Prakash Jha, a filmmaker who has long understood the pulse of heartland politics, returns to his Raajneeti universe with Sankalp, a series that explores the murky dynamics of mentorship, power, and manipulation. Anchored by a magnetic performance from Nana Patekar, the show succeeds as a reflective political drama rooted in moral ambiguity, but its bloated narrative and lack of visual innovation prevent it from becoming truly addictive.
Plot: A Guru and His Protégés
Inspired by the Chanakya-Chandragupta dynamic, Sankalp is set in Patna and follows Kanhaiyalal, popularly called Ma’at Saab (Nana Patekar). He is a revered guru who runs a gurukul-style school and an UPSC coaching centre. His true mission, however, is strategic: he grooms loyal students, placing them in powerful bureaucratic positions to take on what he sees as an entrenched, corrupt system.
Tensions escalate when his star protégé, IPS officer Aditya Verma (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), begins to question his mentor’s increasingly manipulative methods. This ideological clash unfolds against a brewing political rivalry with Delhi’s Chief Minister, Prashant Singh (Sanjay Kapoor), and his shrewd strategist, Waqar (Neeraj Kabi). The series becomes a tense battle over loyalty, revenge, and control, revealing the self-interest that often lurks behind the guise of philanthropy.
What Works: Performances and Moral Ambiguity
- Nana Patekar’s Magnetic Presence: Written with Patekar in mind, the series benefits immensely from his performance. He embodies Ma’at Saab like a “coiled spring,” bringing out the character’s quiet authority while hinting at the menace and tyrannical instincts beneath layers of calm and warmth.
- Strong Supporting Cast: Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is compelling as the protégé grappling with disillusionment. Neeraj Kabi and Sanjay Kapoor add depth to the political rivalry, creating a world coated in shades of gray where truth shifts with perspective.
- Intellectual Ambition: Jha sticks to his traditional, issue-driven style, prioritizing realism and complexity. The series probes uncomfortable questions about unquestioned influence, the gurukul model, and the role of parents and enablers in such systems.
What Doesn’t: Bloat and Lack of Innovation
| Aspect | Critique |
|---|---|
| Pacing & Structure | The narrative stalls with repetitive scenes that echo themes of power but fail to advance the story, resulting in a bloated rather than layered plot. |
| Subplots | Overcrowded and underdeveloped, leaving some character arcs unresolved. Sanjay Kapoor’s frustrated “What’s happening?” dialogue feels like it speaks for the audience. |
| Visuals | Lacks visual innovation; methods of portraying power corridors now feel clichéd in the series format. |
| Scale | For a 10-episode series with such powerhouse actors, the political ambition feels limited to changing a state government—a “low-hanging fruit.” |
The Verdict
Sankalp is a series for those who appreciate character-driven political drama over flashy spectacle. Nana Patekar’s performance alone is worth the watch, and the show’s willingness to explore moral gray areas is commendable. However, its bloated runtime and uneven writing prevent it from being the gripping, addictive thriller it could have been.
