Jai Gangaajal

"Jai Gangajal" is a sequel Prakash Jha's much acclaimed "Gangajal" released in 2003. Lately, the film saw a lot of criticism despite a hype created through its promos. The film is not a wash-out, it does have its merits; but by the end, it's not more than a regular Bollywood flick with an overdose of action and improbabilities. A village entirely ravaged by the fear of the goons and a ferocious lady superintendent, trying to regulate law and order against the corrupt officials form the crux of the movie, which has been seen umpteenth of times in movies. Priyanka Chopra performs the role well and presents it with a glamour. But the face that attracts more in the movie is Prakash Jha, who debuts in this movie as a corrupt official. However, influence of Nana Patekar is seen in his performance. Besides a contrived plot, the film also drags at times and could have been trimmed a bit. There is also an over dramatization of sequences added to the screen. Hence, good performances and a good direction merely save it and make it a watchable movie.

Rating: 2 stars out of 4

Same storyline on which Prakash Jha is always focused at. This movie echoes society and the corrupt governing policy for personal gain, same as his other previous movies. As a sequel it's a so-so representation, Priyanka Chopra as Abha Mathur is spot on. And yet again Prakash Jha on silver screen, this time as a full time character lacks certain expression and acting, could have been more better. But he was able to pull it off this time as inspector B N Singh. On the whole the storyline is nothing unexpected, it has it's own thrills, twist and turns. This time Priyanka did a appreciable job,but Prakash Jha failed to create a wonder.

Jai Gangajal is totally a PRAKASH JHA movie, literally. He at 64 makes the most promising debut by an actor in recent times. The movie is no match to its predecessor but Priyanka Chopra's honest performance as Abha Mathur does make up for all the loopholes in the story. Much like Gangaajal the movie makes an attempt to focus on the socially relevant topics like land grabbing, farmer suicides, rape etc. Manav Kaul is the villain of the season but you do miss the presence of Prakash Jha regulars like Mukesh Tiwari, Ayub Khan, Yashpal Sharma who really add a touch of realism to such political dramas. Overall a good watch that could have been a great sequel to a cult movie like Gangajal.

The only problem with the movie was casting and I believe all will agree with me who has seen the movie. Priyanka is not at all the right choice. She is good in an interview but acting in a movie any movie is not at all her cup of tea maybe some specific roles but she is not at all a versatile actress she is not even an actress.

Writer-Director Prakash Jha explores The Actor in him, in his very own 'Jai Gangaajal'. A sequel of the stellar 2003 crime film Gangaajal, 'Jai Gangaajal', for all that it stands for, is effective & overlong, leaving a film that's thoroughly watchable, but never memorable. Jha denominates the narrative, but a stronger Screenplay would've enhanced the impact!

'Jai Gangaajal' Synopsis: A newly appointed Senior Inspector (Priyanka Chopra), finds herself against very powerful goons and having people from her own department against her.

'Jai Gangaajal' has an absorbing, disturbing first-hour, where our protagonist fights it out with evil within politics & her very own department. Some sequences are excellently executed, including one where the protagonist brutally teaches a lecherous man a lesson. The narrative remains crisp up-to intermission, but slips & stretches itself for a bit too long. The fight between the good & bad, including Jha's transformation from a corrupt cop to a complete hero, could've done with a sharper pace & better Writing. 'Jai Gangaajal' overstays its welcome for a good 20-minutes, which honestly, doesn't work on its advantage. A stronger second-hour, with some trimming, was much needed!

Jha's Screenplay is top-notch in the grim first-hour, but loses steam later-on. Jha's Direction, however, is arresting. He has handled some of the most dramatic sequences, with flourish. Cinematography is good. Editing lacks razor-sharpness & some trimming was needed. Action-Sequences are raw & rustic. Background Score merits a special mention.

Performance-Wise: Priyanka Chopra is convincing as the honest & tough cop, enacting the central part emotively. But its Jha himself, who steals 'Jai Gangaajal'. He's simply superb as the corrupt cop, who later turns into a hero. It would be interesting to see him doing more roles here on. Manav Kaul is fantastic as the evil politician. Here's an actor who deserves more! Ninad Kamat, as Kaul's rapist & land-robbing brother, is despicable to the core. He's first-rate! Murli Sharma, also cast in a negative role, is in great form. Rahul Bhat has a small role, but he enacts his part remarkably. Others lend adequate support.

On the whole, 'Jai Gangaajal' has its moments & Jha emerges as an actor!