There is much anticipation over Prakash Jha’s ‘Satyagraha’, which has a huge star cast comprising Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpayee, Arjun Rampal, Kareena Kapoor and Amrita Rao. 

The trailer that released with ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’ sadly disappoints… big time.

A mammoth crowd being lathi-charged, a reporter aka Kareena Kapoor shouting on top of her voice, “Avishwas, dhokha, zabardast gussa hai logon ke beech, kya yeh ek nayi revolution ki shuruat hai?” And as the Gandhian tribute “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” hums in the background, we see glimpses of Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Rampal, Ajay Devgn and Amrita Rao staging a candlelight protest. The next few frames plainly show what ‘Satyagraha’ is all about – the fight for truth, justice and the fight for one’s rights. And the last frame reveals Manoj Bajpayee, the routine antagonist of Prakash Jha’s films lately.

All seen several times in Prakash Jha’s earlier films ‘Rajneeti,’ ‘Aarakshan’, ‘Apaharan’, ‘Gangaajal’, sadly the trailer of ‘Satyagraha’ is no less than a repeat telecast of his films. Menu card is a word synonymous to his work all based on social and political issues. Same old shots and same preachy dialogues. Where has the innovation and novelty disappeared, Mr Jha?

Considering the fact that ‘Satyagraha’ is a remake of a powerful Tamil film ‘Ko’, which focused on political power and the rise of a naxalite leader, there is nothing of it, which appeals in the trailer. It may have the right intention, but it lacks soul and depth.

Disappointing. This one lacks the fire and the punch.

‘Satyagraha’ directed by National Award winning director Prakash Jha, releases on 23 August.