Buddha in a Traffic Jam

Movie start with a lecture in business school. But, as it moves forward it unravel hidden realities of deep rooted naxalism of India. The intellectual support to naxalism and the complexities of the issue are brilliantly portrait. Acting of each actor/actress is impressive. "Chand Roz" is very soulful song. Very good movie watching experience.

"Corruption is an economic stimulant!! It's a catalyst for growth!!! It is like a tonic for an economy!! " The Naxalite movement began in 1967 with an uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal, and was led by Charu Majumdar, who advocated for Mao's doctrine. The movement later led to the formation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Ref: Brittanica). The Maoist insurgency in India remains a significant challenge for the government. Between 2008 and 2013, 2,344 civilians, including adivasis (tribals), were killed in Naxalite-related violence, between 2013 and 2017, 1,441 adivasis were killed in Naxalite attacks and between 2018 and 2022, 542 adivasis were killed in Naxalite-related violence, However, the actual number could be higher, as many cases go unreported or are not documented properly. (Ref: NCST) In today's digital era, where social media platforms shape our opinions and influence our actions, a chilling tale of unwitting entanglement unfolds. An IIT graduate, pursuing his management degree, finds himself ensnared in the complex web of Maoist ideology without his knowledge or consent.

The movie directed by Vivek Agnihotri falls short of its potential. Some superfluous scenes overshadow its message, convincing performances by the cast but they fail to bring depth and nuance to the characters. Despite its timely and relevant theme, it loses its momentum in the second half, failing to capitalize on its thought-provoking premise. Film's potential to spark meaningful conversations and reflections is somewhat left unfulfilled! However, it is still worth a watch - just keep your expectations in check.

Director Vivek Agnihotri's political drama Buddha In A Traffic Jam attempts to make you believe that uprooting the 'Left fraternity' is need of the hour, and perhaps the biggest challenge before the next generation, which wants to uplift the poor rather than glorify poverty.

Buddha in a traffic jam could arguably be the first movie falling under the 'parallel cinema' category which does not romanticize with the 'Left'. Vivek Agnihotri appears to be antidote to the narrative of Neo- realism which has been established over the years by the likes of Satyajit Ray, Bimal Roy, Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal, etc. And the flawless Anupam Kher looks to champion the cause of the Right, which Balraj Sahni did for the Left.

The director and actors did justice to the movie by their brilliant skills of direction , role-playing , usage of marvelous sound and visual effects . The title " Buddha in a Traffic Jam " is symbolic of the innovative idea aimed at enlightening the masses which however gets stalled in the traffic jam as it gets opposed by various quarters.

The movie blatantly exposed the grand nexus of left ideologues and extremists on ground fueling the war on the pretext of tribal welfare, but motivated by vested interests since they thwart any attempts which are aimed to alleviate the toiling tribal masses in real.

Vikram, a student of IndianSchool of Business is made to empathize with the cause of toiling tribal masses, but when he discovers that the problem is more of an economical than social problem, he innovates a business model that would benefit the tribal population directly by making them financially independent . The very defendants of tribal welfare then condemns and targets him , since anything that would make the tribal people better off would mean an end to their shallow ideological claims and interests. The dialogue by Professor Ranjan, " We want to remove poverty , but do not want the poor to become rich " exposed the farce claims in a nutshell.

Amazing scrip, direction and dialogue delivery.

This is an eye opener movie.. which shows the actual time and present era of India.. a good direction by Vivek Agnihotri.nice screen play and a unique mathod of story telling ,hard hitting dailogs by writers of the movie,good music by Rohit Sharma. background music is complementing with the screen play,outstanding performance by the starcast..Anupam Kher,Arunoday singh; Mahi Gill,great come back of Pallavi Joshi. real story with real characters are indicating the actual and real scenerio of present India which is highly appriciated. now as a youth of India after watching this movie has to take our stand and to take step towords revolution.i m with Buddha and proud to b a part of revolution by watching this movie...... MUST WATCH