My take on Leader & why it works for me.
Finally, I managed to watch Leader amongst movie-goers in the theatre. Its my first viewing. I like the film on the whole. Even the greatest of classics are not flawless, so is this film. This article is not intended to point the flaws too. Nor give suggestions to the filmmakers – most of them in the industry are more accomplished then me in filmmaking. I just want to point out what worked for me in the film as a movie-buff. And also congratulate Shekar Kammula, Rana and AVM on making a good film.
Eliminating corruption impossible : Many idealistic movies are made, where hero is able to eliminate corruption completely (Tagore, Oke Okkadu, Gentleman). While I love those movies, age and experience taught me that they’re not possible in real life. It’s imbibed in the system at every level. The hero though starts at an idealistic note, later is willing to adapt. He agrees to drop cases against MLAs, so that they agree to the anti-corruption bill. The logic – even if you cant eliminate corruption totality, reduce it to as much as possible.
The contribution of beaurocracy : In a lot of the movies we see, its always shown that only political leaders run the state. While they are the ones who rule, the beaurocracy like IAS, collectors and police chiefs are the invisible hands most don’t see. They advice politicians on policies implement his vision and make his job easier with their intelligence and efficiency. In this movie they are shown as an integral part of the government. Their relation is more like a CEO and mid-level staff. Good top-level execs alone aren’t enough for him to implement his vision.
Hero’s acceptance of defeat : Realizing that ‘situations’ are forcing him to become like any other politician he accepts defeat and resigns from his post as a Chief Minister. Again this is idealistic, but in commercial cinema we cannot end it like that. It will give a wrong message that the system cannot be changed. The climax portion was convincing in cinematic terms.
Hero’s helplessness in delivering justice : I think this whole episode was handled fantastically. The hero knows he has no option but to let go a rapist to remain in power. The confrontation between Rana and the bailed rapist is brilliant. His confession of helplessness to the rape victim’s father and the father’s dialogs expressing mistrust in politicians is hard-hitting. Kudos!
Maa Telugu thalliki Mallepoo dhanda : I think it’s a noble idea to use this song as a background score. It gave me the goosebumps. The song is so relevant to our state in today’s time which reminds that despite differences between us, we’re all Telugu.
Further viewing : Political thrillers is a genre that appeals to me. Some films are realistic, some cinematic. I would like to mention some lesser known films instead of popular ones. I am sure there are many movies in other languages I am not aware of. Tell about them in the comments section and I shall include it.
1) Operation Duryodhana – Made on a shoe-string budget, this movie is a satire. Most populist films show politicians at corrupt and public as innocent. But this film shows that the public is also at fault.
2) Tamizhan (tamil film) – This Vijay and Priyanka Chopra starrer is a must-watch for genre fans. Its about a law graduate who educates the common man on how the people of power suppress them wrongly as they don’t know how law works and what are the rights they’re entitled to.
3) Saamanyudu – A more cinematic, than realistic film. Its about an editor who blackmails a corrupt home-minister into doing good things and finally turning a good man. A good watch, none the less.
Share This Post!
20 Comments to “My take on Leader & why it works for me.”
Be Updated!
Though the filmmakers are more experienced in movie making than the viewers….there is no wrong with audience, expressing the flaws in the movie as audience point of view..After all,its the audience who has to judge the movie.So,i would appreciate if u can write abt the flaws too as a viewer…:)
Shekar Kammula only concentrated on 1Lakh crores. I didn’t like it. There is no proper projection of common man problems.Moreover the love track episode spoiled the momentum of the film.
Liked the review!!! The hard hitting conversation betwn the old man and the C.M squatting on
the floor is a slap to the entire political system..!!!
goosebumps gauranteed with the soundtracks in the film !!kudos sekhar and rana
I’m shocked you did not mention the classic masterpiece “Iruvar”. The film released in 1997 was way ahead of its time. Awesome work by Mani Ratnam and great performances by Mohan Lal and Aishwarya Rai (yes, it was Ash’s first film, yet she did an awesome job, unbelievable performance). It is one of Mani Ratnam’s finest movies. That’s how a political film should be like. Anyway, that’s how I feel. Would be nice if you shared your thoughts about the film (if you watched the film, that is, of course)
Nevertheless, nice review, would’ve been nicer if you’d mentioned where the film (Leader) goes wrong or what its flaws were. Good job anways.
Nice One. But the contradictory point is projecting all politicians so far as corrupted and not leaders .. he shud have mentioned that its present scenario. We can not deny great leaders like Pucchalapalli sundarayya etc.
Shekhar Kammula always gives a cool and realistic movie than emotionally charged one. So, there might be some mismatch with content and delivery style. But i hope it pleasures the audience in ocming days.
Also ,what i have observed is that this genre based movies always are hit commercially, even when they give a negative talk in the beginning.Even Rajasekhar,(no offence but)film Evadaithe Naakenti was hit.I think people are eager for a change and so the related genre movies are widely accepted.
PS: Even Tagore gave a negative talk on first day.(when i saw in theatre, people were disappointed on first day).
Hi,
First of all, I have to say that your blog is amazing and rocking and about what you asked….
I can’t think of many Indian movies, which could fall under the political thriller category other than Stalin since you mentioned the ones I know already. However, there are some which I have watched in other languages; such as, The Interpreter, Fahrenheit 451, The Manchurian Candidate, 2009 Lost Memories, City hall, and Black Sunday.
Dude, not to divert the subject or anything… but I have been reading your articles recently. You address many topics and questions dealing with telugu cinema, in a thorough, and factual manner. If I could suggest the topic of your next article, I would recommend the reason(s) for the growth of Telugu Cinema in America from 2005 till present day. I have my own reasoning(s), but it would be very interesting to see what you come up with… being such “a film buff.”
after a very long time, there is a movie without any outdoor shoots, no fights, no VULGAR COMEDY, no double meaning dailouges, no nonsense..
i always used to think y our telugu film makers dont come up with an idea of WHAT CAN BE MADE TO MAKE THE POLITICAL SYSTEM better than for commenting on the current system.
lets take MAHATMA for eg. In that film, krishna vamsi , in almost many of the scenes in the first half tried his maximum to comment on the current political parties, their agendas, the film industry, etc and stuff and tried to prove the hero’s principles to be the better ones than the already existing ones.. huh! to what i feel, in order to be a hero, u need not comment on others and say “listen, i’m the best amongst these guys”..
edhiti vadi kana nenu THOP, THURUM ani cheppi hero avvadam kanna, naa principles ivi ani chepadam better.. ( eg: oke okkadu)
sekhar kammula tried proving things on what i expected.. really gud..
Dialouges are superb.. first half is too gud..
n yea, gud analysis sirish..
.. i’m a regular reader of ur blog although i never comment.. i luved this article and jus wanted to express what i felt.. 
all the best..
Hi sirish,
I always observe that your post will always show Baised with your film industry and your frnds…dnt you think???
-Cheers