Sarkar (2005 film): Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Indian political crime thriller film}}
{{for|the Tamil film|Sarkar (2018 film)}}
{{for|the Tamil film|Sarkar (2018 film)}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Sarkar
| name          = Sarkar
Line 7: Line 8:
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director      = [[Ram Gopal Varma]]
| director      = [[Ram Gopal Varma]]
| producer      = Ram Gopal Varma<br>[[Parag Sanghvi]]
| producer      = [[Parag Sanghvi]]<br/>Ram Gopal Varma
| writer        = [[Manish Gupta (director)|Manish Gupta]]  
| writer        = [[Manish Gupta (director)|Manish Gupta]]
| screenplay    = Ram Gopal Varma
| starring      = {{Plainlist|
| starring      = [[Amitabh Bachchan]]<br>[[Abhishek Bachchan]]<br>[[Kay Kay Menon]]<br>[[Supriya Pathak]]<br>[[Katrina Kaif]]<br>[[Tanisha Mukherjee]]<br>[[Anupam Kher]]<br>[[Kota Srinivasa Rao]]
*[[Amitabh Bachchan]]
| music          = [[Amar Mohile]]
*[[Abhishek Bachchan]]
| cinematography = Amit Roy
*[[Kay Kay Menon]]
| editing        = Nitin Gupta<br>Amit Parmar
}}
| music          = '''Songs:'''<br/>[[Bapi{{endash}}Tutul]]<br/>Prasanna Shekhar<br/>'''Score:'''<br/>[[Amar Mohile]]
| cinematography = [[Amit Roy]]
| editing        = Nitin Gupta<br/>Amit Parmar
| studio        = RGV Film Company
| studio        = RGV Film Company
| distributor    = [[K Sera Sera]]<br>[[Sahara One]]
| distributor    = [[K Sera Sera|KSS Limited]]<br/>[[Sahara Movie Studios|Sahara One Motion Pictures]]
| released      = {{Film date|2005|7|1|df=y}}
| released      = {{Film date|2005|7|1|df=y}}
| runtime        = 123 mins
| runtime        = 123 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Hindi
| language      = Hindi
| budget       = {{INR|140 million}}<ref name=BOI>{{cite web |title=Sarkar - Movie |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=396 |website=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=9 November 2018}}</ref>
| budget         = {{INR|140 million}}<ref name=BOI>{{cite web |title=Sarkar – Movie |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=396 |publisher=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=9 November 2018}}</ref>
| gross          = {{INR|393 million}}<ref name="BOI" />
| gross          = {{INR|393 million}}<ref name="BOI" />
}}
}}
'''''Sarkar''''' ({{translation|Government}}) is a 2005 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[Political cinema|political]] [[crime thriller]] film directed by [[Ram Gopal Varma]]. The film stars [[Amitabh Bachchan]] in the title role alongside [[Abhishek Bachchan]] as his younger son, along with [[Kay Kay Menon]], [[Katrina Kaif]], [[Tanisha Mukherjee]], [[Supriya Pathak]], [[Kota Srinivasa Rao]], and [[Anupam Kher]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jun/30sarkar.htm|title=Sarkar is just Godfather, dumbed-down|author=Raja Sen |publisher=[[Rediff]]|date=30 June 2005}}</ref> It is the first installment of [[Sarkar (film series)|the ''Sarkar'' film series]].
'''''Sarkar''''' ({{translation|Leader}}) is a 2005 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[Political cinema|political]] [[crime drama]] film directed by [[Ram Gopal Varma]]. The film stars [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Abhishek Bachchan]], [[Kay Kay Menon]], [[Katrina Kaif]], [[Tanishaa|Tanishaa Mukerji]], [[Supriya Pathak]], [[Kota Srinivasa Rao]], and [[Anupam Kher]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jun/30sarkar.htm|title=Sarkar is just Godfather, dumbed-down|author=Raja Sen |work=[[Rediff.com]]|date=30 June 2005}}</ref> It is the first installment of [[Sarkar (film series)|the ''Sarkar'' film series]].


''Sarkar'' spawned two sequels: ''[[Sarkar Raj]]'', which released on 6 June 2008, and ''[[Sarkar 3]]'', which released on 12 May 2017. ''Sarkar'' was premiered at the [[New York Asian Film Festival]].<ref name="David">{{cite web|author=David|date=16 June 2006|title=The Films of Ram Gopal Varma – An Overview|url=http://www.cinemastrikesback.com/?p=1202|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725153007/http://www.cinemastrikesback.com/?p=1202|archive-date=25 July 2009|access-date=22 February 2009|publisher=Cinema Strikes Back|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The film is preserved at the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|American Academy of Motion Pictures library]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sarkar Raj makes it to the Academy of Motion Pictures library |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/08/02/11750/index.html |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|access-date=9 August 2011 |date=2 August 2008}}</ref>  
An unofficial remake of ''[[The Godfather]]''; it spawned two sequels: ''[[Sarkar Raj]]'' (2008) and ''[[Sarkar 3]]'' (2017). ''Sarkar'' was premiered at the [[New York Asian Film Festival]] and released in India on 1 July 2005.<ref name="David">{{cite web|author=David|date=16 June 2006|title=The Films of Ram Gopal Varma – An Overview|url=http://www.cinemastrikesback.com/?p=1202|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725153007/http://www.cinemastrikesback.com/?p=1202|archive-date=25 July 2009|access-date=22 February 2009|publisher=Cinema Strikes Back}}</ref> The film is preserved at the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|American Academy of Motion Pictures library]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sarkar Raj makes it to the Academy of Motion Pictures library |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/2008-30-screens-in-u-k/ |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|access-date=9 August 2011 |date=2 August 2008}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
Subhash Nagre, who is known by his followers as Sarkar, lives in [[Mumbai]]. The opening scenes show a rape victim's father approaching Sarkar for justice (which the corrupt law and order system has failed to deliver), which Sarkar promptly establishes by having the rapist beaten up by his henchmen. His son Vishnu plays a sleazy producer who is more interested in the film actress Sapna than his wife Amrita. Sarkar's other, more upright son Shankar returns from the United States with his love Pooja after completing his education there. Pooja's doubts about Sarkar's image cause Shankar, who firmly believes in his father's righteousness, to break up with her.
Subhash Nagre, who is known by his followers as Sarkar, lives in [[Mumbai]]. The opening scenes show a rape victim's father approaching Sarkar for justice (which the corrupt law and order system has failed to deliver), which Sarkar promptly establishes by having the rapist beaten up by his henchmen. His son Vishnu plays a sleazy producer who is more interested in the film actress Sapna than his wife Amrita. Sarkar's other, more upright son Shankar returns from the United States with his love Pooja after completing his education there. Pooja's doubts about Sarkar's image eventually cause Shankar, who firmly believes in his father's righteousness, to break up with her.


One day, a [[Dubai]]-based don, Rasheed, tries to strike a deal with Sarkar; he promptly refuses on moral grounds and also forbids him from doing it himself. Rasheed tries to eliminate Sarkar's supremacy with the help of Selvar Mani, Sarkar's former associate, MLA Vishram Bhagat, and Swami Virendra. Meanwhile, they trap Sarkar by assassinating a righteous, upright, [[Ahimsa|Ahinsa]] political leader and an outspoken critic of Sarkar, Motilal Khurana, and frame Sarkar for the murder. Everyone, including Vishnu, believes that Sarkar is guilty, but Shankar has deep faith in his father. Sarkar gets arrested and is imprisoned. Shankar now takes over the position of Sarkar temporarily. On learning of a plot to murder his father in prison, he approaches the police commissioner and asks him to arrange stronger security for his father, only for the commissioner to mock Shankar and his father beside not providing protection. Shankar gets a feeling that the police commissioner wants Sarkar to get murdered. Shankar and Khansaab, one of Sarkar's men, try to ask Mani for help to prevent possible murder, but Mani ultimately betrays them when he reveals that he is in an alliance with Rasheed. Rasheed prepares to kill Shankar and Khansaab, but only Khansaab is killed when he decides to sacrifice himself for Shankar. By the time Shankar reaches the prison and appropriate action is taken, the attempt on Sarkar's life is already made. Sarkar is later acquitted. He remains bedridden as Shankar takes on Sarkar's enemies.
One day, a [[Dubai]]-based don, Rasheed, tries to strike a deal with Sarkar; he promptly refuses on moral grounds and also forbids him from doing it himself. Rasheed tries to eliminate Sarkar's supremacy with the help of Selvar Mani, Sarkar's former associate, MLA Vishram Bhagat, and Swami Virendra. Meanwhile, they trap Sarkar by assassinating a righteous, upright, [[Ahimsa|Ahinsa]] political leader and an outspoken critic of Sarkar, Motilal Khurana, and frame Sarkar for the murder. Everyone, including Vishnu, believes that Sarkar is guilty, but Shankar has deep faith in his father. Sarkar is arrested and imprisoned. Shankar now takes over the position of Sarkar temporarily. On learning of a plot to murder his father in prison, he approaches the police commissioner and asks him to arrange stronger security for his father, only for the commissioner to mock Shankar and his father beside not providing protection. Shankar gets a feeling that the police commissioner wants Sarkar to get murdered. Shankar and Khansaab, one of Sarkar's men, try to ask Mani for help to prevent possible murder, but Mani ultimately betrays them when he reveals that he is in an alliance with Rasheed. Rasheed prepares to kill Shankar and Khansaab, but only Khansaab is killed when he decides to sacrifice himself for Shankar. By the time Shankar reaches the prison and appropriate action is taken, the attempt on Sarkar's life is already made. Sarkar is later acquitted. He remains bedridden as Shankar takes on Sarkar's enemies.


Meanwhile, Mani, Swami, Vishram, and Rasheed try to convince Vishnu to murder Sarkar. Vishnu was previously thrown out of Sarkar's house because he had murdered the actor who was having an affair with Sapna. Vishnu returns home pretending to have repented. When he approaches Sarkar in the dark of the night with the intent of murdering him, Shankar foils his plan and later kills him. Shankar eliminates Rasheed, Vishram, and Selvar Mani. He also succeeds in making Swami his puppet. Shankar has also realised that Chief Minister Madan Rathore was really behind everything; Rasheed and everyone else were merely pawns. This results in legal action against Rathore. The closing scenes show a woman approaching Shankar for justice to a fake encounter of her husband by the police and calling Shankar the Sarkar, while Subhash is busy with family.
Meanwhile, Mani, Swami, Vishram, and Rasheed try to convince Vishnu to murder Sarkar. Vishnu was previously expelled from Sarkar's house because he had murdered the actor who was having an affair with Sapna. Vishnu returns home pretending to have repented. When he approaches Sarkar in the dark of the night with the intent of murdering him, Shankar foils his plan and later kills him. Shankar eliminates Rasheed, Vishram, and Selvar Mani. He also succeeds in making Swami his puppet. Shankar has also realised that Chief Minister Madan Rathod was really behind everything; Rasheed and everyone else were merely pawns. This results in legal action against Rathod. The closing scenes show a woman approaching Shankar for justice to a fake encounter of her husband by the police and calling Shankar the Sarkar, while Subhash is busy with family.


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{colbegin}}
{{colbegin}}
* [[Amitabh Bachchan]] as Subhash Nagre (Sarkar)
* [[Amitabh Bachchan]] as Subhash Nagre alias "Sarkar"
* [[Abhishek Bachchan]] as Shankar Nagre
* [[Abhishek Bachchan]] as Shankar Nagre, Sarkar's younger son
* [[Kay Kay Menon]] as Vishnu Nagre
* [[Kay Kay Menon]] as Vishnu Nagre, Sarkar's elder son
* [[Supriya Pathak]] as Pushpa Nagre
* [[Supriya Pathak]] as Pushpa Nagre, Sarkar's wife
* [[Katrina Kaif]] as Pooja
* [[Katrina Kaif]] as Pooja Chauhan, Shankar's girlfriend (voice dubbed by [[Mona Ghosh Shetty]])
* [[Tanisha Mukherjee]] as Avantika
* [[Tanishaa]] as Avantika, Shankar's wife
* [[Rukhsaar Rehman]] as Amrita Nagre (Vishnu's wife)
* [[Rukhsar Rehman|Rukhsar]] as Amrita Nagre, Vishnu's wife
* [[Anupam Kher]] as Motilal Khurana
* [[Anupam Kher]] as Motilal Khurana
* [[Kota Srinivasa Rao]] as Selvar Mani
* [[Kota Srinivasa Rao]] as Selvar Mani
* [[Zakir Hussain (actor)|Zakir Hussain]] as Rashid
* [[Zakir Hussain (actor)|Zakir Hussain]] as Rashid
* [[Raju Mavani]] as Vishram Bhagat
* [[Raju Mavani]] as [[Member of Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] Vishram Bhagat
* [[Jeeva (Telugu actor)|Jeeva]] as Virendra Swami
* [[Jeeva (Telugu actor)|Jeeva]] as Virendra Swami
* [[Deepak Shirke]] as Madan Rathod
* [[Deepak Shirke]] as [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra|CM]] Madan Rathod, Sarkar's best friend and confidant
* [[Anant Jog]] as Police Commissioner
* [[Anant Jog]] as Police Commissioner
* [[Ishrat Ali]] as Khansaab
* [[Ishrat Ali]] as Bochya
* [[Saurabh Dubey (actor)|Saurabh Dubey]] as Pooja's father
* Saurabh Dubey as Pooja's father
* [[Ravi Kale]] as Chander
* [[Ravi Kale]] as Chander, Sarkar's right-hand man
* [[Virendra Saxena]] as Girl's Father
* [[Virendra Saxena]] as Girl's father
* [[Karan Kapoor]] as a Hero in Vishnu's film
* Carran Kapoor as a hero in Vishnu's film
* [[Nisha Kothari]] as a Heroine in Vishnu's film
* [[Nisha Kothari]] as a heroine in Vishnu's film
* Narendra Sachar as IG Police
* Narendra Sachar as IG Police
* Mangal Kenkre as Shoba
* Mangal Kenkre as Shoba
* Shivam Shetty as Bhushan
* Shivam Shetty as Bhushan
* Chintan Atul Shah as Cheeku (Sarkar's Grandson / Shivaji Nagre<ref>The young version of Shivaji Nagre (Appeared in Sarkar 3) was played by Chintan Atul Shah in Sarkar as Cheeku [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5742874/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm]</ref> in [[Sarkar 3]])
* Chintan Atul Shah as Shivaji Nagre alias "Cheeku", [[Sarkar 3|Vishnu's son and Sarkar's grandson]]
{{colend}}
{{colend}}


== Production ==
== Production ==
 
''Sarkar''<nowiki/>'s director Ram Gopal Varma was deeply influenced by the [[Francis Ford Coppola]]'s Hollywood classic ''[[The Godfather]]'' (1972), which he mentions in the opening credits of the film. He changed the film's setting to modern-day [[Mumbai]].<ref name="koimoi.com">{{Cite web|date=2015-04-15|title=Hindi Movies That Have Been Inspired, Remade Or Simply Lifted From Hollywood|url=https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-popular/hindi-movies-that-have-been-inspired-remade-or-simply-lifted-from-hollywood/|access-date=2021-12-06|website=Koimoi}}</ref><ref name="Tiasa Bhowal">{{Cite magazine|author=Tiasa Bhowal |date=8 July 2021 |title=Is Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar a fitting tribute to The Godfather? On Throwback Thursday|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/standpoint/story/is-ram-gopal-varma-s-sarkar-a-befitting-tribute-to-the-godfather-on-throwback-thursday-1821698-2021-07-01|access-date=2021-12-06|magazine=India Today}}</ref>
=== Development ===
''Sarkar''<nowiki/>'s director Ram Gopal Varma was deeply influenced by the [[Francis Ford Coppola]]'s Hollywood classic [[The Godfather|''The Godfather'']] (1972). He picked some aspects of story of ''The Godfather'' and added them to ''Sarkar''<nowiki/>'s script, and also changed the film's setting to modern-day [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-04-15|title=Hindi Movies That Have Been Inspired, Remade Or Simply Lifted From Hollywood|url=https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-popular/hindi-movies-that-have-been-inspired-remade-or-simply-lifted-from-hollywood/|access-date=2021-12-06|website=Koimoi|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=MumbaiJuly 1|first1=Tiasa Bhowal|last2=July 8|first2=2021UPDATED|last3=Ist|first3=2021 17:46|title=Is Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar a fitting tribute to The Godfather? On Throwback Thursday|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/standpoint/story/is-ram-gopal-varma-s-sarkar-a-befitting-tribute-to-the-godfather-on-throwback-thursday-1821698-2021-07-01|access-date=2021-12-06|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
*
 
*


== Soundtrack ==
== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name       = Sarkar
| name         = Sarkar
| type       = soundtrack
| type         = soundtrack
| artist     = Bapi-Tutul & Prasanna Shekhar
| artist       = [[Bapi{{endash}}Tutul]] and Prasanna Shekhar
| cover     =
| cover       =  
| alt       =
| alt         =  
| released   = {{Start date|df=yes|2005|June|27}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/sarkar-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1138123175 |title=Sarkar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |date=27 June 2005 |publisher=[[iTunes]]}}</ref>
| released     = {{Start date|df=yes|2005|06|27}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/sarkar-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1138123175 |title=Sarkar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |date=27 June 2005 |publisher=[[iTunes Store]]}}</ref>
| recorded   =
| recorded     =  
| venue     =
| venue       =  
| studio     =
| studio       =  
| genre     = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| genre       = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| length     = 33:35
| length       = 33:35
| language   = Hindi
| language     = Hindi
| label     = [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]]
| label       = [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]]
| producer   =
| producer     =  
| prev_title =
| prev_title   =  
| prev_year =
| prev_year   =  
| next_title =
| next_title   =  
| next_year =
| next_year   =  
}}
}}
The soundtrack of ''Sarkar'' consists of 10 songs composed by Bapi-Tutul & Prasanna Shekhar the lyrics of which were penned by [[Sandeep Nath]].
 
The soundtrack was composed by [[Bapi–Tutul]] and Prasanna Shekhar with lyrics written by [[Sandeep Nath]].


{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Tracklist
| headline     = Tracklist
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Deen Bandhu
| title1       = Deen Bandhu
| extra1 = Reeta Ganguly
| extra1       = Reeta Ganguly
| lyrics1 = Sandeep Nath
| length1       = 4:36
| length1 = 4:36
| title2       = Deen Bandhu Theme
| title2 = Deen Bandhu Theme
| extra2       =  
| extra2 =
| length2       = 4:24
| lyrics2 =
| title3       = Govinda – Song
| length2 = 4:24
| extra3       = [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Kailash Kher]], Bapi, Tutul
| title3 = Govinda - Song
| length3       = 2:59
| extra3 = [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Kailash Kher]], Bapi, Tutul
| title4       = Govinda – Trance
| lyrics3 = Sandeep Nath
| extra4       = Bapi, Tutul, Janaki
| length3 = 2:59
| length4       = 3:25
| title4 = Govinda - Trance
| title5       = Jitni Oochaeeyan
| extra4 = Bapi, Tutul, Janaki
| extra5       = Krishna, Farhad
| lyrics4 = Sandeep Nath
| length5       = 3:27
| length4 = 3:25
| title6       = Mujhe Jo Sahi Lagta Hai
| title5 = Jitni Oochaeeyan
| extra6       = [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Kailash Kher]]
| extra5 = Krishna, Farhad
| length6       = 3:03
| lyrics5 = Sandeep Nath
| title7       = Sam Dam Bhed
| length5 = 3:27
| extra7       = [[Kailash Kher]]
| title6 = Mujhe Jo Sahi Lagta Hai
| length7       = 3:29
| extra6 = [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Kailash Kher]]
| title8       = Shaher, Shaher Ke Hazaron Sawal
| lyrics6 = Sandeep Nath
| extra8       = [[Kailash Kher]]
| length6 = 3:03
| length8       = 3:54
| title7 = Sam Dam Bhed
| title9       = The Govinda Omen
| extra7 = [[Kailash Kher]]
| extra9       = [[Choir]]
| lyrics7 = Sandeep Nath
| length9       = 1:58
| length7 = 3:29
| title10       = The Want For Power
| title8 = Shaher, Shaher Ke Hazaron Sawal
| extra10       = Krishna, Farhad, Prasana Shekhar
| extra8 = [[Kailash Kher]]
| length10     = 2:04
| lyrics8 = Sandeep Nath
| length8 = 3:54
| title9 = The Govinda Omen
| extra9 = [[Choir]]
| lyrics9 = Sandeep Nath
| length9 = 1:58
| title10 = The Want For Power
| extra10 = Krishna, Farhad, Prasana Shekhar
| lyrics10 = Sandeep Nath
| length10 = 2:04
}}
}}


==Critical reception==
==Reception==


Raja Sen of ''[[Rediff]]'' said that the film "had the potential to be great. It turns out to be passable."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jun/30sarkar.htm |title=Sarkar is just Godfather, dumbed-down |publisher=[[Rediff]]}}</ref> Taran Adarsh of [[Bollywood Hungama|''Bollywood Hungama'']] praised the movie saying that, "''Sarkar'' is without doubt an interesting film. The story, its execution, the performances, the drama… The outcome leaves you spellbound." but criticized the slow pacing of the film and gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/sarkar/critic-review/ |title=Sarkar Review by Taran Adarsh |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}{{Rating|3.5|5}}</ref> William Thomas of [[Empire Online|''Empire Online'']] gave the film a rating of 4 out of 5 saying that, "Constructed with flair and crackling with intelligence, this is one of the most edgiest and grittiest releases to come out of Bollywood in years."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/sarkar/review/ |title=Sarkar Review - The Bollywood version of the Godfather. |publisher=[[Empire Online]]}}{{Rating|4|5}}</ref>
Raja Sen of ''[[Rediff]]'' said that the film "had the potential to be great. It turns out to be passable."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jun/30sarkar.htm |title=Sarkar is just Godfather, dumbed-down |work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> Taran Adarsh of ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' praised the movie saying that, "''Sarkar'' is without doubt an interesting film. The story, its execution, the performances, the drama… The outcome leaves you spellbound." but criticized the slow pacing of the film and gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/sarkar/critic-review/sarkar-movie-review/ |title=Sarkar Review by Taran Adarsh |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|date=July 2005 }}{{Rating|3.5|5}}</ref> William Thomas of ''[[Empire Online]]'' gave the film a rating of 4 out of 5 saying that, "Constructed with flair and crackling with intelligence, this is one of the most edgiest and grittiest releases to come out of Bollywood in years."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/sarkar/review/ |title=Sarkar Review – The Bollywood version of the Godfather. |date=11 August 2023 |publisher=[[Empire Online]]}}{{Rating|4|5}}</ref>
 
[[Abhishek Bachchan]] won multiple awards for his performance in the film, namely [[Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award]], [[Zee Cine Award Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Male]], and [[IIFA Best Supporting Actor Award|IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor]].


== Accolades ==
== Accolades ==
Line 185: Line 173:
| {{sort|Varma|[[Ram Gopal Varma]]}}
| {{sort|Varma|[[Ram Gopal Varma]]}}
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4"| <ref>{{cite news|url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1406387.cms |title=The 51st Filmfare Awards 2006 Nominations |work=[[Times Internet|Indian Times]] |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708210551/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1406387.cms |archive-date=8 July 2007 |agency=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/home/winners-of-the-51st-filmfare-awards_277404.html |title=Winners of the 51st Filmfare Awards |website=Zee News |date=22 February 2006 |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425121303/https://zeenews.india.com/home/winners-of-the-51st-filmfare-awards_277404.html |archive-date=25 April 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4"| <ref>{{cite news|url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1406387.cms |title=The 51st Filmfare Awards 2006 Nominations |work=The Times of India |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708210551/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1406387.cms |archive-date=8 July 2007}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/home/winners-of-the-51st-filmfare-awards_277404.html |title=Winners of the 51st Filmfare Awards |publisher=Zee News |date=22 February 2006 |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425121303/https://zeenews.india.com/home/winners-of-the-51st-filmfare-awards_277404.html |archive-date=25 April 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
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==Remake==
==Remake==
A [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] remake, titled [[Rowdy (2014 film)|Rowdy]] was made replacing the background of Marathi politics with that of South Indian factionism. Veteran actor [[Mohan Babu]] reprised the role portrayed by [[Amitabh Bachchan]] while his son [[Vishnu Manchu]] reprised the role played by [[Abhishek Bachchan]]. [[Rowdy (2014 film)|Rowdy]] released on 4 April 2014 to positive reviews from critics but was a moderate commercial success, grossing approximately Rs 8 Crores in its full run.
A [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] remake, titled ''[[Rowdy (2014 film)|Rowdy]]'', was made replacing the background of Marathi politics with that of Rayalaseema Factionism. Veteran actor [[Mohan Babu]] reprised the role portrayed by [[Amitabh Bachchan]], while his son, [[Vishnu Manchu]], reprised the role played by Abhishek Bachchan. ''Rowdy'' released on 4 April 2014 to positive reviews from critics, but was a moderate commercial success, grossing approximately {{Indian rupee}}8 crores in its theatrical run.


==Sequel==
==Sequel==
A sequel titled [[Sarkar Raj|''Sarkar Raj'']] was released on 6 June 2008 with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Abhishek Bachchan]] (who reprise their roles from the original) and new entrant [[Aishwarya Rai Bachchan]]. [[Supriya Pathak]], [[Tanisha Mukherjee]] and [[Ravi Kale]] also reappeared in their respective roles from ''Sarkar''. The film released on 6 June 2008, was both critically and commercially successful.
A sequel titled ''[[Sarkar Raj]]'' was released on 6 June 2008 with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Abhishek Bachchan]] (who reprise their roles from the original) with [[Aishwarya Rai Bachchan]]. [[Supriya Pathak]], [[Tanishaa|Tanishaa Mukerji]] and [[Ravi Kale]] also reprised in their respective roles from ''Sarkar''. The film released on 6 June 2008, was both critically and commercially successful.


== See also ==
== See also ==


* [[The Godfather|''The Godfather'']] (1972) by [[Francis Ford Coppola]] from which this ''Sarkar's'' story and lead characters are adapted and have similarities.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-04-15|title=Hindi Movies That Have Been Inspired, Remade Or Simply Lifted From Hollywood|url=https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-popular/hindi-movies-that-have-been-inspired-remade-or-simply-lifted-from-hollywood/|access-date=2021-12-06|website=Koimoi|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=MumbaiJuly 1|first1=Tiasa Bhowal|last2=July 8|first2=2021UPDATED|last3=Ist|first3=2021 17:46|title=Is Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar a fitting tribute to The Godfather? On Throwback Thursday|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/standpoint/story/is-ram-gopal-varma-s-sarkar-a-befitting-tribute-to-the-godfather-on-throwback-thursday-1821698-2021-07-01|access-date=2021-12-06|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
* ''[[The Godfather]]'' (1972) by [[Francis Ford Coppola]] from which this ''Sarkar's'' story and lead characters are adapted and have similarities.<ref name="koimoi.com"/><ref name="Tiasa Bhowal"/>


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
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== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
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{{Ram Gopal Varma}}
{{Ram Gopal Varma}}
{{The Godfather}}
{{The Godfather}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sarkar (Film)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sarkar (Film)}}
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[[Category:Indian sequel films]]
[[Category:Indian gangster films]]
[[Category:Indian gangster films]]
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[[Category:Indian crime drama films]]
[[Category:Indian crime drama films]]
[[Category:Films set in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Films set in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Indian political thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian political thriller films]]
[[Category:2005 crime drama films]]
[[Category:2005 crime drama films]]
[[Category:2000s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2005 Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2005 crime thriller films]]
[[Category:2005 crime thriller films]]
[[Category:2005 films]]
[[Category:2005 films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Amar Mohile]]
[[Category:Films scored by Amar Mohile]]
[[Category:Amit Roy]]<!--Cinematographer of the film-->
[[Category:Films about dysfunctional families]]
[[Category:Films about dysfunctional families]]
[[Category:Films about organised crime in India]]
[[Category:Films about organised crime in India]]
[[Category:Films directed by Ram Gopal Varma]]
[[Category:Films directed by Ram Gopal Varma]]
[[Category:Works based on The Godfather]]
[[Category:Works based on The Godfather]]
[[Category:Films about father–son relationships]]
[[Category:Films based on American crime novels]]
[[Category:Films based on organized crime novels]]
[[Category:Films about families]]
[[Category:Films based on adaptations]]
[[Category:Films shot in Mumbai]]

Latest revision as of 17:27, 3 March 2026


For the Tamil film, see Sarkar (2018 film).

Sarkar
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRam Gopal Varma
Produced byParag Sanghvi
Ram Gopal Varma
Written byManish Gupta
Starring
Music bySongs:
Bapi–Tutul
Prasanna Shekhar
Score:
Amar Mohile
CinematographyAmit Roy
Edited byNitin Gupta
Amit Parmar
Production
company
RGV Film Company
Distributed byKSS Limited
Sahara One Motion Pictures
Release date
  • 1 July 2005 (2005-07-01)
Running time
123 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹140 million[1]
Box office₹393 million[1]

Sarkar (transl. Leader) is a 2005 Indian Hindi-language political crime drama film directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Kay Kay Menon, Katrina Kaif, Tanishaa Mukerji, Supriya Pathak, Kota Srinivasa Rao, and Anupam Kher.[2] It is the first installment of the Sarkar film series.

An unofficial remake of The Godfather; it spawned two sequels: Sarkar Raj (2008) and Sarkar 3 (2017). Sarkar was premiered at the New York Asian Film Festival and released in India on 1 July 2005.[3] The film is preserved at the American Academy of Motion Pictures library.[4]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Subhash Nagre, who is known by his followers as Sarkar, lives in Mumbai. The opening scenes show a rape victim's father approaching Sarkar for justice (which the corrupt law and order system has failed to deliver), which Sarkar promptly establishes by having the rapist beaten up by his henchmen. His son Vishnu plays a sleazy producer who is more interested in the film actress Sapna than his wife Amrita. Sarkar's other, more upright son Shankar returns from the United States with his love Pooja after completing his education there. Pooja's doubts about Sarkar's image eventually cause Shankar, who firmly believes in his father's righteousness, to break up with her.

One day, a Dubai-based don, Rasheed, tries to strike a deal with Sarkar; he promptly refuses on moral grounds and also forbids him from doing it himself. Rasheed tries to eliminate Sarkar's supremacy with the help of Selvar Mani, Sarkar's former associate, MLA Vishram Bhagat, and Swami Virendra. Meanwhile, they trap Sarkar by assassinating a righteous, upright, Ahinsa political leader and an outspoken critic of Sarkar, Motilal Khurana, and frame Sarkar for the murder. Everyone, including Vishnu, believes that Sarkar is guilty, but Shankar has deep faith in his father. Sarkar is arrested and imprisoned. Shankar now takes over the position of Sarkar temporarily. On learning of a plot to murder his father in prison, he approaches the police commissioner and asks him to arrange stronger security for his father, only for the commissioner to mock Shankar and his father beside not providing protection. Shankar gets a feeling that the police commissioner wants Sarkar to get murdered. Shankar and Khansaab, one of Sarkar's men, try to ask Mani for help to prevent possible murder, but Mani ultimately betrays them when he reveals that he is in an alliance with Rasheed. Rasheed prepares to kill Shankar and Khansaab, but only Khansaab is killed when he decides to sacrifice himself for Shankar. By the time Shankar reaches the prison and appropriate action is taken, the attempt on Sarkar's life is already made. Sarkar is later acquitted. He remains bedridden as Shankar takes on Sarkar's enemies.

Meanwhile, Mani, Swami, Vishram, and Rasheed try to convince Vishnu to murder Sarkar. Vishnu was previously expelled from Sarkar's house because he had murdered the actor who was having an affair with Sapna. Vishnu returns home pretending to have repented. When he approaches Sarkar in the dark of the night with the intent of murdering him, Shankar foils his plan and later kills him. Shankar eliminates Rasheed, Vishram, and Selvar Mani. He also succeeds in making Swami his puppet. Shankar has also realised that Chief Minister Madan Rathod was really behind everything; Rasheed and everyone else were merely pawns. This results in legal action against Rathod. The closing scenes show a woman approaching Shankar for justice to a fake encounter of her husband by the police and calling Shankar the Sarkar, while Subhash is busy with family.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

Sarkar's director Ram Gopal Varma was deeply influenced by the Francis Ford Coppola's Hollywood classic The Godfather (1972), which he mentions in the opening credits of the film. He changed the film's setting to modern-day Mumbai.[5][6]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

Sarkar
Soundtrack album by
Bapi–Tutul and Prasanna Shekhar
Released27 June 2005 (2005-06-27)[7]
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length33:35
LanguageHindi
LabelT-Series

The soundtrack was composed by Bapi–Tutul and Prasanna Shekhar with lyrics written by Sandeep Nath.

Tracklist
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Deen Bandhu"Reeta Ganguly4:36
2."Deen Bandhu Theme" 4:24
3."Govinda – Song"Amitabh Bachchan, Kailash Kher, Bapi, Tutul2:59
4."Govinda – Trance"Bapi, Tutul, Janaki3:25
5."Jitni Oochaeeyan"Krishna, Farhad3:27
6."Mujhe Jo Sahi Lagta Hai"Amitabh Bachchan, Kailash Kher3:03
7."Sam Dam Bhed"Kailash Kher3:29
8."Shaher, Shaher Ke Hazaron Sawal"Kailash Kher3:54
9."The Govinda Omen"Choir1:58
10."The Want For Power"Krishna, Farhad, Prasana Shekhar2:04

Reception[edit | edit source]

Raja Sen of Rediff said that the film "had the potential to be great. It turns out to be passable."[8] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama praised the movie saying that, "Sarkar is without doubt an interesting film. The story, its execution, the performances, the drama… The outcome leaves you spellbound." but criticized the slow pacing of the film and gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.[9] William Thomas of Empire Online gave the film a rating of 4 out of 5 saying that, "Constructed with flair and crackling with intelligence, this is one of the most edgiest and grittiest releases to come out of Bollywood in years."[10]

Accolades[edit | edit source]

Award[lower-alpha 1] Date of ceremony[lower-alpha 2] Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Bollywood Movie Awards 10 June 2006 Best Film Sarkar – Parag Sanghvi, Varun Sanghvi Nominated [11]
Best Director Ram Gopal Varma Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Abhishek Bachchan Nominated
Best Villain Kay Kay Menon Nominated
Zakir Hussain Nominated
Best Editing Nitin Gupta, Amit Parmar Nominated
Filmfare Awards 25 February 2006 Best Director Ram Gopal Varma Nominated [12]
[13]
Best Actor Amitabh Bachchan Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Abhishek Bachchan Won
Best Performance in a Negative Role Kay Kay Menon Nominated
International Indian Film Academy Awards 15–17 June 2006 Best Actor Amitabh Bachchan Nominated [14]
[15]
Best Supporting Actor Abhishek Bachchan Won
Producers Guild Film Awards 21 January 2006 Best Editing Nitin Gupta Won [16]
Screen Awards 11 January 2006 Best Director Ram Gopal Varma Nominated [17]
Best Supporting Actor Abhishek Bachchan Nominated
Best Actor in a Negative Role Kay Kay Menon Nominated
Best Background Music Amar Mohile Nominated
Best Editing Nitin Gupta, Amit Parmar Nominated
Best Sound Kunal Mehta, Parikshit Lalwani Nominated
Zee Cine Awards 4 March 2006 Best Film Sarkar – Ram Gopal Varma Nominated [18]
[19]
Best Director Ram Gopal Varma Nominated
Best Screenplay Nominated
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Male Abhishek Bachchan Won
Best Performance in a Negative Role Kay Kay Menon Nominated
Most Promising Debut – Female Katrina Kaif Nominated
Best Background Score Amar Mohile Nominated
Best Editing Nitin Gupta, Amit Parmar Nominated
Best Sound Kunal Mehta, Parikshit Lalwani Nominated

Remake[edit | edit source]

A Telugu remake, titled Rowdy, was made replacing the background of Marathi politics with that of Rayalaseema Factionism. Veteran actor Mohan Babu reprised the role portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, while his son, Vishnu Manchu, reprised the role played by Abhishek Bachchan. Rowdy released on 4 April 2014 to positive reviews from critics, but was a moderate commercial success, grossing approximately Template:Indian rupee8 crores in its theatrical run.

Sequel[edit | edit source]

A sequel titled Sarkar Raj was released on 6 June 2008 with Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan (who reprise their roles from the original) with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Supriya Pathak, Tanishaa Mukerji and Ravi Kale also reprised in their respective roles from Sarkar. The film released on 6 June 2008, was both critically and commercially successful.

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Awards, festivals and organizations are in alphabetical order.
  2. ↑ Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Sarkar – Movie". Box Office India. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  2. ↑ Raja Sen (30 June 2005). "Sarkar is just Godfather, dumbed-down". Rediff.com.
  3. ↑ David (16 June 2006). "The Films of Ram Gopal Varma – An Overview". Cinema Strikes Back. Archived from the original on 25 July 2009. Retrieved 22 February 2009.
  4. ↑ "Sarkar Raj makes it to the Academy of Motion Pictures library". Bollywood Hungama. 2 August 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Hindi Movies That Have Been Inspired, Remade Or Simply Lifted From Hollywood". Koimoi. 15 April 2015. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Tiasa Bhowal (8 July 2021). "Is Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar a fitting tribute to The Godfather? On Throwback Thursday". India Today. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  7. ↑ "Sarkar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". iTunes Store. 27 June 2005.
  8. ↑ "Sarkar is just Godfather, dumbed-down". Rediff.com.
  9. ↑ "Sarkar Review by Taran Adarsh". Bollywood Hungama. July 2005.3.5/5 stars
  10. ↑ "Sarkar Review – The Bollywood version of the Godfather". Empire Online. 11 August 2023.4/5 stars
  11. ↑ "Nominees of Bollywood Movie Awards". Bollywood Movie Awards. Archived from the original on 3 November 2006. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  12. ↑ "The 51st Filmfare Awards 2006 Nominations". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 July 2007. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  13. ↑ "Winners of the 51st Filmfare Awards". Zee News. 22 February 2006. Archived from the original on 25 April 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  14. ↑ "IIFA 2006 Nominees". Bollywood Hungama. IndiaFM News Bureau. 6 May 2006. Archived from the original on 11 November 2006. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  15. ↑ "'Black' bags major IIFA awards". The Tribune. Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Press Trust of India. 18 June 2006. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  16. ↑ "2nd Apsara Producers Guild Awards Winners". Producers Guild Film Awards. Archived from the original on 9 November 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
  17. ↑ "Nominations for 12th Annual Screen Awards". Bollywood Hungama. IndiaFM News Bureau. 3 January 2006. Archived from the original on 10 January 2006. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  18. ↑ "Zee Cine Awards 2006 nominations". Bollywood Hungama. IndiaFM News Bureau. 27 January 2006. Archived from the original on 17 November 2006. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  19. ↑ "Black dominates ZEE Cine Awards 2006". BizAsia. 4 March 2006. Retrieved 6 July 2021.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:The Godfather

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