Bollywood filmmaker Prakash Jha started his career by producing and directing documentaries, which helped him gain experience in filmmaking techniques and storytelling. Jha’s breakthrough came with his directorial debut Hip Hip Hurray in 1984. Since then, the director has established himself as a filmmaker known for his politically charged dramas and socially relevant narratives.
On the special occasion of Jha’s birthday, let us revive some of the masterpieces created by the talented director that have addressed various social issues through the medium of cinema.
Prakash Jha’s Blockbuster Hits
Here is the list of the top five films directed by Prakash Jha that illuminate the soul of Indian society.
1. Gangaajal
Platform: Zee5
The story centres around an honest police officer, played by Ajay Devgn, who gets transferred to a lawless town in Bihar. As the place is run by corrupted politicians, the protagonist is determined to bring about change and uphold the law in the town. The gripping crime drama serves as a social commentary on the state of law enforcement and governance in parts of India, shedding light on the challenges faced by honest officers in their fight against systemic corruption and injustice.
2. Apaharan
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
The crime drama revolves around the kidnapping industry prevalent in the fictional region of Bihar.
As Ajay struggles to find stable employment due to rampant corruption and nepotism, he decides to enter the lucrative business of kidnapping. The plot thickens as the protagonist finds himself caught between the police’s crackdown and the internal power struggles within the kidnapping syndicate.
3. Raajneeti
Platform: Netflix
The film is a modern-day adaptation of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, set in the political landscape of present-day India.
As the power struggle intensifies within the family members, the film delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power. The characters navigate a complex web of political intrigue, alliances, and betrayals, mirroring the intricacies of the epic Mahabharata.
Prakash Jha directorial stars Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee, Ranbir Kapoor, and Katrina Kaif in key roles.
4. Aarakshan
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
The movie addresses the controversial topic of caste-based reservations in the Indian education system.
The story revolves around Dr. Prabhakar Anand, played by Amitabh Bachchan, an idealistic college principal, who is deeply committed to providing quality education to all students regardless of their social background. Tensions escalate when the government announces a policy to implement reservations in private educational institutions.
5. Satyagraha
Platform: Zee5
The story revolves around a retired teacher whose son gets killed in a road accident caused by a corrupt and influential businessman. Deeply distraught by the injustice and corruption prevailing in society, the protagonist decides to seek justice for his son and embarks on a peaceful protest against the corrupt system.
The film explores themes of idealism, sacrifice, and the power of collective action in effecting social change. Moreover, it highlights the struggles and sacrifices of ordinary citizens who dare to challenge the corrupt establishment in pursuit of truth and justice.
With a career spanning decades, Prakash Jha has crafted cinematic masterpieces, each offering poignant commentary on contemporary issues. The filmmaker’s unwavering commitment to realism and his fearless portrayal of societal realities have earned him acclaim and cemented his legacy as a visionary filmmaker in Bollywood.