Prassthanam Movie Review, Release Date, Star Cast, Story
Prassthanam Movie Release Date:
20th September, 2019
Prassthanam Star Cast:
Sanjay Dutt as Baldev Pratap Singh
Jackie Shroff as Badshah Khan
Ali Fazal as Ayushmann Singh
Manisha Koirala as Saroj Pratap Singh
Chunky Pandey as Khatri
Satyajeet Dubey as Vivan Singh
Amyra Dastur as Shivi
Yashraaj Chaurasia as Durga
Abhishek Diwan as Aadi
Yash eshwari Francis as Self
Prassthanam Movie Review:
Political films based on hinterland get a strong chance at the box office, especially when made on a large scale. Sanjay Dutt, who has had a rough time at the box office since his new innings in Bollywood, is back from jail with ‘Prassthanam’, the Telugu remake of the 2010 film of the same name. The original was loved for its plot, concept and performance. So will this remake prove to be a much needed hit for Sanjay Dutt? Or Prasthanam fails to entice? Let’s analyze.
Prasthanam is a story of family, faith and betrayal in a chaotic land. 25 years ago in Ballipar, Shiv (Anup Soni) is contesting against a violent opponent. The rival stabbed Shiva during a rally, resulting in his death. Shiva’s father is a former politician who is distraught over the death of his son. He enlists his most trusted aide, Baldev Pratap Singh (Sanjay Dutt), to take over the reins and look after Shiva’s wife Saroj (Manisha Koirala) and their two children. Baldev agrees but not before eliminating the rival candidate who kills Shiva. Baldev is helped here by his closest confidante, Badshah (Jackie Shroff). Baldev married Saroj and this enraged Shiva’s daughter Palak. But Shiva’s son Ayush looks at Baldev. Baldev and Saroj give birth to a son Vivaan, due to which Palak further feels isolated. After this the story moves forward 25 years in today’s era. Baldev, a four-time MLA, is busy with the upcoming elections. They have recently got a stay order on land illegally grabbed by a cunning businessman Bajwa Khatri (Chunky Pandey). Palak (Chhatt Khanna) is now a doctor and is happily married and has two children. He has completely cut off contact with Saroj and Baldev and is only in touch with Aayush (Ali Fazal). Aayush still has respect for his stepfather and dutifully works under him. Baldev is so happy with Ayush that he has made it clear that he will be his heir. Vivaan (Satyajit Dubey) is annoyed by this bond as he feels that he is Baldev’s biological son and hence is the rightful heir. Baldev however realizes that Vivaan is not made for politics and advises him to study abroad and then take over his hospitality business. Vivaan rebels and because of his hot temper, insults the emperor’s daughter Asma (Divina Thakur), who is also the manager of Baldev’s hotel. Baldev is annoyed by Vivaan’s behavior and asks Aayush to apologize to Asma for what he does. He also asks Aayush to take training under Asma and he agrees. While working together, the two become closer. One day, Baldev is shot by Bajwa’s assailants who want to avenge the loss of their land. Baldev escapes and has second thoughts about contesting the election. But Ayush takes care of everything and makes sure that Baldev signs the nomination papers. Baldev enjoys whole hearted support of the local people and hence, the party assures that he will become the home minister of the state after winning the election and Ayush Yuva will be the president. Vivaan rebels but Baldev silences him. Vivaan creates a scene in the hotel after drinking alcohol. Asma tries to control the situation but he rapes her by giving her a drug. When he and his friends run away from the hotel with Asma, their car meets with an accident. They decide to eliminate Asma and try to project it as a road accident. What happens next becomes the rest of the film.
The story of Deva Katta is promising on paper as the film touches on the issue of how everything is fair in politics. The Machiavellianism bit stands out well. Deva Katta’s screenplay (with additional screenplay by Farhad Samji) is also particularly effective in the first part. But in the second half, the film is devoid of entertainment and becomes too violent. Some sequences are also unconnected at this point. The pre-climax keeps things straight but the anti-climax finale spoils things. Farhad Samji’s dialogues are acidic and clapping.
Deva Katta’s direction is quite simple and it works largely because the story is vast and complex due to the presence of so many characters and the dynamics they share with each other. But one wish they had done something about the finale as it is the most disappointing part of the film. Also, the audience has seen movies like Rajneeti, Sarkar, Gangs of Wasseypur etc which are based on corruption and bloodshed in politics and these movies had better effect. Prasthanam pales in comparison to these memorable films.
PRASSTHANM starts on a good note by showing flashbacks and how the dynamics between certain characters have not changed over the years. The title track played during the action sequence of the flashback is huge and will be enjoyed in a single screen. The first half has some well written and executed scenes and has enough drama. The rap sequence and the aftermath is shocking and makes for a great gaping point. The second half is when things get really messy. The characters become enemies of each other resulting in bloodshed. There is certainly unpredictability but it has become too much. There is a solid twist in the pre climax that revives the interest. However, the shocking thing is that the climax is absolutely chill. One expects fireworks but it just ends on a dreary note. The single screen audience, the target audience, would be expecting such an action packed film which will end on a rocking note. But they will surely come out disappointed.
Sanjay Dutt performs really well and doesn’t go over the top. He keeps it restrained and it suits the character. Ali Fazal steals the show though. He gets the most screen time and creates a ruckus in the show. Jackie Shroff hardly has any dialogue but his screen presence is electrifying. The track ‘Haji Ali’ comes on suddenly and it is strange to see a character running from Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai. But Jackie’s performance saves the day. Manisha Koirala is decent but doesn’t have much to do. He is the kind of silent observer and definitely expected more from such a dynamic artist. Satyajit Dubey is great in the role of the villain and is free from fear. Chunky Pandey is passable. Amyra Dastur (Shivi) doesn’t get much scope. Chahat Khanna and Divya Thakur do well. Other actors who leave their mark are Deepraj Rana (SP Narang), Zakir Hussain (Majid Maqbool) and Anoop Soni. Ishita Raj is making a lot of noise in the item number.
Talking about the music, the title track is the most memorable. Next comes ‘Haji Ali’ mainly due to Jackie’s presence. The item song ‘Dil Bevda’ is nothing special. ‘Charo Khane Chit’ is forgotten while ‘Dil Dariyaan’ gets ruined. Mahesh Shankar’s background score is dramatic.
Ravi Yadav’s cinematography is apt and the panoramic scenes of Lucknow are captured well. Abbas Ali Mughal’s action is a bit bloody as per the need. Pallavi Bagga and Suman Roy Mohapatra’s production design is average. Priyanka Mundada’s costumes are straight out of life. Especially in the first half, the editing of Ballu Saluja is quite good.
Overall, Prasthanam hinges on some great performances and a great first half. But the second half and especially the lackluster ending spoiled the show. The buzz for the film is low due to which it will face tough times at the box office.