`Raajneeti’ could have been the film of the year. It had the potential, and the actors, but it comes together only intermittently. This is not the Prakash Jha who has made some of the most politically resonant films in Hindi cinema.

The film starts off aggressive, turns into a game of toppling pawns, and ends up a farce as Kunti meets Karan and the audience dissolves into giggles. Jha’s films, while often flawed nearing the end, usually provide some sort of grass root insight; this one pretty much dares you to take it seriously. Don’t even try.

Raajneeti is as exhausting as it is compelling…

Take time out for a serious and compelling celluloid experience. Don’t miss Raajneeti.

…makes a sweeping impact. A truly admirable effort, this brilliant film is not to be missed.

An interesting portrayal of political ambitions. Keeps you engrossed.

Watch it for Ajay, Arjun, Nana and Manoj; Ranbir’s stunning portrayal and Katrina’s coming-of-age. The rest of Raajneeti will put you off politics forever.

…is not just a film that opens up the tattered edges of Indian politics. It dares to walk right into the muck with restraint, vigour and some sensitivity. The film has some outstanding cinematography by Sachin Kumar Krishnan. The camera seems to be looking into places in the characters’ psyche that perhaps even the screenplay isn’t aware of.

This almost 3-hour affair doesn’t slacken but doesn’t keep you waiting for the next move either. Because somehow there’s a foregone conclusion given the epic characters the film is based on.