It rarely happens in cinema when one family's entire fortunes are at stake. India's legendary film star Amitabh Bachchan must be the most nervous person in the film capital of India, Mumbai. He, along with his son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, has put all eggs in one basket- 'Sarkar Raj,' a new Bollywood thriller, directed by maverick Ram Gopal Varma who's known for his sheer brilliance as well as pathetic film direction. All three Bachchans are acting in 'Sarkar Raj'. Will the three Bachchans- giants of Bollywood- be able to swim, ask many.
Ram Gopal Varma made a fool of himself in a multi-starrer 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag' (2007), a remake of Ramesh Sippy's blockbuster 'Sholay' from the 1970s. He became a joke in Bollywood. Aag, perhaps, was the most disappointing film of the decade, agreed India. This was not the first time when RGV proved to be a disaster as a director. But at the same time, he made brilliant films such as 'Satya' (1998) and 'Company' (2002). He is considered to be the biggest maverick in Bollywood.
Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in 'Sarkar Raj' (2008)'Sarkar Raj' casts the much acclaimed trio from the Bachchan family: Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya, who will come together on screen for the first time in this highly anticipated film. 'Sarkar Raj' is a sequel to Varma's 'Sarkar' (2005), which focused on one powerful family of Nagres in the politician-underworld nexus in Mumbai. The film, inspired by Cuppola's 'God Father', was well recieved.
But that's the problem with a maverick. Varma indulges himself. If you go by the title music of the new film, it's a real put off. One immediately gets irritated by this 70's style 'Tera hi jalwa...Govinda' song.
'Sarkar Raj,' distributed by Eros International, will be releasing in cinemas internationally on June 6th. That will be the real test of the film. Varma can not afford another disaster. The charisma of Bachchans is also at stake.
Sarkar Raj- storyline
Sarkar Raj extends the storyline, beginning with the inheritance of power from the father (Amitabh Bachchan) to the son (Abhishek Bachchan). When Anita Rajan (Aishwarya Rai - Bachchan), CEO of Sheppard power plant, an International company, brings a power plant proposal to set up in rural Maharashtra before the Nagres, an insightful Shankar (Abhishek Bachchan) is quick to realize the benefits the power plant can bring to the people. After convincing Sarkar (Amitabh Bachchan) who is against it for various reasons, Shankar undertakes a journey along with Anita to the villages of Maharashtra to mobilize support of the masses.
However, things are not what they seem to be, from shady fixers with an eye on multi-million kick-backs or wannabe Shankar’s that are ready to incite millions of people against the highly controversial project in a state that is witnessing the worst of coalition politics. Shankar’s dream project gradually becomes a political minefield and the evil forces mightier than ever mushroom and gang up to bring down the regime of Sarkar and obliterate Shankar’s name from the political horizon.
Talking about the film, director Ram Gopal Varma said: “I employed each and every aspect of the various techniques of the film medium whether it is the music or dialogue or cinematography for one and only one purpose – that is to capture the intensity in the actors eyes, through which we see a world of high drama be it politics, treachery, revenge, passion, courage, love and above all relationships. The film belongs to me but the power belongs to the Bachchans."
Pranab Kapadia, President Distribution, Eros International, commented: Sarkar Raj has the potential to become a cult film just as Sarkar has. Story, direction, powerful cast & performances – all come together to make it a film that everyone who loves Indian cinema would enjoy and remember. We are really excited to be releasing this film.”
This all sounds good before the release, but Amitabh Bachchan knows he has played a big gamble by putting all eggs in maverick Varma's basket.