Thu Sep 12 04:36:00 UTC 2024: ## “Gangaajal”: A Real-Life Story Brought to the Screen
The 2003 action-crime film “Gangaajal”, based on a real incident in Bhagalpur, Bihar in 1980, has captivated audiences for over two decades. The film, directed and produced by Prakash Jha, follows the story of SP Amit Kumar, played by Ajay Devgn, as he tackles the sensitive issue of police brutality.
While the film was a resounding success, garnering critical acclaim and box office triumph, it had an interesting journey to the screen. Initially, Prakash Jha envisioned Akshay Kumar in the lead role. However, Kumar, wary of the film’s high violence content, declined the offer.
Ajay Devgn, who was making his first and only film with Gracy Singh, readily agreed to take on the challenging role. Despite a modest budget of just Rs 4.5 crore, “Gangaajal” raked in over Rs 16.5 crore, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. It also won the National Award for the “Best Film Made on a National Issue” and a Filmfare Award.
The film’s impact extended beyond the box office, as it sparked nationwide conversation about the sensitive issue of police brutality and its ramifications.
While a sequel, “Jai Gangaajal,” was released in 2016 starring Priyanka Chopra, it failed to replicate the success of its predecessor.
First Piper 