How to climb the "Corporate" ladder - Madhur Bhandarkar tells all
In the cut throat competitive corporate world, at the end of the day “profit” is all that matters. Madhur Bhandarkar’s Corporate reveals to what extremes ambitious individuals go to accomplish they’re goals. A fine story, very well told, Corporate stands tall. Whether exposing the bar girl scene, the true faces of politicians, the glamour world, or now the corporate arena, director Madhur Bhandarkar exposes controversial topics with innovation. When he steps away from the cliché, matka-jhatka, poorly etched commercial films as his Trishakti and Aan, that’s when he’s truly in form and in his element. Madhur doesn’t need huge star names to captivate his audience. He needs a staunch script and actors true to the profession. Be it Chandini Bar, Satta, Page 3, and now Corporate, he has the power to impactfully entertain domestic and foreign audiences alike.
Madhur and Manoj Tyagi pen an original script not borrowed or inspired by a Hollywood film. Certain incidents may bear resemblance to real life circumstances, but that seems to be the inspiration for all of Bhandarkar’s works. Here too he doesn’t hold back in revealing dogmatic facts about the big bad sharks of the corporate world. Along with them he discloses the influence of politics and government. But lets not forget it is a mere fictional story, a full feature film that depicts the negative side of Corporate India for tangy purposes.
Besides his killer scripts, Madhur incorporates the best of talent in his films. Everyone in Corporate is absolutely brilliant. Each individual seems tailor made for their part and enacts nearly flawlessly. Rajat Kapoor astounds. Raj Babbar is fresh with a much suited role. Kay Kay impeccable. As the romantic lead opposite Bipasha, he’s actually quite desirable as a leading man, different from the usual lot of heroes. Harsh Chaaya is unmarred. Sandeep Mehta, effective as the lusty CEO. Vinay Apte fitting as a corrupt minister. Payal Rohatgi is competent in her small sequence. Lillette Dubey performs adequately but is not given proper scope. Achint Kaur is worth noting, though she only has limited screen time. Minnissha and Sameer Dattani seem to have no real purpose. Looking at the big picture, they’re about as important as background dancers. Hopefully their other works lined up will have more for them to do. Professionally, this is Bipasha Basu’s most refined performance. Bhandarkar knows how and whose talent to tap in to. This Bengali babe is no mere babe or sex symbol here. She is Nishighanda, a smart, sophisticated, bold businesswoman, heart and soul. Finally a role that does justice to the intelligence of this actress.
On the technical front, as accomplished as Madhur is, it’s time his films get a polished look. Doesn’t mean he has to spend a lot on production and make elaborate sets, but just better quality to attain technical finesse. Cinematography is of standard. Sets and costumes could use more detail. Editing is clean.
Shamir Tandon’s “Lamha Lamaha” musical track is pleasant.
I wouldn’t say Corporate is as well pieced as Bhandarkar’s other works, as it still has holes that can be picked at, and isn’t filled with as much detail and juice. But Corporate in all respects is a film worth watching. The actors and the script keep you glued. It’s a riveting film, one that can be placed in your small collection of unique bollywood films. On Ritu Mahindru's performance evaluation Corporate earns a well done 3 stars.