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Aarakshan official poster

Aarakshan(2011)

6.3/10
Hindi164 minstheatrical

Aarakshan is a 2011 Hindi socio-political drama film directed by Prakash Jha. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, and Deepika Padukone. The story is set in a small Indian town where a college principal fights for equal education. He faces opposition from a businessman who wants to commercialize education. The film also explores the controversial policy of caste-based reservations in Indian institutions. It received mixed reviews but was praised for its performances and bold subject matter. The film was released on August 12, 2011.

Director:Prakash Jha
Filmed In:Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Mood:
emotionalintensedark
Where to watch:

Quick Facts

Streaming on
Epicon, MX Player, Prime Video, ShemarooMe, Airtel Xstream Play
Theatrical Release
12 August 2011
Director
Prakash Jha
Language
Hindi
Runtime
2h 44m
Rating
6.3/10

Storyline

Prabhakar Anand is a college principal who believes in equal education for all castes. His favorite student Deepak Kumar supports caste-based reservations. When the government announces new reservation rules, a rich businessman spreads lies. Deepak turns against Prabhakar. The film asks: can education truly unite a divided society?

Education is the only reservation.

Film Details

6.3Rating
164Minutes
HindiLanguage
UACertificate
Release Date12 August 2011
Release Typetheatrical
Filmed InBhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

Parental Guide

Violence
High
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
High

Where to Watch

Vibe & Tags

Mood
emotionalintensedark
Themes
corruptionjusticeidentityfamily
Toneserious
Pacingslow-burn
Complexityrequires-attention
Audiencemultiplex
Best Withwith-partner
Violence2
Emotion4
Humor1
Rewatchability3

Cast & Crew

Reunion Meter

Frequent partnerships reunited for Aarakshan

Cast reunions in this film: Manoj Bajpai & Manoj Bajpayee (29 films together), Hema Malini & Amitabh Bachchan (11 films together), Yashpal Sharma & Mukesh Tiwari (5 films together), Prakash Jha & Sachin K Krishn (4 films together), Deepika Padukone & Saif Ali Khan (3 films together), and Manoj Bajpai & Amitabh Bachchan (3 films together).

Trivia

  • The film was banned in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh due to its sensitive caste-based theme.
  • Aarakshan was the first Hindi film to be shot at the prestigious Doon School in Dehradun.
  • Director Prakash Jha cast real-life students and teachers as extras to add authenticity to the college scenes.
  • The movie's release was delayed by two months after the censor board asked for multiple cuts.
  • Saif Ali Khan prepared for his role by spending time with actual college professors in Bhopal.
  • The title 'Aarakshan' translates to 'reservation', directly referring to India's affirmative action policies.
  • Despite its controversial subject, the film was selected as India's official entry to the Asia Pacific Film Festival.

Frequently Asked Questions