Prakash Jha's directorial venture, Raajneeti, is considered an iconic Bollywood film, celebrating its 15th anniversary. The film was known for its nuanced portrayal of the political landscape and its exposure of the various facets hidden within.
Entertainment: Bollywood's Raajneeti (2010) has entered its 15th year. This film is not just a political drama; it has become a significant part of Indian cinema's legacy. Director Prakash Jha's film captivated both audiences and critics alike upon its release. Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif's performances are still fondly remembered.
On this special occasion, director Prakash Jha shared several untold stories behind the film, notably praising Katrina Kaif's dedication and Ranbir Kapoor's innate talent.
Raajneeti's Social and Mahabharata-Inspired Perspective
Prakash Jha explained that initially, Raajneeti wasn't based on the Mahabharata. The film focused on the complexities of Indian politics and social realities. However, as the story developed, characters and conflicts from the Mahabharata organically integrated themselves. Ranbir Kapoor's character, Samar Pratap, was inspired by Arjun, while Katrina Kaif's character, Indu, was inspired by Draupadi. The film establishes a connection between the complexities of the Mahabharata and modern politics, making it even more impactful.
Ranbir Kapoor's Intuitive and Profound Acting Impressed All
Screenwriter Anjum Rajabali revealed that when Ranbir Kapoor was cast, his debut film, Saawariya, hadn't even been released. Therefore, the team had some doubts about whether Ranbir could handle such a complex role. But when they witnessed a silent scene of Ranbir's on the Bhopal set, the entire team was astonished.
Anjum Rajabali stated, "Ranbir is an intuitive actor; even his silence possessed such depth that he completely immersed himself in his character effortlessly." Ranbir's acting played a crucial role in the film's success.
Katrina Kaif's Hard Work and the Challenge of Hindi Dialogue
For Katrina Kaif, the role in Raajneeti was challenging, especially delivering the Hindi dialogues correctly. Anjum Rajabali mentioned that Katrina's Hindi accent was slightly different, causing some concern. However, director Prakash Jha always showed complete faith in her. Prakash Jha said, "Katrina spent nearly 40 days perfecting her dialogues and pronunciation to ensure she delivered every word accurately." During the dubbing sessions, Katrina's hard work paid off, delivering the lines so effectively that even Anjum Rajabali was impressed.
Objections from the Congress Party and Censorship Board Challenges
Before the film's release, the Congress party raised objections. Some party members believed that Katrina Kaif's character, 'Indu,' was inspired by Sonia Gandhi. Congress members were present during the censor board screening and initially refused to grant a certificate. A particular scene involving the word "widow" ("vidhwa") caused controversy, and it was later changed to "daughter" ("betiya"). Prakash Jha took a firm stance on this issue, stating that he would go to the Supreme Court if necessary, as there was nothing wrong with his film.
Raajneeti's Enduring Legacy
Even after 15 years, Raajneeti remains in the hearts of film lovers due to its originality and powerful subject matter. The film not only set new standards for political dramas but also provided a significant platform for Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif's acting prowess. Prakash Jha's vision and hard work continue to make the film a timeless masterpiece.
Behind the film's success lay Prakash Jha's clear vision and Anjum Rajabali's powerful screenplay. Together, they created a political and social drama that remains fresh in the minds of viewers today. The film portrays the complexities of politics without any political bias while incorporating the depth of the Mahabharata.
