After watching Madhur Bhandarkar's "Corporate" one is convinced
that he is a master of his craft. He cleverly peels off layer after layer
that covers the dirty games played out in the business world in the name
of competition and profit.
Watching the sequence of events in "Corporate" makes for
a brutally chilling experience for moviegoers who are unfamiliar with
the corporate culture.
A business tycoon throws a fit when he loses a deal. The core team
in a business organisation is working under high pressure to protect
the ego of their highly ambitious boss, or a rival group is pulling
political strings to ruin the competitor's accomplishments.
These are common scenes in "Corporate", which has glamorous
Bipasha Basu playing an intelligent but manipulative business executive.
She is ready to do anything to succeed, but ends up paying a heavy price
for it.
Bhandarkar says he loves making realistic stories and did intensive
research before making the film. He says most of the scenes in the film
are actual anecdotes from the corporate world.
The film is a must-see, especially for all those aspiring professionals
who are ready to do anything to be at the top. It subtly conveys the
message that one should not compromise one's principles.
Television artiste Harsh Chhaya plays the role of a shrewd but principled
business executive, with aplomb. Rajat Kapoor, who essays the role of
Harsh's boss, looks convincing as a suave, impulsive and immoral business
tycoon. Raj Babbar is good as the god-fearing, traditional, calm and
composed businessman who doesn't take hasty decisions, but at the same
time is corrupt.
Bhandarkar
knows how to make a scene work and every scene in the movie has something
to embellish the story.
Performance-wise Bipasha has come a long way - she has done a fabulous
job as an ambitious woman. The kind of shrewdness in a woman that she
essays has never been seen before in India films. "Corporate"
will surely take her to greater heights and help her get rid of the
"glamour girl" tag.
The film also explores another shocking issue - the use of actresses
by businessmen to lure politicians.
Kay Kay Menon, who plays Bipasha's love interest, fits the bill of
a failed businessman.
Barring Shyam Benegal's "Kalyug", the business world has
never been portrayed so well on Indian celluloid. The film shows how
the corporate world functions - their style of working, their language,
boardroom dramas and rival groups vying for one-upmanship.
The film might not become a blockbuster like "Rang De Basanti",
"Fanaa" or "Krrish", but it will surely appeal to
audiences who are bored of mindless comedies and clichéd love
stories.