So folks, you must be thinking what am I upto? Reviewing Satya (1998) which released about a decade ago? Well, let me clarify that I am starting this new series to write about some classic Indian hit movies. You are welcome to comment and remind us about any classics that you think our readers would love to “Re-View”. So here we start.
Satya – The Other side of the truth
The earlier caption for the movie was “Love story of a lie” which was changed later as the producers must have thought nobody perceived it as a love story 
. If one were to list India’s all time greatest movies, Satya would definitely find a mention in that. Talk about the narrative, technical aspects, background score, direction it scores in all segments.
Satya proved once again that script is king in a movie. With no notable stars other than Urmila Matondkar, it left an outstanding impression on the audience who wondered if they have seen a Hindi movie or something else. With a big time flop like Daud, Ramgopal Varma found a much needed come back in Satya (well it is a different matter where he is nowadays)
The Story
The story of Satya is simple, a transformation of a nondescript person into a gangster and thereafter. Satya arrives in Mumbai, happens to stumble into some goons who work for different underworld gangs. He is jailed in one of his tussle with a gangster, Jagga and that is where he meets Bhiku Matrey. Bhiku runs a gang for Bhav Thakurdas Jhawle, a gangster turned politician. Guru Narayan, is another gangster who works for Bhav and is estranged friend of Bhiku.
Satya kills Jagga and Guru wants a revenge and attacks Satya and his gang. Bhiku assumes, Guru is after his life and plots to kill him. Bhav intervenes to calm down the situation as these could cause him trouble in upcoming election. Bhav promises Guru that he can kill Satya but should not fight Bhiku. Satya influences Bhiku to go against Bhav’s will to kill Guru and they do so a thrilling chase. While all this is happening, Satya develops a love interest in his neighbour, Vidya.
In the meanwhile a new police commissioner for Mumbai starts a clean up of underworld and starts eliminating gangsters in encounters. One of Satya’s aide gets killed in one of these and Satya persuades his gang to assassinate the commisioner and teach police a lesson.
What happens next is a exciting turn of events which lead to the culmination of the story. The penultimate 30 minutes are some exceptional piece of cinema that you would have ever witnessed in a Hindi movie.
Performances
Each character in the movie leaves a solid impression on the minds of viewer. Every actor in the movie came up with brilliant performances, that grow on you every time you watch the movie. Cine viewers stood up and took notice of Manoj Bajpai‘s performance, which created a lasting impression on everyone. Satya played by Chakravarthy described what method acting is to many of the actors in the industry. Urmila, shed her image of glamour girl and very easily slipped into a role of girl next door.
Technical aspects
Only one word, phenomenal. Sandeep Chowta’s background score gives the dark mood to the movie. Editing by Bhanodaya and Apoorva was slick. Cinematography and sound effects match Hollywood standards. Top marks to Ramgopal Varma, who was in full form and delivered this gritty, hard-hitting gangster movie which paved way for a new Genre in Hindi cinema.
Rating
****1/2
It is human tendency to believe nothing is perfect 
. If you think I have persuaded you enough, then go grab a DVD and watch it now! You can buy a DVD from your nearest music store or rent it on DVD rentals such as Big Flix. But don’t go hunting for this on any online movie sites. Stop Piracy!
Enjoy!
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