Prakash Jha: A Master Of Socially Charged Cinema

Gangaajal: The Holy Weapon

It is a 2003 crime drama film written, directed, co-produced, and edited by Prakash Jha. The cast includes Ajay Devgn in the lead, Mohan Joshi, Yashpal Sharma, Mohan Agashe, Akhilendra Mishra, Mukesh Tiwari, Ayub Khan, Anup Soni, and many others in pivotal roles. It was released in August 2003 and received several accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues.

Apaharan
Directed by Prakash Jha, Apaharan is a story that revolves around a complex relationship and clashing ideologies between a father and son set in the backdrop of the kidnapping industry in the eastern state of Bihar, India. The action-thriller movie, released in 2005, also featured Ajay Devgn, Bipasha Basu, and Nana Patekar in the lead roles and was declared a semi-hit at the box office.

Raajneeti
Prakash Jha is known for casting ensemble casts in his films. Raajneeti depicted an archetypal fight between opposing political dynasties and parties and starred an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee, and Naseeruddin Shah. Despite facing controversy, it received positive reviews from critics.

Mrityudand
Mrityudand was a timeless classic. The film, helmed by Prakash Jha, revolved around the story of three women dominated by a patriarchal society and their struggles to overcome it. It stars Madhuri Dixit, Shabana Azmi, Ayub Khan, Mohan Agashe, and Om Puri. The film was critically acclaimed and considered one of the best movies of Madhuri Dixit.

Damul
The 1985 film Damul, set in rural Bihar in 1984, focuses on the subjugation of the lower castes in the area through bonded labour and caste politics. His cinema portrays the state’s complicated social and political dynamics. It features Annu Kapoor, Sreela Majumdar, Manohar Singh, Deepti Naval, Ranjan Kamath, and Pyare Mohan Sahay in lead roles. (ANI)