The Accidental Prime Minister

Synopsis

The Accidental Prime Minister is a political drama directed by Vijay Ratnkumar Gutte, based on the memoir by Indian politician Sanjaya Baru. The film stars Anupam Kher as Manmohan Singh, India's 13th Prime Minister, chronicling his tenure in office from 2004 to 2014. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Baru, Singh's media advisor, who provides an insider's perspective on the political dynamics, challenges, and controversies surrounding Singh's leadership and his interactions with the Congress Party. The story highlights the struggle between Singh's ideals and the political machinations of those around him, exposing the tension between a technocrat and the chaotic world of Indian politics. The film paints a complex portrait of Singh’s character, illustrating how he navigated powerful political factions while attempting to uphold his vision for India amidst various crises. Through its dramatization of real events, the film poses thought-provoking questions about governance, power, and the role of the media in shaping public perception.

Cast

• 

  Akshaye Khanna

  Sanjaya Baru

• 

  Anupam Kher

  Manmohan Singh

• 

  Suzanne Bernert

  Sonia Gandhi

• 

  Arjun Mathur

  Rahul Gandhi

• 

  Aahana Kumra

  Priyanka Gandhi

• 

  Divya Seth Shah

  Gursharan Kaur

Reviews

The Accidental Prime Minister has stirred a varied response from critics and audiences alike. With a rating of 6.0/10 on IMDb, viewers appear to be somewhat divided on its portrayal of political realities. While some praised Anupam Kher's performance as Manmohan Singh, many reviews highlight deficiencies in the screenplay and pacing. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a dismal approval rating of 20%, indicating general disappointment among critics. "The film often struggles to maintain momentum and loses sight of engaging storytelling in favor of political exposition," commented the Hindustan Times. The Indian Express noted, "Kher's portrayal is commendable, yet the film’s heavy-handed narrative does little to elucidate the complexities of Singh's character." Furthermore, critics have remarked on the film's potential for bias, alleging that it takes a politically charged stance, leaving viewers questioning its authenticity. In essence, while Anupam Kher's portrayal has garnered some acclaim, the film itself has faced scrutiny for its execution and narrative depth, suggesting that it may appeal more to politically inclined audiences than to mainstream viewers.