Enter the dark world of the Naxalites, India’s version of the Maoists, fighting for their land even as they brave all odds, foremost among them being an apathetic government, corrupt politicians and cops, and a host of other ills including betrayal within their own ranks, as well as greedy entrepreneurs and land-grabbers.
In a land that is teeming with the poor who have all but fallen off the face of the earth, what we have here is a complex and morally ambivalent world where the essential theme of egregious socio-economic inequality in the world’s largest democracy, also known as India, is seen through the characters of two friends.
Mr. Arjun Rampal wears his khaki uniform quite well and presents a believable front to representing the government’s good intentions in restoring law and order deep in the wilderness of Madhya Pradesh, a state close in proximity to the booming metropolis of Mumbai, but eons away from civilization what with their tribal populations steeped in illiteracy and poverty.
In the face of such adverse circumstances, the viewer is almost sympathetic to the cause of these dispossessed masses, political ideologies be damned. But one’s loyalties are swayed rapidly between the Naxalites and the government in the garb of the able Mr. Rampal. The loyal friend and ally of Mr. Rampal– a college friend– does a fine job in supporting Mr. Rampal’s cause but changes loyalties and one wonders if his point of view isn’t actually the right one.
Despite its unhinged moments, Chakravyuh does have a sense of ongoing drama and impending catastrophe which keeps the moment alive. And this could have been achieved even without the occasional song-and-dance that was sprinkled throughout– did we really need that?!
Overall, this was another thought-provoking story that hopefully will have an impact on the geo-political and socio-economic status of a minority community that could use some attention.
