After the super successful political thriller 'Raajneeti', when Prakash Jha gave a confused 'Aarakshan', all were curious to know as to which side will his latest camel 'Satyagraha' sit. Sadly, the movie goes the latter way, though most of the ensemble and genre resemble the former one. Let's delve straight into its facets:

• Plot: The movie draws its name from Gandhian way of dissent which was used recently by Anna Hazare and gang. Yes, it does talk about Gandhian principals and tries its best to showcase the most contemporary topic 'corruption', yet fails to serve the message quite well. The basic problem is- treatment. Unlike the crisp 'Raajneeti', sluggish 'Satyagraha' keeps meandering throughout, trying to match Anna movement, literally. In the process, everything appears fake and characters look mere reel caricatures of the real. It attempts to take you through micro nuances of our rotten politico-administrative system, which finally lead to a macro movement. The intent is commendable; however, it's the content and presentation which falter. Realism gets lost in commercialism (lots of brand endorsements there!), larger-than-life portrayal of a ground-level subject and overdose of crowd-protests. Barring a few moments of real business, movie looks more preachy and glossy (facebooked). Climax is a big let-down out of its abruptness and fictional treatment.

• Casting: The ensemble of big names does not disappoint you when it comes to performance. Big B is a master at his work and exudes both strength and fragility with equal ease. It was good to see Ajay back to some serious stuff after his Himmatwala/ SoS phase, though he is unable to match his Gangajal feat. Kareena looks beautiful in the street-smart character. Hunk Arjun oozes ample masculinity while Amrita Rao is mostly on MMS mode. It's basically Manoj Bajpai who is the biggest saving grace with his comical villain-giri. Though his character is a shadow of Virendra Pratap of 'Rajneeti', he carries off this one too equally well.

• Music: In my previous reviews too, I have mentioned, in movies based on genuine subjects, music should be pushed to background only. 'Satyagraha' loses out here too. Unnecessary songs and persistent rock bands at movement-sthal, all steal authenticity from the flick. 'Janta rocks' makes you wonder whether you are watching a 'Rock on' while Adesh Srivastava fails to repeat a 'Mora piya' with 'Ras ke bhare'. Only 'Raghupati Raghav' manages to touch you both through the remixed music and meaningful lyrics. In all, music only interrupts the already snail- paced movie.

To conclude, 'Satyagraha' does no justice to its name, star-cast and the noble message it intended to deliver. I really hope some other film-maker to grab the burning subject and present to us something more authentic, moving and engrossing. This one is certainly not the one expected from a Prakash Jha!

Prakash Jha's 'Satyagraha' is a noble film, that sends out a message loud and clear: Fight Against Corruption. And to a notable extend, the film succeeds by arresting & inspiring its viewer. However, a prolonged second-hour acts as a deterrent. Nonetheless, The Striking Performances stand out!

'Satyagraha' is the story of a son who yearns for a father. Of a father, who grieves for his lost son. Of a young woman who fights so hard with life that she has forgotten to love. Of an ambitious rabble-rouser, for whom action is the knee-jerk mantra. It is the story of how these four discover one another, and come together to raise hell, shaking the powers that be to their very roots!

'Satyagraha' begins well & has an interesting, persuasive first-hour. The second-hour begins well, but the final 45-minutes are prolonged. Even the climatic fight between the righteous & the corrupt doesn't leave the desired impact. Though never boring, 'Satyagraha' does falter in its final act.

Jha & Anjum Rajabali's Screenplay is brave & patriotic, but needed some sharpness in the second-hour. Jha's Direction is intense & quite note-worthy. Cinematography is rustic. Editing could've been crispier. Art Design is well-done.

Performance-Wise: Amitabh Bachchan is remarkable. He stands on his own all through. Ajay Devgn is efficient. Arjun Rampal does well. Kareena Kapoor Khan is perfect. Amrita Rao delivers a sincere, heartfelt performance. Manoj Bajpai is terrific, as always. He enacts the filthy politician with enviable ease. Vinay Apte is superb, as well.

On the whole, 'Satyagraha' works in parts, but the performances certainly stand out.