"Sarkar" is a 2005 Indian Hindi-language political crime thriller film directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan in the titular role of Subhash Nagre, a powerful political figure in Mumbai, also known as "Sarkar". The movie also features Abhishek Bachchan, Kay Kay Menon, Katrina Kaif, Anupam Kher, and Supriya Pathak in supporting roles.
The film revolves around the life of Subhash Nagre and his family, who run a parallel government in Mumbai, dealing with various issues and problems that the city faces. When a businessman approaches Nagre for help against a corrupt politician, Nagre takes it upon himself to teach the corrupt politician a lesson.
The film received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and the screenplay, which was loosely based on the life of the then-reigning political leader of Maharashtra, Bal Thackeray. "Sarkar" was also a commercial success and went on to become a cult classic. It was followed by a sequel, "Sarkar Raj", in 2008, which also featured Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role.
In "Sarkar Raj", the sequel to "Sarkar", Amitabh Bachchan reprised his role as Subhash Nagre, with his son Abhishek Bachchan and new addition Aishwarya Rai Bachchan playing key roles in the film. The movie explores the conflict between Nagre and a corporation that wants to set up a power plant in a rural area of Maharashtra.
Like its predecessor, "Sarkar Raj" received positive reviews for its performances, direction, and storyline. However, the film did not perform as well commercially as the first film.
"Sarkar" and "Sarkar Raj" are considered to be among Ram Gopal Varma's best works and are known for their gripping storyline, powerful performances, and intense atmosphere. Both films have been praised for their realistic portrayal of the political landscape in India and the influence of powerful figures on the lives of the people.
The music of both "Sarkar" and "Sarkar Raj" was composed by the duo of Amar Mohile and Bapi-Tutul, with lyrics written by Sandeep Nath. The film's background score, composed by Amar Mohile, received praise for enhancing the intensity and drama of the storyline.
The success of "Sarkar" and "Sarkar Raj" inspired several other filmmakers to make similar political crime thrillers, which came to be known as "Sarkar films". However, none of them could match the impact and popularity of the original films.
In 2017, Ram Gopal Varma directed "Sarkar 3", the third film in the "Sarkar" franchise, with Amitabh Bachchan reprising his role as Subhash Nagre. However, the film failed to match the critical and commercial success of its predecessors.
Despite the mixed response to the third installment, the legacy of "Sarkar" continues to live on in Indian cinema and remains one of the most iconic films in the genre of political crime thrillers.
Apart from the engaging storyline and the brilliant performances by the cast, the success of "Sarkar" and "Sarkar Raj" can also be attributed to the realistic and gritty portrayal of the underbelly of politics in India. The films highlighted the corruption, nepotism, and criminal elements that are often associated with the political landscape of the country.
The character of Subhash Nagre, played by Amitabh Bachchan, was also widely appreciated for his calm and calculated demeanor, which contrasted with the violence and chaos that surrounded him. His character was seen as a symbol of power, integrity, and righteousness.
The legacy of "Sarkar" also extends to its impact on Indian popular culture. The film's dialogues, such as "Jab tak baithne ko na kaha jaaye sharafat se khade raho" (Stand upright until you're asked to sit), have become iconic and are often quoted in everyday conversations. The film's characters, including the lead character of Subhash Nagre, have become a part of the public consciousness and continue to inspire filmmakers and actors in the Indian film industry.
"Sarkar" and "Sarkar Raj" are two of the most influential and impactful films in the genre of political crime thrillers in Indian cinema. The films continue to be celebrated for their gripping storyline, powerful performances, and realistic portrayal of the underbelly of politics in the country.
Moreover, the films also showcase the importance of family bonds, loyalty, and the power of the common people. The portrayal of the bond between Subhash Nagre and his sons, Shankar and Vishnu, played by Abhishek Bachchan and Kay Kay Menon, respectively, is a highlight of the films.
The films also have a strong social message about the responsibility of citizens towards their country and the need for them to stand up against injustice and corruption. The character of Subhash Nagre is seen as a beacon of hope for the people who have been suppressed and oppressed by the system.
Overall, "Sarkar" and "Sarkar Raj" are two films that have not only entertained audiences but also made them think about the political and social issues that plague the country. The films have set a high standard for political crime thrillers in Indian cinema and continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences to this day.