Madhur Bhandarkar's controversial film Indu Sarkar, starring Kirti Kulhari, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Anupam Kher & Tota Roy Chawdhury, has been released Today.
The film is based on some incidents during the time of emergency in 1975. But, as the disclaimer says, it is more fictional than reality. The story is of a girl who stammers. She got married to a Government officer. But during the period of emergency, and because of some political activities, she changes her path from supporting her husband in wrong to working for people of the nation. That is how the story goes, and what happens to her next is the story line of Indu Sarkar.
Though, it is based on the era of emergency, I felt that some portions are missing. The focus has been kept on Indu only. So, Gandhis have been ignored. Or I guess, it is the political pressure to not show more of them. That's why the film lacks in originality and thrill. So, it just becomes an ordinary film.
Direction is good by Madhur. Cinematography is also good. Some dialogues are superb. Like 'Arjun Ka Irada Dol Sakta Hai, Ghayal Druapadi Ka Nahi!' Music of the film is above average. The famous qawwali 'Çhadhta Suraj' has been recreated here. Other than that, at the end, a song by Monali Thakur called 'Yeh Aawaz Hai' is also good.
What makes this film a worth watch is performances by all the actors. Neil as Mr. Gandhi does his job perfectly. We have never seen Anupam Kher doing bad acting, did we! Kirti Kulhari is at her best. We have seen her acting ability in Pink. This time too she picks up the mood of Indu in a subtle way, and delivers an award worthy performance. Especially, in the climax speech! Others are also good.
On the whole, the film is surely an one time watch. Having said that, it could have been made more gripping and should have more facts about emergency. Then it would have become a cult film. But, what we have right now is a 7/10* film.
