Chakravyuh
Movie Info
Synopsis
Chakravyuh is a Bollywood political thriller directed by Prakash Jha starring Arjun Rampal, Abhay Deol, Manoj Bajpai, Kabir Bedi Anjali Patil and Esha Gupta. Chakravyuh is aimed to be a social commentary on the issues of Naxalites. The first theatrical trailer of Chakravyuh was released in midnight on August 16–17, 2012. The film released on Durga Puja, 24 October 2012. Chakravyuh released in 1100 cinemas in India.Wikipedia
Starring Cast
Chakravyuh Reviews
4
'Chakravyuh' talks of the growing ‘red corridor’ in several parts of the country, and how it came to be, and how it is playing out right here, right now.
6
Overall, ‘Chakravyuh’ is a well intentioned and finely crafted film, which shies away from taking any stand. A good watch for the people who believe that India has progressed a lot and things go just fine if your stock exchange functions smoothly. And yes, claps for the last ultimate voice-over of the film.
5
Chakravyuh is, ultimately, a victim of typical Bollywood excesses. A little more subtlety, a little less jingoism, and it might have worked better.
5
In the end, Chakravyuh is nothing more than an average action flick in the garb of relevant cinema where socio-politico turmoil is nothing more than a prop and gun-toting militants in uniforms and bandanas hollering 'Lal Salaam' fill up the frames.
8
While the film contains a collage of competently calibrated performances by some brilliant actors like Chetan Pandit, who was last seen as an idealistic schoolteacher in "Agneepath", here slips into a cheesy cop's role and debutante Anjali Patil leaves the best impression among the supporting cast. A truly worthy successor to the holder of that never-forgotten actress with the same title (Smita).
6
A socio-political thriller set in the country’s red corridor where Maoist insurgents oppose industrialisation because it leads to the displacement of the tribal population, Chakravyuh has its heart in the right place. Jha has once again woven fictional elements and characters with real incidents and people to present a film that touches the right chords.
4
Chakravyuh tries to grapple with too many nexuses in the movie, but gets bogged down with the script and mediocre performances.
7
On the whole, CHAKRAVYUH is an engaging drama. It chronicles a burning issue, but is entertaining concurrently, something that Prakash Jha balances beautifully in film after film. Watch it!
8
What saves the film's cause is stellar art direction that captures the parched and hostile environs of rural India to the T. And then there are the actors. They are pillars of Jha's storytelling effort. Manoj Bajpayee is able in his role. So are Esha Gupta, Om Puri and Anjali Patil. But the show belongs to Arjun Rampal and Abhay Deol. Abhay fits into his eccentric and edgy character with ease. And even though Arjun looks a little too polished to play a hard boiled cop he manages a restrained and commendable performance.
6
CHAKRAVYUH gives you a ringside view of the people's movement. More importantly, you will be the one to decide on which side the truth lies. Kudos to Jha for dealing with such a sensitive topic without taking sides. A must see movie.
6
Chakravyuh is an absolute must for all Prakash Jha fans, unmissable for Arjun Rampal supporters and definitely one to watch for all Manoj Bajpai diehards. Given the topic it is an eye opener for the audience, who will definitely take a lesson or two away from the film. Chakravyuh may not get the ticket footfall it deserves, in the world of glossy song and dance affairs, but is a fine example of filmmaking with conviction and really is story you must experience.
8
Here’s a fight which we have heard about and seen through the ages – the fight between the Capitalists and the Communists. Prakash Jha presents it in his own way; and going by his illustrious line of work, it would be a big mistake on your part if you happen to give ‘Chakravyuh’ a miss.
Audience Reviews for Chakravyuh
-
Whenever political genre films are thought of, the first name which fleets into any cineaste's mind is Prakash Jha. His brand of film making are for the thinking audience giving them a slice of reality which remains shrouded from public view. His films may not have exactly set the box office on fire but the blunt reality showcased interspersed with cinematic liberties are undeniable be it "Gangaajal", "Rajneeti" or Aarakshan". This time around he has touched upon the ever prevalent issue of Naxalism through "Chakravyuh". So can he reap box office rewards with critical acclaim???
Nandighat has been in the news for quite some time as it was the stronghold of the Naxals led by their charismatic leader Rajan (Manoj Bajpai). Seeking to eradicate the Naxal influence, SP Adil Khan (Arjun Rampal) takes up the challenge but his plans fails to materialise thanks to the lack of support among the villagers owing to the atrocities meted out to them on a regular basis by the Government & police force. Seeing Adil's plight, his close buddy Kabir (Abhay Deol) comes up with the idea of infiltrating into the Naxal camp & being an informer. In due time, their combined efforts starts to bear fruit but Kabir starts to realise that the principles of Naxalism does make sense. So will Kabir have a change of heart & if so, does it change his equation with Adil???
Once again Prakash Jha has come up with an interesting subject as there are a lot of mixed opinions as to what the Naxals does is justifiable or not. Well I wont delve into that aspect, but Jha has definitely given us a brief insight into the ground reality. However, the treatment of the story wasn't impressive as it takes up a predictable route & fails to strike any kind of emotional chord with the audience barring a few sequences. If it wasnt for the riveting performances by quite a few, it would have been a lack lustre experience over all.
Though not one of the protagonists, the first person whom I would like to mention is Anjali Patil as the fiery Naxal Juhi. She was a revelation & breathed fire into her character with utmost naturality. Abhay Deol is always known to select off beat films & emerges a winner. Arjun Rampal is fine while Manoj Bajpai & Om Puri comes up with intense impressive performances.
Verdict: The rustic packaging of the film wont attract the masala lovers & the lack of a interesting plot wont have the critics singing praises. At the most it might break-even if its lucky though I doubt it. In short, check it out for the performances but that also do so when it comes on TV!!!
Rating: 2.5/5
Regards...Ben0September 18, 16
