Stutee reviews the new political satire Jai Ho Democracy directed by the dialogue writer of cult classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and starring biggies like Seema Biswas, Annu Kapoor, and Om Puri.
Jai Ho Democracy can be described as a journey from the bizarre to the ludicrous. Directed by Ranjit Kapoor who is best known as the dialogue writer of the cult film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, it boasts of a formidable ensemble cast. There is Om Puri’s acting prowess and Annu Kapoor’s versatility, along with Satish Kaushik’s comic timing and Seema Biswas’ intensity. All this comes to naught in this 86min long ordeal.
The film starts with a hapless hen strutting about in the ‘no man’s land’ between India and Pakistan. What follows is a tsunami of silly and mindless events. Tension at the border escalates with both the Indian and Pakistani troops trying their histrionics to get the hen to catwalk to their side of the border. With a sense of foreboding we somehow carry on as the focus shifts from the border to “breaking news” to barricades of power.
While the original plan of the makers of the film might have been to make a satire on Indian Politics through lavish digs at incoherent journalism, shrill-voiced television debates and insentient politicians, what actually happens is nothing short of a disaster. We are left too depressed to laugh and too stunned to cry.
While the first half can still boast of a couple of funny spoofs of our present day politicians, it’s a nose-dive post interval. So much so that even seasoned actors fall flat with performances that come across as contrived and forced. From talking about the plight of war widows to the shared history of India –Pakistan, from the futility of war to useless parliamentary jargon so much is being hammered in that eventually nothing registers.
Light at the end of this dark tunnel comes in the form of the end credits. A film best forgotten. I would give it 1 QUINT.
Be warned. It’s best to stay away from this one.
Watch the official trailer of Jai Ho Democracy here:
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