Chakravyuh (2012) User Reviews

Chakravyuh - moves away from the real topic a number of times, too commercial and not as expected from Prakash Jha

[vicky-bahl · 6/10 · 24 October 2012]

Chakravyuh - 6/10

Chakravyuh is a good attempt by Prakash Jha to give us something like a Gangaajal and Apharan but what he forgets is that this is far more touchy topic for a majority of Indians than topics discussed in Gangaajal and Apharan. A topic such as kidnapping rackets can be accompanied by masala songs and a great looking police woman, but when you discuss topics such as Naxal Movement, Communist Ideology and show your protagonist (Abhay Deol) reading Marxian literature, I'm sorry but you need to be a lot less commercial.

In summary, Chakravyuh is a masala movie (as Arjun Rampal agrees in an interview too). It has item songs, a hot policewoman and random jokes. It is an 'entertainer' - for that I might give it 7/10 - but as far as the real message is concerned - to show what Naxal movement is all about and what is the state of our tribes and also the nexus between government, police and the corporate's - I am sorry but it is a disappointment.

Please watch it for it's entertainment, I wasted my time watching it alone as I was expecting this to be showcasing something that is close to my heart, unfortunately it does not.

A Well-Acted & Well-Made Motion-Picture!

[namashi_1 · 7/10 · 22 March 2013]

Prakash Jha's 'Chakravyuh' is A Well-Acted & Well-Made Motion-Picture! Based on the issues of Naxalites in Modern-India, this under-rated political-thriller offers thrills & well-paced entertainment in a running time over a 150-minutes.

'Chakravyuh' Synopsis: On the request of his friend Kabir, SP Adil Sends him to the Naxal group as an informer. When Kabir finds the truth he becomes one of their gang leader.

'Chakravyuh' begins & ends well. Any hiccups? The second-hour dips considerably. It does gain momentum in the final 15-minutes, but the portions otherwise of the latter hour are bland. Anjum Rajabali & Sagar Pandya's Writing is strong at most parts, but lacks much conflict & meat in the second-hour. Prakash Jha is a pro at handling political-thrillers with ease & over-here, he delivers a worthy performance as a story-teller. Cinematography, Editing & Music are fair. Action-Sequences are extremely raw.

Performance-Wise: Arjun Rampal is impeccable. The National-Award-Winning Actor sinks his teeth into the part & lives the character with utmost honesty. Abhay Deol is nicely controlled. Manoj Bajpai is, as always, flawless. Bajpai only gets better! Om Puri is significant. Esha Gupta is decent. Anjali Patil is fabulous. Chetan Pandit is in terrific form. Mukesh Tiwari & Murli Sharma are natural to the core. Kabir Bedi is suave in a cameo.

On the whole, 'Chakravyuh' delivers entertainment & a strong message efficiently.

Beautiful amalgamation of serious cinema with entertainment.

[rajat_srvstv · 7/10 · 24 October 2012]

Jam packed hall and pin-drop-silence.Jha is a master of his craft,yet another time he beautifully amalgamates serious cinema with entertainment. Story line is gripping n direction apt. Manoj Bajpai is little above average and doesn't get to showcase his talent much,but the dialect and lingo he uses arrest your attention.Arjun Rampal is decent (though at times his hamming surpasses viewer's tolerance)......Abhay Deol is natural on screen.......but its Anjali Patil aka Juhi ,the gold medalist from National School of Drama, who steals the show in her debut. Another treat for the weekend...Kudos to Jha n team.

Enjoyable movie.

[dineshprakash · 7/10 · 24 October 2012]

Hats off to Director Mr. Prakash Jha to attempt such a subject of Naxlal, which should have solved at any cost. I was expecting some amazing and logical solution of very sensitive issue of Naxalism from, expert of this genre director Mr. Prakash Jha but he used the Naxal problem just as backdrop of the movie. In climax ,he accepts that he is unable to find any solution. Look of film is very good. Performance wise, I would love to give standing ovation for Anjali Patil, who has played the role of Juhi. She is simply outstanding. Arjun Rampal is also very good. A good director always pulls out your best. Flawless performance by Manoj Bajpai, Abhay Deol and Om Puri. Screenplay is good but some scenes are not up to mark, especially the scene where Adil (Arjun Rampal) escapes from the Naxal trap. Kabeer (Abhay Deol) is expert in IT then why did he do a silly mistake of using mobile, when he is well aware about the fact that mobile signal will be caught by the spy device. First half is slow but second half is tight. Dialogues are very weak. Music supports very well to the feel of film. After all, it is a onetime watch.

Good but only for serious cinema lovers !

[kumarrajesh196320 · 7/10 · 23 November 2012]

Concept was good, script was almost good but movie lacks in treatment and quality ! If you have some interest in real/social issues it is manageable, otherwise you might suffer. People who want to enjoy their weekend or fun lovers might not like this movie.

Acting department was okay and two male cast Abhay and Arjun did well. Manoj's role could be more and better. He couldn't mark his presence.

The concept behind the problems of Police department and Politics in India were shown thoroughly.

Music wasn't good at all. Just one time watch movie, that too only for serious cinema lovers !

Revisiting Namak Haraam in a Naxlite setting

[jmathur_swayamprabha · 9/10 · 24 October 2012]

In India, Naxalite movement started as a revolt against the system-generated injustices heaped on the tribals in Naxalbari (West Bengal) four and a half decades back and then spread in various parts of our country. Still known by the same name and carrying the same slogan - Laal Salaam, this movement which is violent to the hilt has given birth to a few Bollywood movies. Prakash Jha's Chakravyuh (the lethal trap difficult to break)is in the same league.

Putting it straight, the story of Chakravyuh is not original. It's a lift from the classic movie of Hrishikesh Mukherjee - Namak Haraam (1973) starring two biggest superstars of Hindi cinema - Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles. In Namak Haraam, one friend (Rajesh Khanna) infiltrates the workers by posing as one of them for the purpose of helping his industrialist friend (Amitabh Bachchan) and in due course of time, starts sympathizing with them. Here the same story has been given the backdrop of Naxalite movement with Arjun Raampaal being the cop and a part of the system (akin to Amitabh Bachchan in Namak Haraam) and Abhay Deol being his helping friend infiltrating the Naxalites and ultimately switching over to their side (akin to Rajesh Khanna in Namak Haraam). The outcome turns out to be what it had to be - one of these two friends has to die and naturally, it is the one who joins the outlaws.

Since the story is not original, I won't give any credit to the script-writers. However Prakash Jha has directed it very well. After a long long time (since Apharan), I have seen him in full form, presenting an utterly realistic account of the things but in a gripping way without allowing even a second of boredom to the spectator. The complete movie is an edge-of-the-seat thriller. Right from the very beginning to the very end, it keeps the audience engrossed. Just like the stories once written by Salim-Jaaved during the seventies and the early eighties, the story has been presented in such a way that the viewer does not get any chance to think (while the movie is in progress) and keeps on looking at the screen holding his breath. He can think, analyze and assess only during the interval and after the ending.

Prakash Jha has picturized everything in a highly realistic manner with taking minimum number of cinematic liberties. Except the basic story idea, the movie appears nowhere as an imaginary story. The human aspect of the various people involved (on both the sides) and the different facets of the issue have been dealt with finesse and most of the scenes leave their mark on the heart of the viewer. Quite contrary to Red Alert, he has not come out with any solution to the problem but tried to see the things from a much closer point and succeeded. Nobody is correct at every point of time and from every angle of this multi-faceted complex phenomena. From one angle, one is correct and from some other angle, the other is correct. The need of the hour is to have a holistic view of the phenomena and then a proper strategy is to be formulated to break this vicious trap or Chakravyuh. And Prakash Jha has established this fact with the level of proficiency we always expect from him. While referring to the real life incidents, he has adapted the story of Namak Haraam for this movie and presented a taut thriller. A couple of scenes involving Kabir Bedi and his son are the only ones which appeared as somewhat over the top to me, nothing else.

The movie scores very high on the technical front. All the action and thrill sequences are damn impressive. The art director and the cinematographer have worked in harmony and enlivened the milieu of the story on the screen. The editor has also done his job well. Background score is perfect. Music is in line with the mood of the movie. It's not memorable but fits the bill.

Prakash Jha has extracted outstanding performances from his lead as well as supporting characters. Since Arjun Raampaal and Abhay Deol are the two holding pillars of the story (in fact the two opposite poles of a continuum), they were expected to come out with exemplary performances and they have done it. Both deserve a big hand from the audience. All others including Manoj Bajpayee, Anjali Patil, Om Puri, Chetan Pandit, Murali Sharma, Vinay Apte, Kabir Bedi etc. have also done pretty well. Esha Gupta did not get much scope but she does not disappoint.

I consider this movie as a brilliant effort from one of the most realistic and respected directors of India, Prakash Jha who has though not suggested any solution and left it to the audience to think of a practically feasible solution to this ticklish problem continuing for decades in our country, nevertheless presented the complete status of the things in a highly impressive and thought-provoking manner. I hope, the governments of various affected states will watch this movie carefully and pick up some points to deal with the issue in an effective as well as humanistic way. This CHAKRAVYUH is to be broken and Abhimanyu who is the innocent ones, is to be saved. As Prakash Jha has shown that the real problem is the vested interests which are ever ready to swallow everything that is nice, just and desirable; the people who are desirous of curing this canker have to first sideline them from the decision-making processes.

And hats off to Prakash Jha with the whole Chakravyuh team.

Watchable in home not in theaters

[ansusam9 · 6/10 · 28 October 2012]

Good parts:- 1>Naxal part is very good and entertaining. 2> Abhay Deol, Om Puri, Manoj Bajpayee and Anjali Patil really done a superb Job. Début girl Anjali Patil really done a very good job and Since she belongs to NSD and don't forget she's gold medalist so there is no doubt about her acting talent. Bad parts:- 1>Poor story (Shows only one side of a coin which is Naxals are good and politicians are bad).I agree that politicians are not that good but naxals too are not that good what Prakash is trying to show. 2> Not able to touch reality. 3>Police part is worst and boring. 4>All good actors are on Naxal side which makes it more one sided. 5>Dialogue delivery of Arjun Rampal is a kind of funny (Specially how he over acted in that Rum (old monk) part) 6>And there are lots of flaws in that movie. 7>It is depressing to see how good actors like Mukesh Tiwarin (Bacha Yadav of gangajal) are getting ignored these days . 8>I almost forgot to mention the other girls Esha Gupta, I am still thinking why she's there. Altogether movie is not watchable in theaters, you can watch it in your home screens so that you can fast forward the boring parts (like unwanted songs especially that item song). One request to Prakash Jha bring back Ajay Devgn into your movies, if he was in place of Arjun Rampal then the story would be different impact will be different.

Outstanding

[shahhirenmr · 9/10 · 24 October 2012]

Excellent power packed movie with realistic theme after a long time. As is always expected of Prakash Jha, this one also won't disappoint you.

It brings out the best performances from all the actors and touches a very sensitive issue in a neutral way, leaving the people to judge about naxalite reality.

An unbiased version of the naxalite infested India from the government and naxalite/tribal perspective without tilting on either side and bringing tears to the eyes of sensitive people, which is in itself a victory for the movie.

I wish that more and more people become aware and sensitive about this subject which has affected 220 districts of India and this movie does its bit on the subject judiciously.

Needless to mention all the actors did their best, however novice Anjali Patil steals the show. The cinematography and screenplay was good too, feels like we're sitting in a naxalite infested jungle.

Good one time watch but Prakash Jha disappoints again...

[jay-techie2007 · 7/10 · 3 November 2012]

Prakash Jha once again picks up the right topic enough to generate excitement in masses but disappoints again (to a lesser extent than Aarakshan and Rajneeti). In terms of plot, the film does highlight one of the greatest challenges, the Indian democracy is facing but gives a half-hearted treatment with superficial explanation on the reason behind Naxalist movements. There were many technical mistakes in story set up. The greatest being recruitment of Abhay Deol in the Naxal group without any strong reason. Extremist groups just don't recruit anybody because the person does not have anything else to do. And while a small time actor gets executed within seconds, Abhay Deol gets all the time in the world to explain himself in "Janta Ki Adaalat" and eventually pardoned for the same crime committed. In terms of acting, Abhay Deol, Om Puri and Manoj Vajpayee lives up to their reputation. Anjali Patil is the discovery of the movie and definitely stands up in the league of stalwarts, at least for this movie. However, Arjun Rampal spoils the party in every scene, making audience feel the need of Ajay Devgan or at least Emraan Hashmi for the role. All in all, the movie is good enough to be watched for someone who wants to get an idea of what the Naxal movement is about. However, the movie fails to send the message it intends to.

An unexpectedly weak and filmy take on a serious issue by Prakash Jha.

[bobbysing · 5/10 · 28 October 2012]

CHAKYAVYUH exploits the same plot earlier used by Hrishikesh Mukherjee in his NAMAK HARAAM in the year 1973. In fact Hrishi Da's film was also reportedly based on an Oscar winner classic called BECKET released in 1964. Plus later the idea of placing a mole inside the rival group has been used in so many films that it can rarely excite anyone from both the current as well as the grown up generation. So if you were looking for something fresh and new from Prakash Jha in his latest film then as far as the storyline is concerned, it is not there. But that didn't surprise me since I was more interested in watching his execution on the screen as the trailers had already revealed its main plot openly (which should have been avoided).

Hence with a prepared mindset about its basic predictable script, I was actually hopeful of getting something exceptional from the veteran director dealing with the important issue of Naxal movement in the country. But unfortunately this time Prakash Jha could deliver HIS kind of cinema in only the initial odd 40 minutes in the film and not beyond that. Further it might be a huge disappointment for many to know that these first 40 impressive minutes of the movie are those in which Abhay Deol is not even there in the frame properly.

To bring out its positive points first, CHAKRAVYUH starts off well taking you into a different world of the rebellious movement run by the Naxalites in a specific region of our country. It smartly explains their motives in few scenes and one starts feeling the pumping blood with some well directed action sequences depicting their struggle with the government. But the moment, film comes to its actual story plot of sending a spy in the group of Naxalites, it starts walking on a steep downward slope and becomes totally childish or filmy in its execution unlike a Prakash Jha film.

At regular intervals, the film forces you to think that Is director Prakash Jha also following the same path chosen by Madhur Bhandarkar, of repeatedly making films on a fixed pattern tackling a particular issue of the society and nothing else? The question keeps haunting your mind because the experience of watching CHAKRAVYUH is quite similar to that of seeing the recent HEROINE, wherein the director fails to provide any freshness in his treatment and disappoints hugely. So as its biggest drawback, CHAKRAVYUH can easily be called a film made on the Naxalites, which clearly fails to explain the problem in an appreciable way and in the end just remains a project exploiting the burning issue of the country for its own benefits.

And why it remains only a commercial project ruining an important issue?

1. Because it has a hero who can easily slip into the Naxalites without any trouble, can start flirting with their girl leader, becomes one of the Naxalites front-runners in only a few days and still can comfortably phone or even meet his friend who is a senior Police Officer without any major hassles.

2. It has a lady inspector, who simply asks the doctor to insert a chip inside the wound of an injured Naxalite leader, like kids insert a board-pin into their dolls. In addition, since the inspector is a lady too, she is also made to wear a short revealing dress in a meaningless scene as an essential part of a Bollywood film.

3. It is based on a script wherein, when the traitor is a small time actor then they kill him instantly but when the traitor is the hero himself, then they have all the time in the world to first talk and wait for him to be rescued.

4. But most importantly and ridiculously, it has a friend who without giving any second thoughts easily sends his only long time (well educated) buddy into the Naxalite group to be his informer. And when the 'planted friend' starts betraying him, then he simply calls a reporter to his office, reveals his actual identity to the media along with the visual proofs and makes a clear way for his friend's ultimate end by the Naxalites themselves. Honestly, it was indeed a very cruel and silly way to define friendship on the screen by the veteran director.

Following his set pattern (not really working in CHAKRAVYUH), Jha also has an deliberately added item song here which is equally weak as the other tracks composed by more than one music directors in its soundtrack. Still Cinematography and Background Score give you some bright moments to praise in the film made on a rotten plot.

On the performance front too it is going to disappoint many as the film has nothing what was being expected from the three powerful actors namely Om Puri, Manoj Bajpai and Abhay Deol. The deadly trio, though play their respective parts well with the required intensity and depth. Yet their written roles (and length) are not anywhere close to their own respected reputation, which ideally should have been the highlight of this film as projected. Apart from these key names, Arjun Rampal never rises above his weak character and Esha Gupta doesn't add anything significant to the movie in her given role. But surprisingly Anjali Patil is the one who actually scores the best among the entire star-cast full of card-board characters (except Murli Sharma).

In all, CHAKRAVYUH is a pretty weak (filmy) product from the banner of Prakash Jha, vaguely made around the subject of Naxalite movement in the country. So you can surely watch it if you wish but just for its first 40 minutes and Anjali Patil.

Chakravyuh - A bitter truth about Indian politics

[prakhar-cena · 9/10 · 24 October 2012]

It's a must watch movie. The movie goes off at a good pace. Right from start till end, one will not get bored anywhere. The role of police, along with the deadly interference from the sick politicians is well depicted. The dialogs delivery and acting by Arjun Rampal and Abhey Deol has been awesome. Though the role of Manoj Bajpai is not too great. The songs are too good and in fact one of them shows the true Indian political play.

The best part of the movie is its story which shows both the sides – pros and cons of Naxalites and Political leaders. The only part which I felt to be useless is the "ITEM SONG" by Sameera Reddy.

In all, an awesome movie and people should watch it.

Chakravyuh: Promises Lot; Delivers Little

[bhaskarkalyan · 7/10 · 24 October 2012]

For those who do not know much about Naxalism, its growth and the recent issues in India, Chakravyuh could be a good beginning to know more about the issue. But for those who have been in touch with the subject, the movie is a let down. The irony is that the movie touches on a lot of related issues, but fails to take it further. The movie starts with a brief introduction about Naxalism and an industrial group Mahanta Steel (whose boss lives in a 40 room-house in London; a clear reference to Vedanta Steel and its' owner) and within 10 minutes the drama shifts to Nandighat (reference to Nandigram). Adil Khan is posted in Nandighat for a special operation (to nab key naxals). In between he implants his friend Kabir into Naxal gang and things go on as planned for some time. Slowly Kabir has a change of heart and this is the main plot of the movie. While the movie should get credit for depicting a sensitive issue in a largely unbiased manner, with fine performances from some of the key actors, there are many places which leave the audience unimpressed. Throughout the movie, right from the first scene, it appears that the Director was in a rush to tell his story as quickly as possible. Characters come and go in a flash. Songs coming out of no where, 'item' numbers in the middle of a village, computers which run without electricity in a remote village, and little explanation behind what characters do are some of the things which further disturb whatever tempo the film builds in bits and pieces. The reason for Arjun Rampal's (Adil Khan) indifference towards Abhay Deol (Kabir) was both frivolous and hilarious. Similarly the manner in which Kabir becomes a part of Naxals was also dealt quite casually. One day the Naxals are in Jharkhand (Latehar) and the next day they are near Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh). These are some of the places where one feels that more attention should have been paid. Overall 7 star for the effort, from taking up a sensitive issue, and for fine performances by the actors. Marks deducted for direction which is lose in many places, faulty story line at places, and poor editing and music.

Naxal movie over coke or pop-corn ;)..............

[arupmandal1983 · 5/10 · 27 October 2012]

Chakravyuh is one naxalite movie which would be so comfortable watching in a mall after shopping with a coke in hand.No qualms at all!!! A very sensitive and important issue of today's India coloured in a Bollywood potboiler palatte.The problem of the common man presented in a larger than life scale.Yet it is better than Jha's earlier attempts like Rajneeti or Arakshan,mainly because of a few noteworthy performances.Anjali Patil is the find of the film and only gain for the long run. Abhay Deol can sleepwalk through this kind of a role and does so.Arjun Rampal is not bad while Manoj Bajpai is good in the 1st half and simply absent in the 2nd. Hrishikesh Mukherjee 's 1973 Namak Haram had two friends fighting for values over worker union problems which transforms to armed rebellion & radicalism in 2012.Though the level of film making has only gone downhill in this transformation, the problem of Indian democracy used in the backdrop has grown out of control and proportion.Thanks to Prakash Jha for daring to make his sympathies known..

Prakash Jha gets lost in commercialism still a decent work

[silvan-desouza · 6/10 · 30 October 2012]

Prakash Jha the director who gave us great films like Mrithyudand(1997) and several more offbeat films, he won critical acclaim for Gangaajal, Aparahan but off recent his films have been more commercial In Rajneeti a good film otherwise he focused more on Ranbhir and Katrina in the promos which as per sources, miffed Ajay Devgan who didn't work with him in Aarakshan. Aarakshan too could be a better film, it won some accolades but was trashed by many and the film managed an average run. Chakravyuh which has got a dismissal response though it released in the festive season. Reasons notwithstanding the fever of SOTY is still on, lack of attractive names.etc Prakash Jha tries to balance commercialism and realism but doesn't manage to blend both, though the story is good and several scenes are brilliantly handled by him yet it ranks amongst his average works. The film takes the main structure of Amitabh-Rajesh Khanna NAMAK HARAAM(1973) but the main story is changed to suit today's times. The friendship is also treated differently here, as both have a fight first and then become thick friends hence the bonding lacks the touch of NH where the friends were shown truly as die-hard friends. The director too doesn't curb himself from resorting to overblown stunts like Arjun Rampal's close shave from death which is dead filmy and also several other portions, Also the forced item song. The movie has several brilliant scenes like the scenes depicting the naxalities, though Arjun's monologue front of the villagers doesn't have the required effect. The turn of events are well handled, The manner in which Abhay Deol gets seeped into their lives is well handled too. The scene when Anjali Patil is raped is superbly handled, the aftermath too is superb but the climax does seem tepid

Direction by Prakash Jha is good in parts Music seems forced Camera-work is decent, Dialogues are good in parts

Arjun Rampal suits the role of the cop and does his role well as required, he does come across undone in parts especially in the finale Abhay Deol steals the show with a brilliant performance as usual Esha Gupta is a miscast and she fails to carry off her role well Anjana Patil is fabulous, a true find, she does a superb job for her debut Manoj Bajpayee has done such roles many times he does his job superbly but he deserved better footage Om Puri is fab in a brief role, Murli Sharma is good Chetan Pandit(fixture in Prakash Jha films) is superb rest are okay Kabir Bedi is impressive in a cameo, Mukesh Tiwari doesn't get much scope

A Fair TimePass But Only A Moderately Good Movie...

[sidharth-banerjee25 · 6/10 · 24 October 2012]

Prakash Jha's latest attempt to provide a bird's eye view on our nations yet another "hot" topic of concern as well as discussion Chakravyuh is a film which if watched without much concentration may please the viewer. But in my case he again fails to deliver. I am not saying it's a bad film but it isn't any magnum opus either.

The story of revolving around two besties( Arjun Rampal and Abhay Deol) in the background of Naxalism, Chakravyuh is full of stereotypes. Corrupt officials, rich n greedy businessmen, rapist cops, a hottie with a meaningless role etcetera etcetera.

Still it manages to engage the audience with gripping action sequences though the predictability of the storyline is embarrassing.

And then the conclusion where we are left wondering why all this happened if nothing had to change at all?

Nevertheless, the film does boast of good to exceptional performances from the cast whether its the veteran Om Puri or Manoj Bajpai who never seem out of character to the leads Abhay who tries very hard and Arjun who gives his best considering his restricted range of grunts and expressions. Even Anjali Patil impresses here and there and Esha Gupta looks hot even in a police uniform. The pace is good but the music is just ridiculous especially the Sameera Reddy item song. What a waste!

I fail to understand the basic mindset of Prakash Jha. Because somehow I feel he thinks that just because there are bullets flying everywhere and fumes of smoke and dust rising up in the air with the lead actors running to save their lives the audience can blindly ignore the stupidity the support cast which involves the villagers, extras, etc are doing. The direction doesn't seem to be compact whenever a lot of people are involved which in films like Chakravyuh should be of of paramount importance.

I know I might have been a bit hard on him considering the fact that I just came out watching Sri Devi's English Vinglish an hour before that so I would suggest you to go ahead with it as am sure you wouldn't get bored afterall.

But seriously Mr. Jha Impress us more!!

MKD Rating- 2.5/5

Not Everyone's cup of tea.... But loved watching Arjun Rampal and Manoj Bajpai

[kilmozee · 9/10 · 27 October 2012]

Chakravyuh... Its a very nice movie. It was a little heavy to start the day with the movie.But its very well written and Manoj, Arjun, Abhay and Anjali Patil have done awesome Work in the movie. specially the character JUHI played by Anjali Patil.I have never seen Arjun Rampal as good as a actor before. Esha Gupta is a waste in the movie. She should realize that she looks good smooching Emraan Hashmi rather than killing Abhay Deol. Movie script is very well written. They have brilliantly shown the problem faced by the Police department and all the Tamasha of Indian Politics as well as the root cause why the Maoist exists in our country. It might look like another depressing movie but that's what is the best part that it is not coated with sugar. It is not a movie if you want to watch a movie with a light mood. If SOTY is 3.5 then its 5 on 5. Not everyone's cup of tea but very good movie. Script 9/10 Music 7/10 Acting 10/10 except Esha Gupta Overall it's 9 on 10

Its too long with oft repeated plot

[sunny-jindl2 · 6/10 · 30 January 2013]

The movie starts with a great promise of being an out and out action movie with a new daredevil principled SP takes on the Naxal terror. To his credit Jha gave SP a Muslim name which is commendable. But the main stay of the movie Abhay Deol's double cross is just not convincing enough. The twists are predictable. The movie just drags on with it being absolutely clear that there is no logical end to this tale. The songs are completely out of place and unnecessary. However, the movie is scenic and easy on eyes. I would have loved it if it was edited well.

It is a good movie by Bollywood standards and it raises a very pertinent issue of our country. One time watch!

An engaging thought provoking film

[karan-talwar · 10/10 · 27 October 2012]

Bikas Bhagat, in a review in Zee News, gives the movie four stars out of five and says the movie is balanced in the way it tackles something as complex as Naxalism.

While he says that "the story has nothing much," he lauds the actors for "bringing authenticity by justifying the characters that they have been casted in and by gelling with the theme of the film so well."

He writes that the "real find of the film is the femme fatale character of Juhi the rebel played by Anjali Patil."

Mr. Bhagat said he enjoyed the music, which is by Salim-Sulaiman, Aadesh Shrivastava and Shantanu Moitra.

"They have done a fantastic job of keeping the audience involved with the story. Songs of the film are completely in sync with the mood of the film. 'Mehangaai' stands out," he writes.

Overall, he says that it "would be a big mistake" to give "Chakravyuh a miss."

A review by Subhash K. Jha on IANS also gives the movie four stars.

He calls it Mr. Jha's "most resolutely etched and firmly grounded drama since Mrityudand, and a work way superior to his last two films – Raajneeti and Aarakshan."

Mr. Jha writes that the director "is in full command of his wide-angled canvas," and culls his research on the red corridor in a "condensed but brightly illuminated screenplay."

He also praises the closing sequence of the movie: "Thanks to the brilliantly-written words and the restrain with which the two actors put their viewpoints forward, the sequence scorches the screen."

Mr. Jha "only shows us glimpses into his characters' hearts before pulling back ruthlessly to allow them to go about their jobs as professionals who have to travel far beyond their call of duty," notes the reviewer. He argues that the movie should have been longer to explore the relationship and emotions between Mr. Deol and Mr. Rampal as well as Ms. Patil.

He ends by writing that "the process of social awakening that started with the cinema of V. Shantaram and B.R. Chopra has come a full circle," with "Chakravyuh."

In a review in The Times of India, Meena Iyer gives the movie three-and-a-half stars out of five.

She praises Mr. Jha for choosing to make a film on Naxalism and "for sticking his neck out."

For Ms. Iyer, "the personal and professional equations" between Mr. Rampal and Mr. Deol "make for a compelling film with some rock-solid emotions."

She writes that Mr. Jha "must also be complimented for the scale and performances he has extracted from his lead cast." She finds Mr. Bajpai, Mr. Deol and Mr. Rampal "compelling." "Esha starts on a shrill note but improves later," she notes.

Story from the heart of uncharted India

[ashdoc53 · 7/10 · 27 October 2012]

While newspapers and television blare out visions of ' India shining ' and people like me go to watch movies like Chakravyuh in posh multiplexes eating chicken sandwiches along with cappuccino coffee , there's a rebellion smoldering in the heart of rustic India....Its the cry of the havenots who are demanding their share of the pie which has been unjustly taken over by haves like me....

....And director Prakash Jha is the person fittingly capable of giving voice to this cry---for he among all the film makers of Bollywood is the one who knows the rustic heart of India too well , having filmed it brilliantly in films like Gangajal and Apaharan and many others....

.....And as the Naxalite rebels run amok in central India under their leader Rajan ( played by Manoj Bajpai ),police officer Adil Khan ( played by Arjun Rampal ) is posted in their area to try to curb the problem.... The reason for this---big industrialists have one more plan to loot the mineral resources of the rebels' region in the name of development ; but they cant do it unless the rebellion is crushed....

Arjun's maverick friend ( played by Abhay Deol ) has a brainwave that is all too familiar to Hindi cinema viewers who have watch the film Namakharam---he volunteers to become a Trojan horse among the rebels who will bring the Naxalite leader played by Manoj Bajpai into police custody.

But predictably ( especially to those who have watched Namakharam ) he develops a sympathy for the Naxalite cause when he sees the terrible conditions under which the people whom the Naxalites protect are living and the way they are being exploited by the rich....and he thinks he has begun to find love for a woman among them....

But he does not change sides until a terrible incident involving the woman he likes forces him to....

So does Arjun Rampal's plan to catch Manoj Bajpai succeed ?? And how will Abhay's decision to change sides affect their friendship ?? Go and watch the movie for that....

To those who have a yen for romance---Prakash Jha is at his best when he is showing the understated and never-to-be-fulfilled romance between Abhay and his love interest ( played by Anjali Patil ). Its a romance that springs up while playing with death together and is shown in subtle undercurrents rather than moments of passion or expression . And newcomer Anjali Patil puts up an authentic performance as the girl who joins the Naxalite rebellion to escape the lustfilled clutches of landlords---but only to tragically suffer the same fate that she wanted to escape....

And to those who have a tilt towards action---the action scenes are well executed too , with hordes of Naxalites and policemen attacking each other with a hailstorm of automatic rifle gunfire in several well crafted sequences....INSAS rifles , Kalashnikovs and self loading rifles fire in tandem with latest guns having laser dot markers....

But why does Arjun's wife Esha Gupta hang about half naked in sexy clothes in the middle of Naxalite country in a couple of scenes?? Does she think its a metropolis like Mumbai or Delhi ?? And do even Naxalite leaders have time to watch Item numbers by hotties like Sameera Reddy ?? In reality these was no need to bring such aspects of commercialism in the film .

Manoj Bajpai's role is not that big and he is his usual self but it is not his film really....The film belongs to Arjun Rampal and Abhay Deol but their acting cannot be called fantastic...Om Puri is just about okay....

These glitches should not take away from the commendable performance of the director who seems to have recovered from the debacle of his earlier film---Aarakshan .

Verdict---I would give it a thumbs up...

Chakravyuh - A Trap, where you loose Money and Time!

[shaktiswarupblore · 4/10 · 24 October 2012]

We all have seen many wonderful presentations from Prakash Jha Banner, but you will be disappointed thinking why I came to theatre to see such a worthless and nonsense movie. Me and my friends went inside the movie hall with a smile (High expectation) and left scratching head.

Story line – Boring. Unnecessarily stretched out a lot, to maintain and accommodate the timing of normal Hindi movie (Average timing of a Hindi movie is 150 min).

Acting Skills – All were OK except Arjun Rampal, whose dialogues failed to leave strong impression (Poor).

Q: Worth watching in Theatre? A: NO.

Overall Rating: 4/10

Beautiful India

[nlany · 9/10 · 28 May 2013]

For the first time, I feel the great poetic spirit in India Songs & Dances, with revolutionary romanticism theme set in this movie.

Very beautiful-- all scenes, local peoples, guerrillas and the story of fighting for justice.

And also, it based on realistic social problem of India or any other developing countries which still have "enclosure movement" - local poor villagers are swept from their land by polices or mercenary forces supported by rich people/big companies.

Strongly Suggest!

Lal Salam! This movie leave us a question: How can democracy be both fair and peaceful? By people armed by Maoism political party & army?

Typical script on a fresh plot

[radix_govind · 7/10 · 27 October 2012]

Chakravyuh happens to be a typical movie on a broad plot.

Basically it's a plot of two friends, Adhil Khan (Arjun Rampal) the IPS officer and Kabir (Abhay Deol), who also happens to be college-mates nd colleagues at Police Academy. Typical 'Bollywood'ian dramatic situations makes Kabir quit the academy due to inner clashes, and turns Adhil as an IPS officer with his colleague (Esha Gupta) becoming a policewoman and wife. Friends unite later. Adhil gets transferred to Nandighat, a village violently ruled by Naxalites. Clash between Rajan (Manoj Bajpai as the Naxal leader) and Adhil happens. Latter fails. While he rests in bed vowing to destroy Rajan. Here comes our Kabir. He goes into the Naxal camp as a spy for Adhil, for police and thus for the Government.

Initially they help each other. However, the movements of business tycoons, politicians and terrific activities of cruel people within policemen, transforms Kabir to a real Naxalite. I let you people to watch the movie or predict the rest.

Actors did a good job: Abhay Deol, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai, Om Puri; special mention to the débutante Anjali Patil who acted as the Naxal leader Jhulie. Item song by Sameera was unnecessary and stupid.

That's all about this movie. Few scenes are largely shot based on a good plot backdrop. As a moviegoer, technically I learned nothing, musically no pleasure felt. Here ends my critical review. For moviegoers, let me conclude, it's another average movie with a Labyrinth-like complex issue called Maoist terrorism and Naxalism in India. And I must respect Prakash Jha for taking up this subject and showing it to a wider audience. He has well scripted the liberation movements, ant-government activities and their setting up of a 'People's government'. Yeah, it worked! But that's not all of it. The movie is basically a fight between capitalists + Government and Gareeb Admi + Naxalites in the Red corridor. Yes, there are critical situations like poor getting poor in India and rich getting richer due to globalization, capitalism and private investments support from government. Yes, there are men, women and children who walk 5-10 kilometers to sell small wooden logs and bunch of wooden barks and other stuffs like honey and haystack for maybe as low as Ten bucks at a time. Poverty turns them to join these activities, yes it happens here. Even women and children turn to Naxalites. Yes, there are tortures, killings, rapes and killings by both people- terrorists and Government people. And what Prakash Jha has done in this movie is to convey the audience that due to all these crucial situations terrorist activities get fostered there. Money matters. And in the end, he leaves the question to the audience whether the Naxalites are devils or Machine-gun preachers. But if you think they can be justified, then so I must say- the movie is, again IMHO, incomplete.

At no part of the movie has Prakash Jha try to explain how the terrorists get their weapons for battle, and Chinese and Srilankan Maoist operational links in these areas. If you are unaware, let me tell you, right now, simply telling, Chinese do stay at few places and help spread activism, and has also succeeded in acquiring few places which we still think, is a part of our Indian map. And if you think government are trying to take actions, they are just trying, thanks to the great UPA Government! So neither capitalist exploitation dreams of UPA happens there, nor any patriotic movement, due to heavy death-toll of policemen, CRPF Jawans and other activities like abductions and corrupt activities.

Another flaw, I found in the movie is the justification of Naxalite movements. The movie depicted the oppression against capitalists for their movements to do mining with their support. But for the facts, if you have a lot of money and plans for mining in these areas, the first thing you could do is to pay Haftas (bribes) to the Naxalites. And thus, you can do illegal mining. Again, the government loses. In conclusion, you can live if you are a capitalist or Naxalite. You can't, if you're a Jawan or Govt. official or a gareebi.

This is the story I know, (Reference: Google, newspapers and my dad, who has went to these places. Please correct me if I go wrong!)

We can blandly say for now that Prakash Jha's right now unaware of the things like this, or maybe avoided these facts to avoid public issues against his big budget movie hitting a roadblock. But that cannot justify death of soldiers, policemen and many other innocent victims, and illegal operations. Terrorism is terrorism. And we are a part of a nation.

This movie is for those people who does not have time to Google, search Wikipedia or read papers, or not yet interested to check them out to know more about all of these. For them, yeah, you must definitely watch this movie. For movie makers, this is an average movie. For others, I hope my review makes a point. Please do not say Lal Salaam out of spirits just because after watching this movie. You are, then a brainless child or a fool. And I hope more films come after this to strike the right chord.

I'm sorry I'm not convinced - this is a fake, anti-national film that needs to be boycotted and the movie-makers should be tried for treason

[sayakboral-1 · 1/10 · 25 October 2012]

On the surface, Chakravyuh comes across as a fairly competent film on the subject of Naxalite problem, and need I add it's fairly entertaining with not too many moments of boredom. But, once you get past the entertainment, the script is really weak in most parts and the acting, not convincing at all. Basically, this film attempts to play on most stereotypes collected from news events surrounding the Naxalite problem, and it awfully fails when it deviates from the stereotypes.

For starters, Prakash Jha did a gross injustice to cinematic ethics by portraying this unrealistic romantic angle between Abhay Deol's character and a Naxalite female leader. He's basically supporting anti- nationalism and such a stupid portrayal is grossly insensitive to Indians who consider themselves patriotic. Even given the fact that Abhay's character is a bit of a rebel without a cause, it was totally wrong to depict him go against his best friend and country for some newfound love interest. This romantic angle is a gross trivialization of such a sensitive topic. I know all kinds of characters - good and bad, exist in the real world but this is where an intelligent movie-maker should know how and which characters to sympathize with.

Have you ever seen a mainstream Hollywood movie where the director sympathizes with terrorists and American troop-killers - NO - this is because Americans have profound respect for their armed forces! By showing his clear-cut sympathy for shady characters from the Naxalite movement like the one played by Om Puri, Prakash Jha and all script- writers who worked on this movie project, have betrayed this country and its armed forces. It's an absolutely UNFORGIVABLE act and all Indians should reject this film. Such a project can only be the work of a traitor.

I really expected to see a lot of dead Naxalites but I only saw dead Policemen and dead armed force personnel. This really disgusted me. Prakash Jha, you might as well take foreign citizenship - the medium of cinema is a means to connect with your countrymen, not play against their sensitivities. You are an absolute disgrace to India. The fact that you didn't kill the main Naxalite characters, played by Manoj Bajpai and Om Puri, is unforgivable in my book. You should not be allowed to make political films in future given your anti-national rhetoric.

Now, I must say I don't have a problem in those scene depictions where greedy corporate barons played by Kabir Bedi and his son resort to atrocities against the villagers. But, there are other ways to confront those characters. Maybe, the SP played by Arjun Rampal could have been depicted showing a strong stand against the greedy industrialists and politicians.

India may be considered a corrupt country but every Indian should have ABSOLUTE UNFLINCHING support and respect for our armed forces and Police. These are men who put their lives on the line to keep our civilians safe. Any movie-maker who grossly portrays the armed forces and police in a negative light, deserves the label of "traitor" and that should certainly apply to Prakash Jha and team.

A half baked cookie

[vishalkanaujia · 6/10 · 18 November 2012]

Prakash Jha is known for touching the nerves of contemporary problems of Indian society. Chakravyuh lacks the depth and breadth to analyze a complicated problem: Naxalism. The plot is good but it lacks good script and movie appear incoherent. The flow of story makes no sense many a times. Violence scenes are unnecessary, less brutal. Battles are too shallow, dark and fake. Paan Singh Tomar showed them better. Many lead actors(Mano Bajpai, Om Puri) are left unused and their roles are unjustified, too short to make an impact. Casting could had been better especially Arjun Rampal. Abhay Deol is too soft for playing as a bad guy.

The only beauty of the movie is that it helps you understand both sides of the war; and you will be perplexed for which side to support! It shows that the system and people are not the same as preached by a democracy. It also highlights that politics is in the driver seat.

You can skip it

[rahulturbo · 6/10 · 3 February 2013]

Chakravyuh- Jha fails to provide it a deserving end yet again, looks like it's related to issues he addresses.....unable to take sides. Abhay Deol could've done better in certain scenes- his casual approach sometimes was too casual for this film; everyone knows Rampal has limitations when it comes to acting...he was tried to be stretched. Anjali Patil is good through the end, Manoj Bajpai and Om Puri were excellent as usual but there roles were clipped, looks like they were underused if not wasted Kabir Bedi was same as always Cinematography will keep you bound to the seat Direction was good in most situations, issues addressed are genuine and handling is good too All in all worth a watch but don't expect to be blown away or s**t......some serious movie, with expected storyline