Jai Gangaajal Review

Expectations 

Director Prakash Jha started his direction with a sport based film 'Hip Hip Hurray'. Though, he got his recognition after venturing into social issue based films like 'Damul', 'Parinati' followed by 'Mrityudand', 'Gangaajal', 'Apaharan', 'Rajneeti' and few more. The audience loved his style of storytelling which had realistic factor attached to it, but were presented in a totally entertaining manner. Sadly, after 'Aarakshan' both his films 'Chakravyuh' and 'Satyagraha' failed to match up to the excellence of his earlier films. Thus, after a long gap he returns back with his latest offering 'Jai Gangaajal', which as per him is not a sequel to 'Gangaajal'. But looking at the promos one does feel that the movie is in that zone due to which the expectations are high. This movie also has Priyanka Chopra playing a role of a female cop. Earlier, she has portrayed such roles in films like 'Don' and 'Gunday' but looking at the promos, this one looks completely different and promising

Story 

'Jai Gangajaal' is a story of SP Abha Mathur (Priyanka Chopra) who take charge of the Bankipur district in Madhya Pradesh. Within few days she finds out that the local minister Babloo Pandey (Manav Kaur) and his brother Dabloo Pandey (Ninad Kamat) have struck a huge land deal with a big industrialist. They are supported by the state minister (Kiran Karmarkar) and their corrupt cop B.N Singh (Prakash Jha).Abha tries to support the local residents by taking strict actions against these evil ministers leading to an unexpected public outrage.

Reasons to watch the film 

The movie is decent in comparison to Prakash Jha's last few films. There are few engaging and entertaining scenes featuring Priyanka Chopra, Prakash Jha and NinadKamat which will keep your interest intact in this repetitive drama. Dialogues are good and works as one of the positive points for the film. Priyanka Chopra looks fabulous and is fiery in all her action and dialogue scenes.Prakash Jha is impressive and surprises us with his acting side.ManavKaul, Rahul Bhatt, Kiran Karmarkar and others lend good support. Ninad Kamat is great in his role.

Reasons to avoid the film 

The story structure is almost similar to Prakash Jha's 'Gangaajal' (2003), but, comes nowhere close to its intensity. The movie is presented in 80’s and 90's style with no freshness attached to it. Land mafia, corrupt officers, evil minister, angry mob, etc have been seen in many films due to which the whole movie seemed repetitive.The characters fail to leave their mark, including the one of Priyanka Chopra. Everything is over dramatized and has an outdated way of presentation. The movie drags in many parts making it boring at times and tests your patience level.The background music is fine, but at times jarring. Director Prakash Jha focuses more on himself as an actor, than, Priyanka Chopra or the serious issues related to the film. There are many cinematic liberties and loopholes which are not expected from a senior director like Jha.Priyanka Chopra's character lacks the punch factor and her glamorous avatar fails to mellow down in front of her portrayal of a cop. Similarly Prakash Jha goes overboard in the action scenes.

Two Line Review 

'Jai Gangajaal' is not a bad film and has some enjoyable scenes to cherish. Sadly, the repetitive screenplay, half-baked characters and dragging length makes the movie look like a never ending stale drama.