Society and movies do not exist in isolation and influence each other. With movies like Jai Gangajal and others, Bollywood has, I hope consciously, taken a new stand to show cops as honest, reliable public service officers – at least, partially.
For 50 long years after Independence the industry has shown the Police and political leaders hand-in-glove, and people’s number one enemy. No wonder, people have no faith in the system.
Movies have immense influence on people, including the police cadres. So if we show the public servants as that, perhaps, a couple of generations later, we will find people trusting the police and considering them as their saviors and not another place where you go because there just isn’t any other way.
While that day may be far off, Jai Gangajal is a story of the first Woman SP of Bankipur, a lawless district, where the local MLA is the Law.
Jai Gangaajal (2016)
Director: Prakash Jha
Stars: Priyanka Chopra, Rahul Bhat, Ayush Mahesh Khedekar
There’s is nothing new in the story other than that the protagonist is a woman. So this is more of an educational narrative for those who do not see or accept women in a role of authority. As for the respect for Law, we have that trampled each day when people blatantly jump a traffic signal, or worst, beat up the traffic police on duty without a fear in the world.
With a role of an FBI agent already under belt, Priyanka Chopra has no problems in taking on the role of Bankipur SP. Or perhaps, it was the other way round, according to Prakash Jha.
Prakash Jha also makes acting debut in Jai Gangajal. As BN Singh, his acting of a corrupt cop with a conscience is right on spot and effortless. Performances by Manav Kaul, Murli Sharma and his goons are what you want to be and evoke all the right emotions to make you root for the protagonist.
Priyanka Chopra makes a stunning entry, all credit to Prakash Jha. The scene positions Priyanka in an elevated position towering over the minister, which sets the tone of the relationship early on.
The first of the movie is riveting and sets the stage for a backlash in the second half. The background music is spot on and carries the emotional tone of the visuals very well. For example, most of the background music showing the MLA’s goons in the first half is folksy and playful, indicating lawlessness. At the same time, the force of police action is demonstrated by dynamic loud beats.
People are with the police. And they will always support just use of force to arrest and prosecute criminals. In spite of the mundane topic and story, Prakash Jha manages to keep the audience engaged and even involve in the on-screen drama. I heard various murmurs appreciating Priyanka Chopra’s depiction of a police officer. She has managed to display the power of the law without being dramatic or overly emotional. Overall, I will say the movie is entertaining and good, if you a fan of Gabbar, Gangajal, or similar vigilante movies.
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