I had heard that Sarkar was a remake of “The Godfather”! That’s one reason why I did not want to watch the movie (filled with violence and hatred). Also, I was not sure how it would be handled as a remake. This actually makes me wonder why do people remake a movie? Why don’t they simply make one? I went to see the movie because my husband wanted to.... I don’t regret this decision.
Here, I shall not narrate the story of the movie. Is it required at all? I am just going to write a few lines about the main characters and my generic feel about the movie.
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After watching the movie, I would say that Sarkar is definitely influenced by The Godfather, but the setting, basic story line, and the characterization are absolutely different.
Sarkar is about Amitabh Bacchan as a powerful don (shall we call him that?) with his own set of rules which is actually an outcome of his rational thinkings. It is true to say that Amitabh Bacchan is Sarkar! Sarkar is obsessed with power, the need to help the needy, and to protect the weak. Simultaneously, he is a polite and loving family man who is keen on keeping his family together.
Amitabh (Big B) is the soul of the movie (without any doubt). His attire, the way he spoke in a rasping, husky voice, and emoting with his eyes, has made the character a memorable one. He has displayed unconventional mannerisms (not the usual Amitabh style). There are different shades of this character---black and white, with a splatter og grey in between. The character in each shade is right and is also enacted very well. I personally feel that Mr. Bacchan has done the best films of his career in his second innings.
Kay Kay Menon does not seem to be an actor material. But no, I am wrong. He is excellent, awesome. His expressions, his looks, and his eyes, have the fire and rebellion required for the character. He shows all the emotions with ease---short temper, lack of understanding, insensitivity, the flaming and growing hatred for his father, and lust for power. He should have got the award for best actor in a negative role/supporting role. A great actor!
Abhishek (junior Big B) has given a very effective performance with his effective dialogue delivery an penetrating stare/look. I have begun to like him post sarkar. It is nice to watch his gradual transformation from a mute witness to the savior of family honor. I just adored him in this movie!
Ramgopal Verma has come out with a brilliantly directed movie which has a reasonably good pace and does not make you feel bored. Atleast I wasn’t. Yes, there is violence, but you don’t actually see it. You just feel it. Yes, Ramu and the actors make you feel the violence. If you can feel what is shown on the screen (and even what is not shown), it means the movie is good.
Well, though Ramu has adapted the great movie, The Godfather he has given it a distinct look and feel that the Indians can identify with. And I should say that he did it with great skills and creativity, He also maintained the essence of the movie without disturbing the basic theme, and that’s what I liked.
The USP of Sarkar lies in its characters and the way small little emotions were shown---respect/disrespect towards elder in the family, celebration of small yet happy occasions, encountering and reacting to tragic incidents, quarrellings over petty issues, emotions such as love and hatred etc. Each one of the actors were just perfect for the roles they did! Hence it is true to say that the direction was flawless as it had an understanding of each and every character and their psychology. People can relate to these characters and these are the very factors that make the movie not only identifiable to the Indian audience but it also makes itself different from The Godfather.
In short you can say that Sarkar is the result of great direction, tight screenplay, and awesome performances by all. It showed the insightful of power, honor, emotions, hatred, family, politics, and relationships. It also showed how people can be manipulated to the extent that they are ready even to go against their parents and siblings!