Director: Vinay Sharma
Rating: ***
Director Vinay Sharma's 'Jahangir National University' delves into the complex and controversial anti-national activities unfolding within a prominent university in India's capital. This film appears to draw inspiration from real incidents that surfaced nearly a decade ago.
The Storyline and Main Characters
The narrative centers around Krishna Kumar, portrayed by Atul Pandey, the president of the left-wing student association at Jahangir National University in Delhi. His leadership is characterized by a strong belief in communism and is supported by a formidable team, including Saira Rashid (Shivjyoti Rajput), a dedicated student leader who shares his ideology.
The Opposition: Nationalism and Right-Wing Ideals
Contrasting Krishna's group is another student association led by Saurabh Sharma (Siddharth Bodke). Saurabh's team, comprising members like Richa Sharma (Urvashi Rautela) and Baba Akhilesh Pathak (Kunj Anand), fervently supports nationalism and the right-wing ideology, deeply rooted in Hinduism. Both student factions are backed by influential national political parties, adding a layer of political intrigue and realism to the plot.
Conflict and Controversy
Krishna Kumar and his left-wing team engage in various anti-national activities on campus, using provocative slogans like `Afzal hum sharminda hain, tere kaatil zinda hai` and `Bharat tere tukde honge, insha-allah insha-allah.` These actions set the stage for intense conflict and mark the beginning of the film's main twist.
Performances and Character Portrayal
Atul Pandey delivers a compelling performance as Krishna Kumar, fully embodying his character's complexities. Siddharth Bodke and Shivjyoti Rajput also captivate the audience with their outstanding performances. Supporting actors such as Kunj Anand, Urvashi Rautela, Ravi Kishan, Piyush Mishra, Vijay Raj, Rashami Desai, and Jennifer Piccinato contribute significantly to the film, enhancing its overall impact.
Music and Cinematic Appeal
While the music does not dominate this drama-thriller, the compositions by Aehmad Najeem, Vijay Verma, and Saarnash Maide are notably impressive and complement the film's intense atmosphere.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Political Drama
'Jahangir National University' is a riveting drama-thriller that offers a realistic portrayal of student politics and nationalism. Its connection to real-life events makes it especially engaging for Indian audiences. The film masterfully blends drama, thrills, emotions, action, love, betrayal, and entertainment, making it a must-watch. Don't miss the chance to experience this powerful narrative at your nearest cinema.