‘MADAM CHIEF MINISTER’ | 22 January, 2021

Click https://bit.ly/komal288 if the above video does not autoplay.

T-Series and Kangra Talkies Pvt. Ltd.’s Madam Chief Minister (UA) is the story of a lower caste lady, Tara (Richa Chadda), rising to the post of the state chief minister.

Tara Roopram is the fourth daughter to be born in a family, but her grandmother had killed the three earlier girl-children on birth itself. Tara does not suffer the same end as her mother saves her. The girl grows up to join politics and soon defeats the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Although she wins the election as part of a coalition government, she is made the chief minister by her mentor, Master Surajbhan (Saurabh Shukla). It is Master ji’s philosophy to serve people through politics but never play politics. However, her coalition partner, Arvind Singh (Shubrajyoti Barat), makes life hell for her as he wants to see her dislodged as the ruler. She soon gets married to her OSD, Danish Khan (Manav Kaul). What happens thereafter? Does Tara complete her five-year term — or rather, her two-and-a-half-year term as the balance two-and-a-half years would have to be given to a candidate of the coalition partners?

Subhash Kapoor has written an interesting story about coalition politics, caste differences, etc. However, the story often makes it look like a cakewalk for Tara. The fact is that politics is a dirty game and it cannot be so easy for anybody, least of all, a novice like Tara. His screenplay is fast-paced after the first few reels and it keeps the audience interest alive. But a negative point about the screenplay is that for every opposition which Tara faces in her professional life, she seems to come out unscathed. This is rather unpalatable. And it is not even as if there are no hurdles shown in her political path! But fortune seems to favour her so much that the drama begins to look one-sided. The last twist in the tale, in which Tara makes capital out of an adversity in her life, is very interesting and underlines the fact that politics is a dirty game, and a politically ambitious person has to stoop to great depths to remain afloat. The screenplay has a dash of emotions too, and they do touch the heart. For instance, the bonding between Master ji and Tara is heartfelt. Subhash Kapoor’s dialogues are engaging.

Richa Chadda acts very well in the title role. She gets into the skin of the character and does full justice to her role. She plays to the gallery in an author-backed role and does not go overboard — and that’s her victory. Saurabh Shukla is wonderful as Master Surajbhan. Manav Kaul wins the audience’s love in the role of Danish Khan. Akshay Oberoi has his moments as Indramani Tripathi. Shubrajyoti Barat makes his presence amply felt as Arvind Singh. Nikhil Vijay lends able support as Babloo. Sangam Bahuguna is good in the role of Kushwaha. Raviza Chauhan leaves a fine mark as Shashi Rai. Susheel Shukla is alright as Ansari. Boloram Das (as Sundar), Seema Modi (as Tara’s mother) and Shreya Awasthi (as Dr. Laxmi) provide decent support. Alok Sharad (as the judge), Sandeep Yadav (as SP Alok Yadav) and Tullika Bhattacharya (as the lady judge) are very natural. Mukteshwar Ojha (as Tara’s father, Roopram), Kapil (as Arvind Singh’s defence lawyer), Naval Shukla (as Thakur), Tariq Iqbal (as CBI lawyer), Narendra Panchwani (as the defence lawyer), V.K. Sharma (as Indramani’s father) and the others lend the desired support.

Subhash Kapoor’s direction is good. His narrative style is fast-paced. Mangesh Dhakde’s music is functional. His background music is fairly nice. Lyrics (Dushyant) are so-so. Jayesh Nair’s camerawork is decent. Parvez Shaikh’s action and stunts are realistic. Vikram Singh’s production designing and art direction are appropriate. Chandrashekhar Prajapati’s editing is sharp.

On the whole, Madam Chief Minister is a well-made film which deserved to release in better times, especially because the film is more class-appealing, considering its ensemble cast, absence of a traditional hero, etc. Given the COVID times, the film will go largely unnoticed at the box-office — and this, despite merits. Many among the public are not even aware that a film like this has released!

Released on 22-1-’21 at Inox (daily 6 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity: dull. Opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was weak everywhere.