Exploring the Depths of Ambition in Madhur Bhandarkar's Corporate

A Deep Dive into Corporate Conscience

Madhur Bhandarkar's films often revolve around the themes of individual conscience and moral dilemmas, and his latest work is no exception. This film stands out as a significant piece of progressive cinema.

Kay Kay Menon portrays an ambitious corporate player entangled with a ruthless tycoon, played by Rajat Kapoor, who will stop at nothing to ascend the corporate hierarchy. Menon's performance effectively captures the turmoil of his character's conscience, prompting viewers to ponder whether the conscience shapes the narrative or vice versa.

The corporate landscape, frequently depicted in television dramas, has rarely been explored on the big screen since Shyam Benegal's Kalyug. Bhandarkar, with adept editing, navigates through the lives of these ambition-driven individuals, presenting their struggles with the urgency of a car racing down a rugged road. The bumps along the way do not hinder Bhandarkar's exceptional storytelling ability.

This director skillfully weaves a compelling narrative. The screenplay, co-written with Manoj Tyagi, is filled with enough twists to make corporate jargon accessible to the average viewer. Like Chandni Bar and Page 3, Corporate firmly establishes itself in a culturally specific, work-oriented environment, revealing the emotional struggles of its diverse characters who find themselves ensnared by their ambitions.

While Bhandarkar intricately portrays the rivalry between two families led by Rajat Kapoor and Raj Babbar, the story ultimately centers on a poignant love affair between colleagues, played by Kay Kay and Bipasha Basu. Their relationship is marked by a rhythmic restraint, as they navigate their professional lives while drifting apart due to the unpredictable nature of fate.

Bipasha Basu delivers a powerful performance as Nishigandha, a morally upright character who faces severe consequences for her actions. Her portrayal is genuine and devoid of pretense.

The film presents a fascinating interplay of entrepreneurship, ultimately showcasing how the heart prevails over intellect in this cleverly crafted tale of despair and redemption.

The cinematography by Mahesh Milaye captures the essence of Aje Monge and Manoj Tyagi's insightful dialogue. Bhandarkar confidently traverses the corporate maze, ensuring that the plot resonates with the characters' moral struggles.

We witness these characters with their vulnerabilities laid bare before the audience.

Every performance, from Bipasha Basu to Sammir Dattani, who plays a brief yet impactful role as a young executive, is both believable and engaging. Rajat Kapoor and Lillete Dubey also shine in their respective roles.

While the film's industrial tone and terminology may be challenging for those who envision tycoons in lavish suits holding meetings in luxury hotels, a deeper look reveals the underlying truths, stripping away the gloss to expose the harsh realities. Bhandarkar's narrative is expansive and profound, allowing even minor characters to express themselves meaningfully. The domestic life of Rajat Kapoor's character and the budding romance between Minisha Lamba and Sammir Dattani are succinctly addressed in single sequences.

Bhandarkar masterfully orchestrates the plot, allowing the characters to resonate with themes of pain and redemption. Although Corporate may not possess the dramatic intensity of his previous works, once Bhandarkar draws you in, he tightens the narrative, reminding us of how ambition can distance us from our true aspirations.