eBolly's Movie Reviews
CORPORATE - Politics
- by Viral Bhayani (eBolly.com)
Starring:Bipasha Basu and Kay Kay Menon and boasts of talented actors which include, Rajat Kapoor, Raj Babbar, Harsh Chhaya, Minissha Lamba and Sameer Dattani
Directed by:Madhur Bhandarkar
Madhur Bhandarkar is a name synonymous with movies with niche storylines which have never been captured in Indian cinema. Whether it is Chandni Bar or Page 3 – he has managed to give us meaningful and realistic cinema. He once again attempts a subject that we barely have thought could make for an interesting movie. Fabulous characterization and novel story makes this movie worth watching. Although the first half of the film fails to create any impact, it is the fast paced 2nd half which creates an impact. The last 20 minutes of the film uplifts the movie to a new level.
CORPORATE" is a film tackling the underbelly of the corporate world and an expose of the darker side of the business world that most of us aspire to be part of or already are a part of. It is a story of an ambitious young woman who unfortunately becomes a pawn amidst the power- play between two rival corporate houses. This film takes a deep insight in the mindset of powerful people and their attempts to find out what makes them tick. It explores the nexus between the corporate and the political world.
Synopsis
All in the name of business. Meet the handful of men and women, who hold in their hands the power to influence the lives of unsuspecting millions. Live their lives. Learn their lies. This film takes a deep insight in the mindset of these powerful people and attempts to find out what makes them tick. It explores the nexus between the corporate world and the political; and follows the trail of sex and corruption that hides behind a glittering and glassy exterior.
Corporate is Bhandarkar’s second film in the proposed trilogy. His first movie “Page 3" exposed the glamorous world of rich and famous. “Corporate” explores the underbelly of business world. And his third film “Traffic Signal” will delve into the lives of common men surviving on the streets of Mumbai.
Bipasha Basu plays Nishigandha Dasgupta, an ambitious woman whose career grows in leaps and bounds thanks to her unflinching determination to succeed and right guidance from her mentor. But nothing prepares her for the shocking revelations she finds at the top.
Kay Kay Menon plays Ritesh Sahani, a passionate man with big aspirations. Once he takes up a job, he makes sure he succeeds.
The battle between Sehgal and Marwah gets nasty when the market opens up to international players. Both of them use covert business tactics, manipulate people and abandon moral codes and ethics to win the deal.
Bhandarkar had originally approached Aishwarya Rai for Bipasha’s role, but she turned it down due to date problems.
Verdict
The first half of the film is boring and fails to create any kind of impact in your mind. In fact you are just bombarded with business jargon of divestment and PSUs which has little entertainment impact on the viewers.
The romance between Kay Kay and Bipasha fails to create any impact, in fact Kay Kay was just not the right guy to play the lead opposite Bipasha.
Bipasha has a bit of glamour in her character, but her real impact is created with her girl next door look with absolutely no make up. She has performed some heavy duty emotional scenes. Interestingly, she even broke down during one of the scenes while shooting this film.
Payal Rohtagi and Brinda Parekh add sexual appeal to the film.
The subject of corporate espionage the real life crisis of pesticides used in soft drinks is effectively used in this film.
A very unique aspect about this film is that absolutely unknown faces and characters which never mattered to the media or were publicized have managed to create impact in thie film. On the contrary, the other lead actors Minisha Lamba and Sameer Dattani have nothing much to do in this film. Poor Sameer Dattani is almost there to just show his face. He should have never been casted in the first place as he looks like a sales boy in this film!
But who impressed? Right from Guabroao (politician) to corporates played by Rajat Kapoor, Raj Babbar and Harsh Chaaya who have all played their roles with perfection.
The music by Shammir Tandon is average and not as good as that of Page 3.
Overall it is a winner and no points for guessing, but the movie belongs to Bhandarkar and Bipasha.
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