Writer-Director Prakash Jha explores The Actor in him, in his very own 'Jai Gangaajal'. A sequel of the stellar 2003 crime film Gangaajal, 'Jai Gangaajal', for all that it stands for, is effective & overlong, leaving a film that's thoroughly watchable, but never memorable. Jha denominates the narrative, but a stronger Screenplay would've enhanced the impact!
'Jai Gangaajal' Synopsis: A newly appointed Senior Inspector (Priyanka Chopra), finds herself against very powerful goons and having people from her own department against her.
'Jai Gangaajal' has an absorbing, disturbing first-hour, where our protagonist fights it out with evil within politics & her very own department. Some sequences are excellently executed, including one where the protagonist brutally teaches a lecherous man a lesson. The narrative remains crisp up-to intermission, but slips & stretches itself for a bit too long. The fight between the good & bad, including Jha's transformation from a corrupt cop to a complete hero, could've done with a sharper pace & better Writing. 'Jai Gangaajal' overstays its welcome for a good 20-minutes, which honestly, doesn't work on its advantage. A stronger second-hour, with some trimming, was much needed!
Jha's Screenplay is top-notch in the grim first-hour, but loses steam later-on. Jha's Direction, however, is arresting. He has handled some of the most dramatic sequences, with flourish. Cinematography is good. Editing lacks razor-sharpness & some trimming was needed. Action-Sequences are raw & rustic. Background Score merits a special mention.
Performance-Wise: Priyanka Chopra is convincing as the honest & tough cop, enacting the central part emotively. But its Jha himself, who steals 'Jai Gangaajal'. He's simply superb as the corrupt cop, who later turns into a hero. It would be interesting to see him doing more roles here on. Manav Kaul is fantastic as the evil politician. Here's an actor who deserves more! Ninad Kamat, as Kaul's rapist & land-robbing brother, is despicable to the core. He's first-rate! Murli Sharma, also cast in a negative role, is in great form. Rahul Bhat has a small role, but he enacts his part remarkably. Others lend adequate support.
On the whole, 'Jai Gangaajal' has its moments & Jha emerges as an actor!
