‘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.

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.

Chakravyuh is, ultimately, a victim of typical Bollywood excesses. A little more subtlety, a little less jingoism, and it might have worked better.

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.

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).

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.

Chakravyuh tries to grapple with too many nexuses in the movie, but gets bogged down with the script and mediocre performances.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.