14 years later, Raajneeti still feels fresh. A deep dive into its brutal politics, iconic quotes, and why it remains unforgettable.
“Politics mein na koi baap hota hai, na beta, na bhai… sirf dushman aur dost hote hain.” Nana Patekar’s icy voice still echoes in our minds, years after Raajneeti first hit theatres.
Released in 2010, Prakash Jha’s Raajneeti offered Bollywood something rare—a political thriller that mixed mafia, modern-day electoral warfare, and cold ambition. With a powerhouse ensemble and deeply grey characters, it painted Indian politics in blood, not ink. If you’re searching for a complete Raajneeti movie recap or want to understand why it still resonates, here’s everything you need to know.
14 years of Rajneeti
Raajneeti (2010) follows the internal collapse of a political family after the unexpected death of its patriarch. As alliances shift and old wounds reopen, the struggle for leadership spirals into manipulation, revenge, and murder. The movie’s lead character, Samar Pratap (played masterfully by Ranbir Kapoor), is a reluctant outsider drawn into this world of backstabbing and betrayal after the deaths of his father and brother. His transformation into a cold, calculating political mind remains one of the most powerful arcs in Bollywood’s political genre. “Main ek saadha insaan tha… tum logon ne mujhe Ravan bana diya.” His words signify the pain of losing innocence in a ruthless system.
Supporting him are key figures like Prithviraj (Arjun Rampal), his fiery cousin with a hunger for power; Sooraj Kumar (Ajay Devgn), a revolutionary-turned-leader fighting for identity and respect—his dialogue, “Main us maa ka beta hoon jise tumne izzat nahi di,” won the hearts of many. Then there’s Veerendra Pratap (Manoj Bajpayee), a dangerous manipulator driven by personal vendetta, often seen as a wounded wolf. Katrina Kaif also delivers one of her most grounded performances as Indu, whose journey from a love-struck girl to Chief Minister showcases how politics twists even the purest intentions—and how women are often used as pawns in the game of power.
In the end, Samar exits politics and returns to the US, leaving Indu as Chief Minister—pregnant with his child. The wheel of power keeps turning, hinting that in India, raajneeti never ends—it simply changes hands.
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Raajneeti doesn’t romanticize politics. It shows the brutal truth—where votes are bought, alliances are forged over dead bodies, and no one is truly innocent. The film’s realistic portrayal of Indian electoral politics—caste dynamics, party rivalries, and dynastic power—gives it lasting relevance. The performances, paired with powerful lines like: “Yeh safed kurta sirf dikhawa hai, asli raajneeti toh laal khoon se likhi jaati hai,” make this film not just watchable, but unforgettable. It’s not about who’s right or wrong—it’s about who survives the longest in a game where every handshake hides a dagger.
With a box office collection of over ₹140 crores, critical acclaim, and public debate, Raajneeti became one of the most successful political films in Indian cinema. Fourteen years later, it continues to be revisited not only for its story and performances but also for how it mirrors the chaos of real-world politics. This Raajneeti 2010 review reminds us that power, once tasted, never lets go—and in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.
A Stellar Cast in a Ruthless World
What made Raajneeti unforgettable was not just its story, but its ensemble cast at the peak of their powers. Ranbir Kapoor, shedding his chocolate-boy image, became a cold-blooded strategist with eyes that hid both pain and poison. Ajay Devgn, smouldering with inner rage, delivered one of his most powerful performances. Nana Patekar, the conscience of the story, delivered searing dialogues and commanded attention without ever raising his voice. Manoj Bajpayee was gloriously menacing—his Veerendra wasn’t a villain, but a wounded lion. Even Katrina Kaif subtly captured a woman torn between heart, ambition, and legacy.
On 5 June 2025, Raajneeti celebrated fourteen years since its release—but it continues to be revisited for its hard-hitting narrative, unforgettable performances, and brutally honest portrayal of Indian politics. In the world of Raajneeti, there are no heroes—only survivors.
Where Can You Watch This Masterpiece?
If reading this has stirred your memories and made you feel nostalgic or curious, Raajneeti is still just a click away.
As of June 2025, you can stream or rent this political masterpiece on:
- Amazon Prime Video—included with subscription
- YouTube Movies—available to rent or buy in HD
- Google Play Movies & Apple TV
Availability may shift, so it’s always a good idea to double-check platforms or visit JustWatch.com for real-time updates.
