Starcast: Sanjay Dutt, Mahima Chaudhary, Mukesh Rishi, Salil Ankola, Sayaji Shinde, Shivaji Satham and Om Puri Direction: Mahesh Manjrekar...
Starcast: Sanjay Dutt, Mahima Chaudhary, Mukesh Rishi, Salil Ankola, Sayaji Shinde, Shivaji Satham and Om Puri
Direction: Mahesh Manjrekar
Music: Himesh Reshammiya, Amar Mohile
Release 10th November 2000
Introduction:
Released on November 10, 2000,
Kurukshetra is a Bollywood action drama that blends intense crime-fighting
sequences with emotional family dynamics. Directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, the
film stars Sanjay Dutt as the upright ACP Prithviraj Singh, alongside Mahima
Chaudhry, Om Puri, Mukesh Rishi, and Shivaji Satam. Drawing partial inspiration
from the iconic 1973 film Zanjeer, which introduced the "angry young
man" archetype through Amitabh Bachchan’s Vijay, Kurukshetra adapts a
similar premise of an honest cop battling corruption but carves its own
identity with a contemporary narrative and Manjrekar’s gritty storytelling.
While Zanjeer focused on personal vengeance, Kurukshetra escalates the stakes
with a societal battle against systemic corruption, making it a compelling
addition to Bollywood’s cop-drama genre. The film was a box-office success,
earning praise for its performances and action-packed dialogues, though it
faced comparisons to Manjrekar’s earlier work, Vaastav.
Storyline:
Kurukshetra centers on ACP
Prithviraj Singh (Sanjay Dutt), a fearless and principled police officer whose
arrival in Mumbai disrupts the criminal underworld, notably the illegal
operations of Iqbal Pasina (Mukesh Rishi). Unlike Zanjeer, where the protagonist’s
rage stems from a childhood trauma, Prithviraj’s drive is rooted in his
unwavering commitment to justice, though his personal life suffers as a result.
His wife, Anjali (Mahima Chaudhry), feels alienated by his devotion to duty,
while his sister, Aarti, navigates her own romantic subplot with Sub-Inspector
Avinash. The plot thickens when Ambar, the son of corrupt Chief Minister
Baburao Deshmukh (Om Puri), and his friend Rohit rape a young woman, Gita Naik.
This heinous act ignites the titular "Kurukshetra," a battle between
Prithviraj and Baburao’s powerful political machinery. Supported initially by
opposition leader Sambhaji Yadav and Iqbal Pasina, Prithviraj faces betrayal
and realizes the law’s limitations, leading to a vigilante-style climax where he
takes justice into his own hands.
The storyline, while reminiscent
of Zanjeer’s cop-versus-system narrative, distinguishes itself with its focus
on a rape-and-revenge arc and the moral dilemmas of an honest officer. The
first half is gripping, with sharp pacing and relatable themes of corruption,
but the second half occasionally falters with melodramatic subplots and
prolonged action sequences. Despite these flaws, the story’s intensity and
Manjrekar’s ability to weave personal and professional conflicts keep it
engaging.
Direction and Other Technical
Departments:
Mahesh Manjrekar’s direction is
a highlight, showcasing his knack for intense, mass-appealing cinema. Fresh off
the success of Vaastav, Manjrekar infuses Kurukshetra with raw energy and
hard-hitting dialogues by K.K. Singh, which resonate with the audience. His
treatment of the subject—corruption and justice—feels grounded, with scenes
like the police station confrontation between Sanjay Dutt and Om Puri crackling
with tension. However, the inclusion of unnecessary romantic scenes and item
songs disrupts the narrative flow, a common Bollywood trope that dilutes the
film’s seriousness.
The cinematography, credited to
Vijay Kumar Arora, effectively captures Mumbai’s gritty underbelly, with tight
framing in action sequences and emotional close-ups during family scenes. The
editing by V.N. Mayekar is crisp in the first half but could have been tighter
in the second to avoid pacing issues. Action choreography, a crucial element,
is well-executed, though some scenes indulge in excessive gore, reflecting the
era’s stylistic choices. Overall, the technical departments complement
Manjrekar’s vision, delivering a visually engaging experience despite minor
inconsistencies.
Music:
The soundtrack, composed by
Himesh Reshammiya in his debut as a full-fledged music director, alongside
Sukhwinder Singh, is a mixed bag. Songs like Aap Ka Aana and Ghagra stand out
for their catchy melodies and situational relevance, with Aap Ka Aana gaining
popularity for its romantic vibe and ban than scoring high due to sukhvinders
energetic vocals. However, tracks like Jaanam tere liye feel like forced
additions, typical of Bollywood’s commercial demands. The background score by
Amar Mohile enhances the film’s intensity, particularly during action
sequences, but lacks the iconic memorability of Zanjeer’s minimalistic
approach. While the music serves its purpose, it doesn’t elevate the film to a
classic status.
Performances:
Sanjay Dutt delivers a
powerhouse performance as ACP Prithviraj Singh, embodying the righteous cop
with conviction. His commanding screen presence and ability to balance stoic
duty with emotional vulnerability make him the film’s backbone. Comparisons to
Vaastav were inevitable, but Dutt ensures Prithviraj has a distinct identity,
earning nominations for his role. Mahima Chaudhry shines as Anjali, bringing
depth to a character torn between love and frustration. Her emotional scenes,
particularly when confronting Prithviraj, showcase her maturity as an actor,
marking this as one of her best performances. Om Puri is exceptional as the
corrupt Baburao Deshmukh, infusing the role with menace and authenticity that
makes the audience despise him.
Mukesh Rishi impresses as Iqbal
Pasina, transitioning from antagonist to ally with nuance, while Shivaji Satham
and Sayaji Shinde steal scenes as the loyal constable Gopi and a morally
complex supporting character, respectively. Their well-written roles add heft
to the ensemble. However, some supporting actors, like those in romantic
subplots, feel underutilized due to the script’s focus on the central conflict.
Conclusion:
Kurukshetra (2000) is a gripping action drama that thrives on Sanjay Dutt’s stellar performance, Mahesh Manjrekar’s intense direction, and a talented ensemble cast. While inspired by Zanjeer’s template of an honest cop battling a corrupt system, it carves its own path with a socially relevant rape-and-revenge narrative and a focus on systemic injustice. The film’s strengths lie in its engaging first half, powerful dialogues, and strong performances, though it is occasionally weighed down by formulaic Bollywood elements like unnecessary songs and prolonged action. The music, while serviceable, doesn’t leave a lasting impact, and the pacing falters in parts. Nonetheless, Kurukshetra remains a solid entry in Bollywood’s cop-drama genre, appealing to fans of masala cinema with its blend of realism and entertainment. For those who appreciate intense performances and a classic good-versus-evil saga, Kurukshetra is a rewarding watch that holds its own, even in the shadow of its inspirations and Manjrekar’s own Vaastav.
By Ayushmaan Mitra
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