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Produced and Directed by: Prakash Jha
Starring: Ajay Devgan, Gracy Singh, Ayub Khan, Mukesh Tiwari, Mohan Joshi, Yashpal Sharma, Akhilendra Mishra

The art of storytelling is a boon granted to few, and Prakash Jha is one of that lucky minority. His latest film, 'Gangaajal' unfolds in Tejpur, which is being ruled by its self-crowned kingpin, aged contractor Sadhu Yadav (Mohan Joshi), and his son, Sundar (Yashpal Sharma). Caught up in a cauldron of sleaze and politics, the police force of Tejpur cowers on Yadav's every word. Even arrests, cover-ups and encounters are carried out at his command.

Amidst this sad state of affairs steps in new Superintendent of Police, Amit Kumar (Ajay Devgan), who is an upright citizen preferring to live by the book. However, the SP's attempt to cleanse Tejpur of evil backfires when ordinary citizens, taking a cue from the police force, decide to administer justice on their own. A folly that threatens to devastate the very soul of civilised society and create a mad jungle where the ordinary citizen ironically becomes a criminal in order to punish criminals.

Prakash Jha uses the horrific Bhagalpur blindings as a backdrop and tries to divulge the logical ending of a society crazed into violence against violence. The filmmaker lives up to expectations and delivers yet another hard-hitting tale that makes one sit up and think. Especially touching are the scenes where Amit Kumar's juniors have a change of heart and decide to sacrifice life and honour for their hero and their combined beliefs.

Jha has extracted the best from the cast. Gracy Singh, who plays Anuradha - Amit's wife and confidante and conscience becomes the one remaining ray of hope for him, to emerge from his desperate struggle to lead a life of righteousness. Ajay Devgan, who has just received the National Award amidst controversy, vindicates his talent (not that we doubted that) and comes out with flying fists and even higher flying colours as far as emotive abilities are concerned.

Supported by a flawless script (written by the director himself), Jha's efforts are ably complemented by art director Sukant Panigrahi, and cinematographer Arvind K. All in all, an entertaining film which has been well received by critics and the public alike.