Aarakshan Producer : Prakash Jha, Firoz A. Nadiadwala Director : Prakash Jha Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Prateik, Manoj Bajpayee, Shabana Azmi, Tanvi Azmi and Hema Malini. UK Release 12th August 2011

Corruption and caste discrimination exposed in 'Aarakshan'

Reliance Entertainment’s ‘Aarakshan’, directed by the country’s most fearless director Prakash Jha, is billed as a high voltage, socio-political drama based on one of the most contentious Indian government policies of caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions. The film is released in cinemas in UK and worldwide on 12th August 2011.

Compelling performances are delivered by the Indian film fraternity’s finest acting talent, spearheaded by veteran of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan (Black, Zanjeer, Sholay). Appearing alongside the screen icon are major artists from the industry’s younger generation including the formidable Saif Ali Khan (Dil Chata Hai, Omkara, Kurbaan) beguiling starlet Deepika Padukone (Om Shanti Om, Love Aaj Kal, Housefull) and rising star of the Indian screen, Prateik (Dum Maaro Dum, Dhobi Ghat). Delivering exceptional supporting roles are industry veterans Manoj Bajpayee, Shabana Azmi, Tanvi Azmi and Hema Malini.

Set against the rural backdrop of Bhopal, ‘Aarakshan’. The film exposes many issues prevalent in contemporary society, even in the UK – issues such as multi-faith integration and ethnic minority quotas for certain government jobs – to the extent of disregarding meritocracy. ‘Aarakshan’ reflects how such rules ignite resentment and instead of discouraging discrimination, often institutionalise it, thereby perpetrating marginalisation and alienation.

Synopsis:

‘Aarakshan’ is weaved around the central character, ‘Prabhakar Anand’ (Amitabh Bachchan), the legendary idealistic principal of a college that he has single-handedly turned into the state's most respected. ‘Deepak Kumar’ (Saif Ali Khan) is his loyal disciple and protégé, who will do anything for his teacher and unequivocally follows his mentor’s every principle. Deepak also loves his tutor’s idealistic daughter, ‘Poorbi’ (Deepika Padukone) and shares an exemplary friendship with ‘Sushant’ (Prateik).

The story conveys their love, their exuberant friendship, their zest for life, their ideals and their dreams for the future. Suddenly shedding light on one of the most controversial socio-political issues of recent years, with the Indian Supreme Court's order on reservations, the narrative suddenly becomes a rollercoaster ride of high drama, conflict, and rebellion, which tests their love and friendship for one another to the core and their loyalty to Prabhakar Anand.