A tribute is essentially a formal token of appreciation for a persons high achievements. And a copy, aimed at making money – can in no way be called a tribute. The motive was money and what he called as a ‘tribute’ right at the start of the movie is actually a sad copy.
The Godfatherish essence was missing in the ‘Sarkar’ movie:
- For the Godfather family, everything was business. Nothing was personal. For Sarkar, the opposite was true.
- The Godfather never let his enemies know what he thinks, does. He never ever becomes angry. Sarkar is a senile old man in this regard.
- Sonny Corleone worshiped his father. He was talented and devoted. Vishnu is just another f*rt with no values or talent. The only things they share are superficial – a liking for women and a hot-headed nature.
- Luca Brazi was the only man the Don feared. In Sarkar, the guy dies even before his own introduction. And the Godfather family kills off anybody who goes against the family – including its own son Fredo (Movie II), there are no second comings. And the Sarkar family was dumb enough to allow Vishnu in once again (for the sake of Indian sentimentality).
- The role of women in the Godfather is limited – and for reasons mentioned in the book. In Sarkar, this notion is not appreciated.
- Sarkar runs an NGO in the movie. There is no talk of where the money comes from, what his lines of businesses are. The Godfather has a nice little bit when Michael explains the family business to Kay Adams. So – there really is a lot of confusion right from the start as to who SARKAR really is!
- The Godfather never hogs the limelight. SARKAR waves his hands to crowds who seem to be waiting at his gates at all times.
- The portrayal of Tataglia, the Turk, Barzini – are deficient to say the least.
So – all RGV does is copy the superficial story line (incompletely), change the fundamental thoughts and Indianises them for the sake of commercialization. And still calls it a tribute.
If he were going to call it a ‘copy’, it would have been fine. But to call it a tribute?!
BTW, this is just talking about the story line and the philosophy of the Godfather. Not to mention that we could compare the ‘tribute’ to the orignal on the basis of music, acting and cinematography!
IMHO, Nayagan was the only Indian movie that ever came close to show respect to ‘The Godfather’. It wasnt a ‘tribute’ or a copy. A few passing thoughts borrowed, but the story line has its own Indian roots and emotions.
Sarkar is a good movie in its own right. But please do not compare school rhymes to gospels!
