An old man running out of time. An actor running out of expressions. A director running out of touch. A writer running out of ideas and an audience running out of patience.
The story of Sarkar 3 is one of things running out. There is something about the franchise, yes it is one, that manages to pull in at least some audience. But like the last one, this one's let down by the writing.
There are some scenes I enjoyed. Many had Amitabh Bachchan and some had Manoj Bajpai, especially his speech scene. But there were simply too many scenes to sustain my interest. And most were very badly written. The dialogue leans on the original like a drunk on a lamp post. Sarkar, soch and aadmi are repeated adnauseam. The Marathi portions are shaky if not downright stilted. As regards the Plot(haha) I could give away the entire story and you would not curse me if you saw the film. It's that kind.
Technicals now, editing is non existent. This film could seriously use an editor. Even now isn't too late. The camera work swings between trademark and gimmicky. Though I quite enjoyed the dining table and the on the rocks shots. Atleast there is some thinking happening there. The art is pedestrian. The imagery focuses too much on a Lord Ganesh wall hanging in a rather eerie way. The Lord of auspicious beginnings overseeing many an end is a rather odd thought that comes. Later on I justify it with his Vignharta role.
By now I'm used to loud Ott soundtracks in movies. But the Govinda refrain And the Sarkar one grate. Badly used to create drama where there is none.
Acting is fine for those who have decided to do some of it in the film. AB, Manoj B, and and and yes the dolphins.... That's it. Those who didn't try included Sadh, Shroff, Gautam, Dhabolkar and pretty much everyone in the film. sadh gets the honours in the trying to act but failing miserably award. Every time he came on the screen, the film's standard of acting reached a new low. The film has too many bodyguard extras... Like those in Sarkars new teeny weeny compound strutting like defective peacocks on display.
And styling, why is everyone so anal about sunglasses? Which brand has sponsored? And who styled the women? So so 90s it's not funny.. the Moll event went swimming in her lingerie. I kid you not. What RGV, you thought we wouldn't know? Maybe you need a touch of KJo in your films. Trust me they could use it. As it is this one is far from the gritty brooding genre it is supposed to belong to. At least be a proper deviant.
I wish someone would give AB a role meaty enough for his ambition because he is raring to act. But he's like a batsman given a broken stick to bat with. So you will see a lot of thespianic flailing about. Felt bad for him. Not too much though for the will pick himself up and move on.
Like I will. It could have been a good turn in the larger story. But it is what it is.
