238. Raid; movie review

RAID
Cert 12A
120 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate threat, violence

I know I am sounding like a busted record but if it is accepted that there is widespread political corruption in India why doesn't anyone do anything about it?
Raj Kumar Gupta's The Raid is based around events of 35 years ago but nothing seems to have changed.
Indeed, government officials who work for an honest rupee are put on a pedestal such is their rarity.
One such 'hero' is Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn), an income tax officer who sets about trying to uncover the huge black money hoard of a dodgy MP (Saurabh Shukla).
Patnaik is unmoved by threats against him or by offers of bribes but the pressure becomes almost intolerable as the raid continues.
Gupta's film is unusual in that its focus rarely moves from the confines of the MP's lavish home.
The interaction between Patnaik and his agents and the MP and his extended family are all the more fascinating because it is clear that the officer has an informer among the latter.
Another intriguing aspect is the reaction of the establishment when the MP comes under intense scrutiny. His allies are left to consider whether they should back up up or hang him out to dry.
As usual, Devgn gives an unswerving performance - this is reminiscent of his portrayal of the police officer Singham who faces similar obstacles in applying the law.
Meanwhile, Shukla splendidly combines arrogance and rising degrees of desperation.
Gupta does a good job of building up tension with the upper hand regularly being exchanged between the diligent tax officer and the wily MP.
And the verbal sword-fencing is a welcome relief to the slapping which has become the hallmark of Indian cinema.
I was also interested by the portrayal of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and was left intrigued by the sniff of both corruption and expediency.
On the whole, I was rapt by Raid - it gives a different dimension to Indian political thriller but underlines one truism - corruption will always be present on the sub-continent.

Reasons to watch: Tense thriller
Reasons to avoid: Goes over the same ground for too long

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 8/10

Director quote: Raj Kumar Gupta: "You always want your film to do well be the appreciation it has got from audiences and critics has been overwhelming."

The big question - How are politicians still getting away with corruption?

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