The Accidental Prime Minister Movie Review: Anupam Kher starrer fails to impress, despite attempt

Starring Anupam Kher in the lead role, The Accidental Prime Minister chronicles the time when Manmohan Singh served as the Prime Minister. The film is based on the book written by Sanjaya Baru, Singh’s media advisor. Even before its release, the film had received huge criticism from the Congress party over 'incorrect presentation of the facts.' Few have also called this a propaganda film because of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. With so much action happening in real life, it is quite exciting to see what Anupam Kher starrer has to offer. 

Story: The film shows the former prime minister look like a weak, spineless man, a puppet whose strings were controlled by Sonia Gandhi (Suzanne Bernert). Sonia, Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are shown as the real power behind the throne. The film also highlights that Singh was incorruptible and honourable, but that he overlooked the corruption of his party colleagues and he was controlled by The Family. 

Acting: The Accidental Prime Minister is already winning hearts with dynamic performances by Anupam Kher and Suzanne Bernert. Suzanne bears a striking resemblance to the Congress President Sonia Gandhi. The real hero is Akshaye Khanna, who plays Sanjaya Baru. He narrates the whole story smoothly and adds life to the movie. Actors playing Rahul ( and Priyanka Gandhi (Ahaana Kumra) sadly, don’t have much to contribute. Divya Seth Shah as the first lady Gursharan Kaur is impressive with her understated performance.

Direction: Vijay Ratnakar Gutte’s direction is just average and there was much scope for improvement. The film fails to rise beyond mundane minutiae. We wish the writing and execution had more depth with more focus on defining the individual characters.

Songs: Songs and background score are not that impactful, rather just below average. 

Unfortunately, despite all the good intent, The Accidental Prime Minister, quite like its protagonist, fails to deliver on the promise.