CORRUPTION & CASTE DISCRIMINATION EXPOSED IN ‘AARAKSHAN’ *ing AMITABH BACHCHAN

CORRUPTION AND CASTE DISCRIMINATION EXPOSED IN RELIANCE ENTERTAINMENT’S ‘AARAKSHAN’ 

One of the most controversial and thought-provoking films to emerge from India this year, based on true accounts, releasing in UK and Worldwide on 12th August 2011 

The debate and discussion will heat up this summer as Reliance Entertainment’s ‘Aarakshan’, a high voltage, socio-political drama based on one of the most contentious Indian government policies of caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions, releases in cinemas in UK and worldwide on 12^th August 2011.  

From the makers of ‘Raajneeti’, one of the top grossing Indian films of 2010, and based on real life events, ‘Aarakshan’ is directed by the country’s most fearless and hailed director, Prakash Jha who exposes the corruption and caste discrimination rife in India’s political and educational system.

Flawless and compelling performances are delivered by the Indian film fraternity’s finest acting talent, spearheaded by veteran of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan (Black, Zanjeer, Sholay). Appearing alongside the screen icon are major artists from the industry’s younger generation including the formidable Saif Ali Khan (Dil Chata Hai, Omkara, Kurbaan) beguiling starlet Deepika Padukone (Om Shanti Om, Love Aaj Kal, Housefull) and rising star of the Indian screen, Prateik (Dum Maaro Dum, Dhobi Ghat).

Delivering exceptional supporting roles are industry veterans Manoj Bajpayee, Shabana Azmi, Tanvi Azmi and Hema Malini.  Set against the rural backdrop of Bhopal, ‘Aarakshan’.

The film exposes many issues prevalent in contemporary society, even in the UK – issues such as multi-faith integration and ethnic minority quotas for certain government jobs – to the extent of disregarding meritocracy.  ‘Aarakshan’ reflects how such rules ignite resentment and instead of discouraging discrimination, often institutionalise it, thereby perpetrating marginalisation and alienation.  

Synopsis: ‘Aarakshan’ is weaved around the central character, ‘Prabhakar Anand’ (Amitabh Bachchan), the legendary idealistic principal of a college that he has single-handedly turned into the state's most respected. ‘Deepak Kumar’ (Saif Ali Khan) is his loyal disciple and protégé, who will do anything for his teacher and unequivocally follows his mentor’s every principle.

Deepak also loves his tutor’s idealistic daughter, ‘Poorbi’ (Deepika Padukone) and shares an exemplary friendship with ‘Sushant’ (Prateik). The story conveys their love, their exuberant friendship, their zest for life, their ideals and their dreams for the future. Suddenly shedding light on one of the most controversial socio-political issues of recent years, with the Indian Supreme Court's order on reservations, the narrative suddenly becomes a rollercoaster ride of high drama, conflict, and rebellion, which tests their love and friendship for one another to the core and their loyalty to Prabhakar Anand.

 Prepare for a controversial exploration of the corruption and caste discrimination that continue to hold back one of the world’s emerging superpowers and tie it to the dark ages, as Reliance Entertainment’s ‘Aarakshan’ causes waves across the nation and beyond from 12^th August 2011.