Department (2012) – An Intense Dive into Crime, Politics, and Morality
Department, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, is a gritty Indian action film set in the volatile underworld of Mumbai. The story focuses on Inspector Mahadev Bhosale (Sanjay Dutt), an upright police officer assigned to establish a special unit named “Department.” This unit is tasked with dismantling organized crime syndicates threatening the city. Mahadev recruits Shiv Narayan (Rana Daggubati), a suspended officer infamous for his encounter killings, to join the team. Together, they go after Sawatya (Vijay Raaz), a dangerous crime boss whose operations have sparked chaos across Mumbai.
As the narrative unfolds, Shiv develops a relationship with Sarjerao Gaikwad (Amitabh Bachchan), a former gangster who has transitioned into politics. Gaikwad represents power, ambition, and manipulation in its purest form. Mahadev warns Shiv about Gaikwad’s exploitative nature, but Shiv struggles to navigate these conflicting loyalties. The film portrays Shiv’s journey as he grapples with morality, trust, and the temptations of power.
Mahadev, however, isn’t as incorruptible as he seems. His secret ties with another underworld don emerge, revealing that his moral compass is deeply flawed. The climax pits Shiv against Mahadev in a battle of principles. Shiv must decide whether to uphold justice or succumb to the darkness surrounding him.
The film’s raw depiction of crime, power struggles, and complex human relationships attempts to uncover the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality. Despite its ambition, Department faced criticism for its experimental cinematography, convoluted screenplay, and lack of character development. Yet, the star-studded cast delivers powerful performances that highlight the shades of gray in every character’s morality.
