside view of Subhash Nagres cozy living room where gently dappled light from the sun shining through the trees floats across your face. People from outside his sphere wait to meet with him while he has his morning tea. You are but one of the people that day who will sit and speak very quietly because this is where the power of Maharashtra is and you don't want it to spill over on to you. On the good side you can tell when something is about to get said or done because just like the eye of a storm it gets very quiet. The people stop talking, Sarkar speaks... and things happen. This is the average breakfast of Sarkar (played by Amitabh Bachchan better known as Big B ) the head of this organization. You bring him a problem and he will consider helping you if he deems it fit. Maybe it's a matter of your daughters honor, she was sexually assaulted and after trying to get justice in court she commits suicide because they made her life a living hell. You want and need satisfaction for this heinous deed before you die old and alone now, because she can't rest in peace till the rapist is punished. And he will be most thoroughly punished .Sarkars world is full of checks and balances based on his honor . Someone wants to do business that's not good for the future of his people but will make Sarkars allies tons of money ...he will refuse to do it; and refuse to let them do it. They need his permission to do business in his territory. Sarkar isn't interested in lining his pockets excessively, he alone will make sure his supporters are looked after even if it cost him. This includes his own children . Eating dinner with the family becomes an ordeal for his rebellious son Vishnu (Kay Kay Megnon), and a fight starts over an overt action that bypassed his father. Vishnu just will not learn . Foul language , extreme temper and worst of all shortsightedness based on his own pleasure principle . A veritable Id child. These things Sarker can no longer abide in his sons actions. Vishnu is a weak link and a loose canon; a possible weapon in his enemies hands. His other son is Shankar (Abhishek Bachchan , Bachchans real life son). He's back from America to meet with his father and to introduce him not only to some business investments but to a girl he wishes to marry(Katrina Kaif) despite being promised to a girl being raised in Sarkars house . Sarkar is lenient with this son and listens to both proposals. This son is respectful and causes him no shame in his life. He will be opened minded with him and intervene on his behalf if he can. This is a day in the life of Sarkar. It will be a very pivotal day for him. While the director lets the quiet moments settle in he also has a passion for background music but then so did the Godfather series. This is the only flaw to me in either Sarkar or Sarkar Raj. Both are well written and have enough excitement of action and devious intent to keep a viewer riveted despite the irritation. I later read more reviews on the pleasant but repetitive music and that did seem to be the consensus on that point. I've set through it over and over so it definitely wasn't that bad. I sat through Sarkar as well as Sarkar Raj back to back. I was compelled by a need I couldn't control. You know there is going to be pain ahead for Sarkar but you just have to keep watching. I have the calluses on my butt to prove it. That in and of itself is a testament to how good these guys are at their jobs because trust me when I say I ain't the patient sort . Still it's worth sitting through both of these films Sarkar and Sarkar Raj..not only are they good but they will be quoted in the future in a lot of livingrooms. So definitely watch them.....Just not for the love of GOVINDA back to back . You'll see what I mean about that statement while watching Sarkar Raj. I dare you to wait a day in between. I was most unsuccessful on that attempt at restraint. I would make a horrible Godfather. This director made a Damn fine one.

"Sarker" is the creation of a life time from Ramu, it will remain as a highlight in all the artists careers, a great movie...it sucks you into it and throws you out. I watched the movie and before i could realize it started...it finished. When someone says slow narration...they are just ignorant of what cinema making is all about. Amitabh is excellent...on par with him is his real life son Abhishek, who plays Shankar the son of Subhash in the movie. He is the one actor out of the young genre who will stand tall for a long time. The music of the movie is first rate, it plays a very important role in keeping us glued to what happens on screen.I read a post saying "a bad adaptation of Godfather" lets get this one clear that this is not Godfather. We get that impression because Ramu says he is inspired by the Hollywood movie, very kind of him. I have seen the movie and can confirm that approx 5% meets with what we have seen in Godfather.Talking about direction, I could write a couple of pages about it, but i prefer to say it is exceptional. Its a pity these movies do not get as much exposure as international cinema, but having watched movies from all other languages, Indian cinema will continue to raise the bar when the Bollywood leadership continues to support and encourage it's unorthodox directors such as Ramu. Through it's actions it not only guaranties the quality of cinema now it is also encouraging up and coming directors to continue to produce even better quality of film to us in the future..It's time to watch the movie or you will miss out on something special.

Like Father like son. Great acting, wonderful plot, lots of action and drama. Overal it is worth the watch.

A very entertaining film. One can see connections in the plot line to The Godfather, but never to the point of feeling that one is watching a clone. The Indian context of the film is a great strength; another is the high contrast of the imagery. Lots of empty dark negative space which concentrate the focus of the watcher on the important elements in the scene. The great brooding building in which the Nagres live; the numbers of people there going about their daily routines while all of this drama is taking place and the eerie sound track all contribute to the ominous feeling of the film. The supporting cast is terrific. Often one forgets that one is watching actors, the performances are so naturally nuanced. All of the villains are super; the evil swami, the indulgent, tortured elder brother, the drug kingpin, and the smiling southerner. Women play minor roles in the story, but the performances are fine, particularly "Mama" Nagre. Abishek is good, but brooding glaring angst doesn't really cut it for me. Amitabh is fantastic. So much is implied with a minimum of gesture. Terrific use of that deep rumbly voice of authority. Is this film as good as The Godfather? No. Mario Puzo"s novel and script are world class, this screenplay is good, but not in the same league. All in all, a film I am happy to own, and will watch again.

Big B and Abhishek Bacchan along with RGV directions - deadly combo

Best acting, well written movie. Have to watch the movie to experience it.

Technically not as good as Godfather, but I found it more enjoyable

Story line and acting at its best

C’est le film indien le plus nul que j’ai jamais vu