Satyameva Jayate, the Telugu remake of Rajkumar Santoshi's Khakhee has Dr Rajasekhar taking on Amitabh Bachchan's role. This version is made more in sync with the times and therefore well adapted and amended. The film, which opens with attacks in Vizag, also shows the recent terrorist attacks on the Taj.
Jeeweta Rajasekhar, wife of Dr Rajasekhar and former actress directs, Satyameva Jayate, which is written (actually one should say, suitably modified by the hero) Dr Rajasekhar himself. The movie is in large parts fairly similar to Khakee including the name of the character of the accused 'terrorist' Dr Iqbal Ansari (Atul Kulkarni).
Sathya is passionate about his job. He even prevents an attempt on the chief minister's life by terrorist Ranadev. Due to that Sathya loses his wife. Thankful to him, the chief minister (played by real minister Satyanarayana) assigns Sathya (after he returns from his treatment) with the task of escorting Dr Iqbal Ansari to court. Sathya is accompanied by cops Prathap (Sivaji), Basara Papa (Neetu Chandra) and Satti. Mahalakshmi too joins them as she has to be escorted to Hyderabad. This is a tough ordeal for all of them as danger lurks every where. The police-politician nexus (between commissioner and home minister played by Sayaji Shinde) is brought out and another angle of the 'terrorist' (Ranadev) is added.
A bit of native flavour has been induced in Satyameva Jayate and therein lies the change.
The movie has its share of songs including the item number Aisa Jadoo (in Telugu) by Lara Dutta. The writing has been changed but somehow the twists and turns aren't that thrilling. The climax too is a wee bit different and here the onus is on the hero Dr Rajasekhar. Also, the performance of the cast in Satyameva Jayate barring Dr Rajasekhar, Sayaji Shinde and to some extent Milind Soman (his Telugu debut), is not impressive.
Comparisons are bound to be made and it's only Dr Rajasekhar who carries the film on his shoulders. He displays the right emotions -- toughness and gentleness -- when required. There's no doubt he's worked on the script and his acting.
For Shinde, such roles are a cakewalk. Shivaji is just about okay while Milind Soman, though not menacing, plays the modern 'terrorist' to the hilt. Neetu Chandra is pretty professional as the cop. Atul Kulkarni is his usual self and does not have too much to do.
Jeeweta has done a fairly good job in the directorial department. On the whole, watching this movie may give you a sense of deja vu. But for those who haven't seen Khakee, it may offer something different.
Rediff Rating: