‘History will treat me kindly’ said Manmohan Singh when he was all set to call it quits. We don’t know about history, but one movie has certainly treated him the way he wanted. Despite the muck thrown by left liberals on this movie, ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ is a political satire that must be shown to the entire nation, given the way a dynasty held the entire nation to ransom for a full decade.
The Accidental Prime Minister Review – The Plot:
Directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte, and creatively produced by Hansal Mehta, ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ is based on the book of the same name. This movie depicts the tumultuous tenure of Dr. Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister of the Congress led UPA coalition, told through the experience of his ex Media Advisor, Sanjaya Baru. How Manmohan struggles to create his own mark, even as sycophants prefer the leadership of the powerful Nehru Gandhi dynasty, is what The Accidental Prime Minister is all about.
Trailer:
The Accidental Prime Minister Review – What’s Good:
Very few films in India have been as honest as this one in covering the complex politics of this nation without being apologetic. Not only this movie is completely unapologetic, it addresses them by their real names.
While some may frown on Manmohan Singh being shown in a positive light, the truth is that he has been portrayed exactly the way he was. To quote a dialogue from the film, Manmohan Singh is like ‘Bheeshma’, who became a victim to the family drama of the Nehru Gandhi dynasty. Individual honesty is of no use if you are in the company of dishonest people. The Accidental Prime Minister portrays Manmohan Singh as the right man in a very wrong party.
The film took a major risk of not including any song or dance sequences, which gives the content more teeth. Also, the way Frank Underwoodisque narration by Sanjaya Baru enacted masterfully by Akshaye Khanna is simply phenomenal.
The Accidental Prime Minister Review – What’s Awesome:
Three things that make the Accidental Prime Minister a movie to remember are : Actors, Content and Straightforwardness. Anupam Kher and Akshaye Khanna should take a bow for their brilliant portrayals of Manmohan Singh and Sanjaya Baru.
With his witty portrayal of Sanjaya Baru, Akshaye Khanna has proved once again that he is one of the most versatile actors who was not given his due by the mediocre rom-com obsessed Bollywood. His wisecracks induce laughter and whistles. Some of the episodes like the maltreatment of former PM PV Narasimha Rao’s dead body, the controversial nuclear deal with USA, have been covered without any sort of censorship.
Also, a standing ovation should be given to Suzanne Bernert, who played the role of Sonia Gandhi with unmatched elan. Suzanne, who has played Sonia Gandhi earlier too in ABP News series ‘Pradhanmantri’ and ‘7 RCR’ web series has brought on screen, every aspect of the Machiavellian politician that the ex Congress chief has been. While copying Sonia’s tone and mannerisms, Suzzane ensures that her character does not become a caricature of the real life politician. The movie has spared none in, even BJP patriarch Lal Krishna Advani has been trolled for some of his controversial statements during the UPA tenure.
Equally brilliant is Vipin Sharma, who is going to earn a lot of hatred for his savage portrayal of the wily politician that is Ahmed Patel. A special mention for Arjun Mathur too, who makes the audience chuckle as the annoying and condescending Rahul Gandhi.
The Accidental Prime Minister Review – What could’ve Been Better –
The Accidental Prime Minister is a milestone in Indian cinema in terms of delivering unapologetic content on Indian politics. However, it still has its own flaws, which could’ve turned it into another ‘Indu Sarkar’ if not for the able guidance of Vijay Gutte.
The awkward mixing of real footage with fictional narrative, apart from abrupt interjections seemed like an amateurish attempt that could’ve relegated this movie to being a mere documentary. Also, some of the incidents like the hoax around Hindu terror, the Indo Pak tussles, Coal Gate scam, 2 G scam, and the political uprising post Nirbhaya case were not given due attention at all.
Despite the misses here and there, ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ is a brave effort that must be lauded for its unapologetic coverage of the tumultuous UPA tenure. I’ll go with 3.5 / 5 stars, for the bold and brave attempt.