Raajneeti 2010

Drama

Romance

Crime

Box Office

$29M

Runtime

178 min

Language

Hindi

Directed by

Prakash Jha

Made by

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Raajneeti (2010). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.

Ramnath Rai serves as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, but things become complicated when his daughter, Bharti Rai, becomes involved in a youth movement led by the magnetic leader Bhaskar Sanyal. This rebellion against her father’s authority creates a rift within the family. As tensions rise, Bharti entangles herself romantically with Bhaskar, which leads to a moment of guilt and regret when Bhaskar decides to leave. This complicated situation unfolds further when Bharti gives birth to a son, whom Brij Gopal, Ramnath’s advisor, conspires to take away and abandon in the Ganges.

Fast forward thirty years, and Bharti’s child, Sooraj (played by [Ajay Devgan]), has grown up as the son of Chandra Pratap, a local celebrity adored by the Dalit community. Meanwhile, the political landscape remains turbulent with the return of Samar (portrayed by [Ranbir Kapoor]), Chandra’s son, from the United States for Bhanu Pratap’s birthday celebration. Samar’s aspirations clash with those of the ambitious Indu Saxena (played by [Katrina Kaif]), who desires a romantic relationship with him, but his interests lie elsewhere.

The political narrative thickens as Bhanu’s party, which has been in power for three consecutive terms, suddenly finds itself without a majority. In a calculated play, Ramnath is pressured to step down. However, as he contemplates his resignation, Bhanu suffers a debilitating stroke. This unfortunate event leads to Chandra being named the new party president, with his son Prithvi (played by [Arjun Rampal]) taking on the role of General Secretary, much to Veerendra’s (portrayed by [Manoj Bajpai]) discontent.

As elections draw near, tensions escalate when Sooraj boldly declares his candidacy for the Rastravadi party and confronts Prithvi during a core committee meeting, ultimately gaining support from Veerendra. Meanwhile, Indu boldly confesses her feelings for Samar, but he remains detached. Schemes abound, with Brij manipulating Chandra to strategically place Veerendra in a tough electoral spot, hinting at a conspiracy against him.

Samar, who initially planned to leave for the United States, finds himself drawn back into this whirlwind of betrayal when Chandra is assassinated, prompting him to seek revenge. As the layers of deception unravel, Prithvi finds himself in jail, and the political shenanigans intensify, leading to forced accusations against him.

Against this chaotic backdrop, Samar and Prithvi vow to retaliate during Chandra’s funeral. They disrupt Veerendra’s political rally, capturing public sympathy and reclaiming the narrative, but as desperation mounts, Veerendra resorts to ruthless measures to maintain control.

Samar’s engagement with Indu takes a twist when her family demands she marry Prithvi, igniting further chaos. The assassination of Chandra pulls even more strings, leading Samar down a dark path as he orchestrates deception against Veerendra. The stakes rise dramatically, ending in tragic losses that ripple through their interconnected lives.

As the election approaches, betrayal, love, and revenge culminate in a shocking climax where Indu emerges as the new Chief Minister, pregnant with Prithvi’s child, while Samar returns to the U.S. to care for Sarah’s mother and finally pursue his dreams academically. The treacherous dance of politics and personal entanglements leaves a trail of heartache and ambition, reshaping their lives forever.

Timeline

Track the key events of Raajneeti (2010) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.

Bharti's Rebellion

Bharti Rai, the daughter of Chief Minister Ramnath Rai, becomes involved in a youth movement led by the charismatic leader Bhaskar Sanyal. This act of rebellion against her father's authority creates significant tension within the family and sets the stage for a conflict of ideals.

Uttar Pradesh

Forbidden Romance

As Bharti delves deeper into the movement, she develops a romantic relationship with Bhaskar. Their passion, however, leads to guilt when Bhaskar decides to leave, leaving Bharti feeling abandoned and remorseful.

Birth of Sooraj

After a turbulent period, Bharti gives birth to a son, Sooraj, amidst the swirling chaos of her life's choices. Unknown to her, her father's advisor, Brij Gopal, concocts a plan to take her child and abandon him in the Ganges.

Ganges

Sooraj's Upbringing

Sooraj grows up as the son of Chandra Pratap, a revered celebrity among the Dalit community. He becomes a man shaped by both personal and political legacies, unaware of the complex history surrounding his birth.

30 years later

The Return of Samar

Samar, Chandra's son, returns from the United States for Bhanu Pratap's birthday celebration. His return stirs the pot of political ambitions as he confronts the challenges posed by his own desires and the expectations placed on him.

Power Struggles

The political landscape shifts significantly as Bhanu's party loses its majority after three successful terms. Ramnath's pressure to resign escalates the tension, leading to a precarious political environment.

Bhanu's Stroke

In a twist of fate, Bhanu suffers a debilitating stroke, creating a power vacuum within the party. This unfortunate incident leads to Chandra being named the new party president, with his son Prithvi assuming a key role.

Sooraj's Candidacy

As elections loom, Sooraj boldly declares his candidacy for the Rastravadi party, challenging the status quo and confronting Prithvi during a core committee meeting. This audacious move garners support from other key figures like Veerendra.

Confessions of Love

Indu Saxena reveals her feelings for Samar, but he remains emotionally detached, focused on the political turmoil surrounding him. This love triangle adds another layer of complexity to the evolving story.

Chandra's Assassination

The political narrative twists drastically when Chandra is suddenly assassinated. This tragic event propels Samar into a quest for vengeance against those he believes are responsible, marking a pivotal shift in his journey.

Retaliation and Public Sympathy

Following Chandra's death, Samar and Prithvi unite in their quest for justice, disrupting Veerendra's rally in a bid to reclaim the narrative. Their actions resonate with the public, turning the tide of sympathy in their favor.

Descent into Chaos

As tensions rise, Veerendra resorts to ruthless measures to maintain his power, showcasing the violent lengths to which politicians will go. This creates further animosity and sets the stage for deeper conflicts.

Marriage Dilemma

Indu's family demands that she marry Prithvi, complicating the already tense dynamics between the characters. This situation ignites further chaos, fueling existing rivalries and unrequited loves.

Victory and Transformation

In a surprising climax, Indu rises to the position of Chief Minister, further entangled in the web of politics as she discovers she is pregnant with Prithvi’s child. This transformation alters the trajectory of everyone involved.

A Return and New Beginnings

Samar returns to the United States, leaving the chaotic political arena behind as he decides to prioritize his academic aspirations and family responsibilities. The turbulent journey leaves lasting effects on the characters involved.

United States

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Raajneeti (2010) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.

Ramnath Rai

As the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Ramnath Rai is a pivotal figure whose authority is challenged by family dynamics and political upheaval. His decisions, influenced by personal aspirations and familial loyalty, set off a chain of events that escalate the tension within the narrative.

👔 Leadership 🗳️ Authority

Bharti Rai

The daughter of Ramnath, Bharti becomes a symbol of rebellion against her father's political legacy. Her choices, particularly her romantic involvement with Bhaskar, create a rift that intensifies the drama, leading to significant repercussions for herself and her family.

👩‍🎤 Rebellion 💔 Love

Sooraj

Sooraj is the offspring of Bharti and is raised in the shadow of his mother's tumultuous past. Embodying the hopes of a new generation, he enters the political arena with aspirations that clash with traditional power structures, highlighting his growth amid chaos.

🌟 Aspirations 🚀 Growth

Samar

Returning from the United States, Samar finds himself ensnared in familial and political conflicts. His journey evolves from seeking personal ambitions to grappling with the implications of revenge and loyalty, making him a complex character amid the unfolding drama.

🌍 Diaspora ⚔️ Revenge

Indu Saxena

Ambitious and determined, Indu desires a romantic relationship with Samar while navigating her political aspirations. Her character embodies the struggle between personal desires and the harsh realities of political maneuvering, culminating in unexpected outcomes.

👩‍💼 Ambition 💖 Romance

Setting

Uncover the settings of Raajneeti (2010), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.

Time period

Contemporary

The film spans over several decades, reflecting the complexities of Indian politics and societal dynamics. The contemporary political landscape is portrayed through the lens of familial conflicts and shifting power balances, showcasing the challenges faced by leaders and citizens alike.

Location

Uttar Pradesh, Ganges

Uttar Pradesh is a northern Indian state known for its rich cultural heritage and political stature. The Ganges River, which flows through the state, is sacred in Indian culture and serves as a significant setting for the events in the film, symbolizing life, death, and political corruption.

🏞️ Natural Beauty 🏙️ Politics

Themes

Explore the core themes of Raajneeti (2010). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.

⚖️

Power Struggles

The movie delves into the intricate web of political power dynamics and betrayals. Characters navigate a turbulent landscape where ambitions clash, and moral lines blur amid the quest for authority. The stakes are amplified as personal relationships become intertwined with political agendas.

💔

Love and Betrayal

Interpersonal relationships are profoundly affected by the themes of love and betrayal. The romantic entanglements among the characters lead to pivotal moments that influence their political decisions, showcasing how personal and political lives are often inseparable.

🍼

Legacy

Legacy plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' identities and motivations. The impact of past decisions reverberates through generations, particularly evident in how Bharti's choices affect her son Sooraj and the subsequent political landscape, illustrating the enduring influence of family history.