'Jai Gangaajal' review: Only a notch above average

RATING: ***

DIRECTOR: Prakash Jha

CAST: Priyanka Chopra, Prakash Jha, Manav Kaul

GENRE: Drama

A cop story set in rural India, this film has a well-worn trajectory: A place that reeks of corruption (Bankipur district in Bihar), greedy cops (Jha, just one of the many) and a new super-cop who makes them realise the sanctity of their uniform (Chopra). We know how the story is going to unfold before the film begins.

Abha Mathur (Chopra) is the new SP of Bankipur. She comes in and gets a 'my dear' welcome from the local politician/goon Babloo Pandey (Kaul). Mathur then goes about trying to bring law and order to Bankipur, while fighting corruption - both within the police force and in the local politics.

Bihar heartland and bad cops are two themes that Jha has done well in the past. He adds nuances (Chopra is called madam-sir), dialect (like the phrase 'death by suicide') and characters - special mention to the character Munna Mardani - a eunuch-esque henchman with a titillating ringtone, played just right by Murli Sharma.

The film, however, is a showcase for Chopra, the tough cop. And she is convincing, in parts. She muscles her slight build with a fearsome attitude and the scenes where she thrashes the goons will elicit cheers in many theatres. Her character loses steam post-interval, from where the film belongs to Jha the actor, who is the big revelation. Jha's behind the camera prowess was always known, but his foray into acting deserves a thumbs up. He conducts himself like a natural.

The film's flaw is that it soon starts repeating itself. Chopra's sermons, Kaul's threats, Bankipur's citizens sound like a broken record, making the film a drag.

With better editing, it could've been an improvement. Right now, 'Jai Gangaajal' only stays a notch above average.



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