‘Sankalp’ Series Review: The Grassroots Allure of Prakash Jha’s Storytelling The 10-episode political drama stars Nana Patekar as a Patna-based kingmaker entangled in a complex web of power and loyalty. Set against the backdrop of a fictionalized India, the series explores themes of mentorship, ambition, and the murky dynamics of political influence. Directed by Prakash Jha, the show blends traditional storytelling with modern narrative techniques, offering a sprawling yet deeply rooted exploration of grassroots politics and systemic control. The story centers on Ma’at Saab, a revered figure who runs an educational institution called Gurukul, where he scours impoverished families for gifted children to mold into future leaders. Over three decades, he cultivates a network of loyal followers, including the ambitious IPS officer Aditya Verma, whose moral ambiguity and loyalty to his mentor become central to the plot. The series unfolds as a series of interconnected subplots, each revealing the intricate relationships and power struggles within this tightly knit group. Jha’s direction leans into the grandeur of his earlier works, such as Raajneeti, with a focus on political machinations and the personal costs of ambition. The narrative is populated with a cast of characters, each representing different facets of power and ideology. From the Delhi Chief Minister, who grapples with the chaos of governance, to the cunning party leader Waqar, the series balances political intrigue with human drama. The inclusion of a counterfeit-currency scam, a vlogger’s struggle against censorship, and a student-politics angle further diversifies the storyline, though some critics argue the plot becomes overwhelming in its complexity.#nana_patekar #prakash_jha #gurukul #delhi_chief_minister #waqar
