With Krantiveer: The Revolution on the brink of release, we at BollySpice believe it is inherently importantly to look back at the initial film, which bought not only Mehul Kumar, but also Nana Patekar and Dimple Kapadia to the spotlight. The film bought about a revolution of its own and highlighted the talented Nana Patekar, who is capable of mouthing dialogues that no one but the actor can. Whether it is his innate style and confidence, it is also his conviction as an actor, which really sets him apart from the rest. As a director, Mehul Kumar outdoes himself. He can easily be deemed as one of the first directors who wasn’t afraid to call a bluff and expose a number of corrupt politicians using his film as a medium. We now take a look back at the original Krantiveer.
Pratap (Nana Patekar) plays an alcoholic gambler who is thrown out of his house for these very reasons at a young age. He finds refuge in the home of Laxmidas Dhayal (Paresh Rawal) and Atul (Atul Agnihotri). Residing in his community, he realizes that corruption and plight are a part of daily life, but refuses to fully acknowledge that this goes on. In fact, he would often laugh and mock those who felt the need to stand up for themselves including Megha Dixit (Dimple Kapadia), a local journalist. She tries endlessly to show Pratap the problems and get him to join her in her revolution, but to no avail. In a subplot, Atul falls in love with noted builder Yograjs’ (Tinu Anand) daughter Mamta (Mamta Kulkarni). The builder takes advantage of this and manages to convince Laxmidas to participate with him as they plan to tear down the area to build skyscrapers. When it does manage to happen, thousands die causing riots and violence. It is now, because of Megha’s influence, that Pratap finally decides that he must take things in his own hands to fight for justice.
The film basically talks of the need for the common man to stand up in order to eliminate corruption and greed. Mehul Kumar’s direction and Nana Patekar’s acting basically score gold in Krantiveer. As a director, Kumar knows exactly what he is talking about and is well-versed in his subject which is what is required for such a script. The intelligence in the script lies in the plot that hovers over communal issues which are conspired by politicians who purposely add oil to an old fire.
In terms of performances, of course Nana Patekar takes the cake and cherry in Krantiveer. He deserved every award for his excellent portrayal of Pratap. You realize that the character of Pratap lies in every Indian. We are all aware of the issues that exist around us but prefer to turn a blind eye to it simply because we are scared. While his character doesn’t lecture, it definitely has a message; one of responsibility. Dimple Kapadia is simply amazing. She screams and howls, shouts and lectures, but commands your attention. You listen to her go on and on to Nana Patekar and even if you don’t take away from it a lesson or two, you can’t help but admire her for her fantastic performance. Danny Denzongpa as the villain is amazing. The actor is one of a kind and he shines in his bad-man role in Krantiveer. Paresh Rawal is really interesting in Krantiveer – he lingers between being funny and yet thought-provoking. Atul Agnihotri and Mamta Kulkarni are there for mere decoration.
What didn’t work for the film is the music. With the exception of ‘Love Rap’, which went on to become an anthem back in the nineties, the rest of the music can be deemed below average. However, this isn’t such an issue considering the film is so authoritative and makes you sit in your seat begging for more.
With such huge shoes to fill, one can only hope that the new and relatively younger cast of Krantiveer: The Revolution can do justice to its predecessor. It is meant to be new and revolutionary; meant to target the younger generation asking them to stand up and make a difference. Comparisons to the prequel are inevitable. Will it match the supremacy of the 1994 successor? Will Mehul Kumar strike gold and make a comeback? Will the youth of India realize with Krantiveer: The Revolution that they are needed to make a difference? Time will tell.
Krantiveer: The Revolution releases June 25th! Be sure to catch it a cinema near you.
