Critics Review:
Political dramas often promise intrigue, strategy, and power play. Sankalp, directed by Prakash Jha, attempts to deliver all of this and more by positioning itself as a story of calculated ambition and ideological warfare.
With a powerful ensemble cast led by Nana Patekar, alongside Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kubra Sait, Meghna Malik, Sanjay Kapoor, Neeraj Kabi, Saurabh Goyal, Kranti Prakash Jha, Sheen Dass, and Roop Durgapal, the series sets out to explore the anatomy of rivalry, revenge, and political manipulation.
At its core, Sankalp aims to present a modern-day Chanakya figure navigating a system built on shifting loyalties and silent conspiracies. While the ambition of the narrative is undeniable, its execution walks a fine line between engaging and overwhelming.
A World Built on Strategy and Suspicion
From the very beginning, Sankalp establishes a dense narrative landscape. There are multiple characters, intersecting agendas, and layered political equations that demand attention from the viewer.
The story does not unfold instantly. It takes its time to establish relationships, hierarchies, and motivations. This slow build-up works in parts, allowing the audience to gradually understand the ecosystem of power that governs the narrative.
However, this complexity also becomes a double-edged sword.
With so much happening simultaneously, the plot occasionally feels scattered. Certain arcs are compelling and sharply written, while others appear underdeveloped, leaving the viewer searching for clarity.
Rivalry, Revenge, and the Illusion of Control
At its thematic core, Sankalp is a study of rivalry and revenge. It explores how power is rarely exercised directly. Instead, it is negotiated through alliances, betrayals, and calculated silence.
The idea of a “modern-day Chanakya” is particularly intriguing. The series attempts to portray a mastermind who operates behind the scenes, orchestrating events with precision and foresight over a period of three decades, silently building an army of his own.
At its best, the narrative captures the thrill of political strategy. There are moments where the writing shines, offering sharp insights into how influence is built and sustained.
At other times, however, the story feels slightly far-fetched. Certain developments appear convenient rather than organic, making it difficult to fully invest in the stakes.
Performances That Anchor the Narrative
If there is one aspect where Sankalp remains consistently strong, it is in its performances. Nana Patekar’s presence alone brings a certain gravitas to the series. His return to the screen after his appearance in Subedar adds an element of familiarity and intrigue. He commands attention effortlessly, bringing intensity and unpredictability to his character.
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub delivers a layered performance that adds emotional depth to the narrative. His portrayal captures the internal conflicts of a man navigating a mission and morality.
Neeraj Kabi, known for his nuanced performances, once again proves why he is one of the most reliable actors in the industry. His ability to convey complexity with restraint elevates several scenes.
The supporting cast, including Kubra Sait and Meghna Malik, further enrich the narrative, ensuring that even when the writing falters, the performances keep the viewer engaged.
When Length Becomes a Limitation
Spanning ten episodes, Sankalp often feels longer than necessary. While the expansive format allows for detailed storytelling, it also leads to moments where the narrative loses momentum.
Certain subplots could have been trimmed or explored with greater clarity. The connection between regional politics and national dynamics, particularly between Bihar and Delhi, feels underdeveloped.
In comparison to shows like Maharani, which seamlessly bridges state and central politics in its latest season, Sankalp struggles to maintain that coherence.
A tighter narrative structure might have strengthened the overall impact of the series along with due respect to the geographical placement of characters.
A Story That Almost Comes Together
Despite its inconsistencies, Sankalp is not without merit. There are moments where the series truly captures the essence of political drama, the tension, the unpredictability, and the constant negotiation of power. It is in these moments that the show feels closest to its potential.
The idea of building a narrative around a strategic mastermind remains compelling. The execution, however, occasionally lacks the precision required to sustain that intrigue across all episodes.
Final Verdict
Sankalp is an ambitious political drama that attempts to explore the complexities of power, revenge, and strategy through a layered narrative. While the story occasionally feels uneven and overly stretched, the performances ensure that it remains engaging.
For viewers who enjoy character-driven political dramas with multiple perspectives and slow-burn storytelling, the series offers enough intrigue to stay invested. However, a more concise structure and sharper narrative focus could have elevated it to a far more impactful experience.
A series that intrigues with its ambition and performances, even as it struggles to fully realise the depth of its own premise.
Overall Rating: 3/5
By: Anushka Singhal
