MOVIE REVIEW: CORPORATE (2006)

Producer: Sahara Ones Motion Pictures
Executive Producer: Percept Pictures Company
Director: Madhur Bhandarkar
Cast: Bipasha Basu, Kay Kay, Raj Babbar, Rajat Kapoor, Lillete Dubey, Minissha Lamba, Sameer Dattani and Bharat Dhabolkar
Music: Shamir Tandon

The man behind the flicks of different natures – ‘Aaan, Trishakti, Chandni Bar, Satta and Page 3’ – Madhur Bhandarkar whacks again with his latest eagerly-awaited enterprise, ‘Corporate’. After winning huge applauds and National Award for the previous blockbuster ‘Page 3’, Bhandarkar’s ‘Corporate’ is being expected to hit the hearts and ignite the box office. And yes, it does it.

The movies, which actually shoved him to heights and added stars on his repertoire, are ‘Chandni Bar’, ‘Satta’ and ‘Page 3’. But ‘Page 3’ is the one that got him really popular in the world and helped the people judge and see this dexterous filmmaker’s abilities to chew up the films of class. The flicks – ‘Chandni Bar’, ‘Satta’ and ‘Page 3’ are those, which carry such innovative subjects that no filmmaker has ever touched to churn out movies on. These are the subjects which can be found in our society and our surroundings widely, which we even don’t notice of or just see and walk ahead. Madhur picks them up for us to munch the films on. Here emerge the intelligence and intellectuality of the man who gets his eyes opened and witnesses the surroundings and then masticates the alluring journeys to get his audience take joy-rides along.

‘Corporate’ the latest offering of Madhur Bhandarkar looks enticing from many aspects. But the main aspect, which drags the viewers’ attention, is the focus on the rudiments of the Corporate World – the world that is filled with the ritzy lifestyle and posh offices. This…most of the hoi polloi audience does not know or has seen it in actual life.

Most of the times in Hindi films, the well-written stories are narrated by the inexperienced and bungling minds thus resulting in an utter collapse of the film. Because if the creative idea is not narrated aptly, the impact instantly falls flat since the viewers are not reading the written pages instead they are watching the written material on screen. In this case of ‘Corporate’, Madhur Bhandarkar narrates the brilliantly vibrant story with such an ease and creativity that you are bound to walk with. Behind the presentation of the lavish world of Corporate, he gives you a message to learn from the lives of business moguls.

‘Corporate’ talks about the combat zone of power hungry people. In this world of corporate, everyone is swathed with treachery and has corrupt mind. All and sundry are fighting over wealth, success and fame and to get all of them there is no rule to follow.

’Corporate’ is the story of the two giant industrialists of food sector – Vinay Sehgal (Rajat Kapoor) Managing Director of Sehgal Group of Industries and Dharmesh Marwah (Raj Babbar) Managing Director of Marwah International P. Ltd. There is Nishigandha (Bipasha Basu) who is a smart businesswoman laced with high ambitions and hunger to touch the heights. The competition between these business tycoons gets ferocious when the market opens the doors to international players. Here the battle to be superior yawns. All business ethics take the back seat since these two business rivals want to leave the other behind. This becomes a deadly game and the common people start to be affected by their fight.

The movie sneaks a look in the frame of mind of the powerful people as to how they live and get benefits from their sources and powers using every evil means available and all that. It also reveals the hidden facts of the sex and corruption this world is draped with.

The first half of the film is wrapped with the power games of the elite class (the people associated with the corporate world). The lecherous CEO who is filled with lust for the women all the time and the scheming politician are the characters allure the souls.
 
The second portion of the film is what opens your eyes and develops much interest to stay with the flick till the end. Yes, there is a twist in the tale and it happens when Nishigandha (Bipasha Basu) is used as a rag doll in the games of these two rivals. The later reels gel you well with the screens till the finale and unzip the malevolence of the world of corporate that is packaged with smoke and mirrors.

The script is brilliant and has been scribbled down with much care, creativity and after the thorough research of the world of corporate. Madhur Bhandarkar and Manoj Tyagi deserve full marks for bringing this innovative ilk of subject on screen. Madhur Bhandarkar then on the director’s chair proves that he is proficient in the art. He is a marvelous storyteller and that is vivid in the film.

The music is hummable. ‘Lamha Lamha’, ‘O Skinadar’ and ‘Yahan Sabko Sab’ are the soothing treats to enjoy with. Shamir Tandon has done a fine job once again for Madhur after ‘Page 3’. Mahesh Limaye’s cinematography is fabulous. Raju Singh attracts with his background score. Dialogues by Aje Monga and Manoj Tyagi are catchy.

The glam-gal Bipasha Basu as usual proves that she is an actress of class and a true fit for every kind of role given to her to perform. Madhur’s choice to take Bipasha in this character looks an apt decision. She is the only one who really steals the show. She has delivered an-award winning performance in this film. Kay Kay depicts his talents as he does in every film. With every coming film, his acting skills seem to be matured. Rajat Kapoor is fabulous to watch and Raj Babbar is great. Harsh Chhaya looks classy whereas Sandeep Mehta in a role of a lecherous CEO is superb. Vinay Apte enthralls. Bharat Dhabolkar does a nice job. Lilette Dubey is okay as well. Minissha Lamba looks gorgeous and enacts well. Payal Rohatgi appears stunning in the song ‘O Skinadar’. Sameer Dattani is passable with a brief role.
 
In a nutshell, Corporate is a film never to miss. Although it is more enticing for the urban audiences because of the subject of corporate world but nonetheless can work for all the viewers due to grippingly catchy storyline, good direction and powerful characters.

Rating: 9/10

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