Sankalp Review: Nana Patekar Shines, But Finale Disappoints
The socio-political drama Sankalp, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Prakash Jha, has finally premiered on Amazon MX Player, drawing attention for its intense storyline and the digital debut of veteran actor Nana Patekar.
At its core, Sankalp explores how influence, mentorship, and ambition shape political and bureaucratic power in India. While the series offers a gripping premise and compelling performances, especially from Nana Patekar, it struggles with pacing issues and an underwhelming climax that weakens its overall impact. Despite its flaws, the show remains an engaging watch for fans of political dramas and character-driven storytelling.
Sankalp revolves around Kanhaiyalal, also known as Ma’at Saab, a highly respected educator who runs a Gurukul-style institution in Patna. He trains talented students and later sends them to his coaching centre in Delhi, where they prepare for prestigious civil services examinations like IAS and IPS.
Many of his former students go on to become powerful officials in the system. Among them are:
- Aditya Verma, an upright police officer
- Vasudev Ranjan, another influential officer
- Parveen Sheikh, a Delhi Police DCP
These loyal disciples hold immense respect for their mentor and are willing to go to extraordinary lengths to protect his ideals.
However, the political landscape becomes volatile when Delhi prepares for crucial elections. The state’s Chief Minister Prashant Singh and his strategist Waqar Mapillah soon realize that mysterious obstacles in their political journey are connected to Kanhaiyalal, someone they share a troubled past with.
As the story unfolds, mentor and disciple find themselves on opposing sides, setting the stage for a complex battle of ideology, loyalty, and revenge.
A Political Thriller Rooted in Strategy
Prakash Jha structures Sankalp like a political chessboard. Instead of focusing only on elections, the narrative explores the hidden machinery of power, how influence is cultivated through education, loyalty, and strategic placement of allies in key positions.
The series draws inspiration from the historical Chanakya-Chandragupta relationship, presenting a modern interpretation where a mentor carefully positions his disciples across powerful institutions.
This theme makes the show particularly interesting because it blends politics with personal relationships. The story asks an intriguing question:
What happens when a mentor’s vision clashes with the moral compass of his own disciples?
Nana Patekar Dominates the Screen
One of the biggest highlights of Sankalp is Nana Patekar’s commanding performance.
As Kanhaiyalal, he portrays a character who is calm, calculating, and intellectually intimidating. Rather than relying on loud dramatics, the actor uses subtle expressions and restrained dialogue delivery to create a sense of authority.
His character feels like a strategist who is always several steps ahead, making every scene involving him intense and unpredictable.
For many viewers, Patekar’s performance alone is reason enough to watch the series.
Strong Supporting Cast Elevates the Drama
Apart from Nana Patekar, the show boasts an impressive ensemble cast.
- Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub
He plays Aditya Verma, a loyal disciple torn between devotion to his mentor and his duty as a police officer. His internal conflict adds emotional depth to the story. - Neeraj Kabi
As political strategist Waqar Mapillah, Kabi delivers a layered performance, bringing intelligence and quiet menace to the character. - Kubbra Sait
She portrays DCP Parveen Sheikh, a determined police officer who contributes significantly to the investigation-driven portions of the narrative. - Sanjay Kapoor
Kapoor appears as Chief Minister Prashant Singh, a politician struggling to maintain control amid mounting political pressure.
Other actors such as Kranti Prakash Jha, Meghna Malik, Saurabh Goyal, and Roop Durgapal also add substance to the series through their supporting roles.
What Works and What Doesn’t in Sankalp
Sankalp offers an interesting political drama with strong performances, but it also faces several storytelling issues. Here’s a quick look at the show’s strengths and weaknesses.
What Works
Compelling Premise
- The concept of a mentor shaping the political future through his disciples feels fresh.
- It adds a strategic and intellectual layer to the story.
Powerful Performances
- Nana Patekar delivers a commanding and memorable performance.
- Neeraj Kabi also stands out with a layered portrayal.
- The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative.
Realistic Political Tone
- The show avoids glamorizing politics.
- It focuses more on strategy, influence, and ideology.
Memorable Moments
- Several scenes highlight the intense mentor-disciple conflict.
- Political confrontations create strong dramatic tension.
Where the Series Falters
Excessive Length
- The series runs nearly 7 hours and 50 minutes across 10 episodes.
- This feels stretched for modern OTT viewing habits.
Uneven Pacing
- Some subplots disappear for long stretches.
- They reappear suddenly, affecting the story’s flow.
Forced Plot Developments
- Certain conflicts feel artificial.
- A few story twists appear illogical.
Weak Climax
- The ending lacks the expected dramatic payoff.
- It weakens the impact of the overall narrative.
How ‘Sankalp’ Compares to Prakash Jha’s Previous Shows
Prakash Jha set high expectations with his previous OTT success “Aashram”
While Sankalp shares a similar focus on power and influence, it does not quite reach the same level of intensity or storytelling finesse.
The show still carries Jha’s signature style – rooted characters, strong dialogues, and a mass-appeal narrative, but the execution feels less polished.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the web series Sankalp about?
Sankalp is a socio-political thriller about a powerful mentor who strategically places his disciples in influential positions within the political and bureaucratic system.
2. Which OTT platform is streaming Sankalp?
The show is streaming on Amazon MX Player.
3. How many episodes are there in Sankalp?
Season 1 consists of 10 episodes.
4. Is this Nana Patekar’s first web series?
Yes, Sankalp marks Nana Patekar’s OTT debut.
Final Verdict
Sankalp is an ambitious political drama that begins with a fascinating premise and is powered by strong performances, particularly from Nana Patekar.
However, its excessive runtime, inconsistent writing, and weak climax prevent it from becoming a truly memorable OTT series.
For fans of political thrillers and character-driven narratives, it remains a worthwhile one-time watch, but it doesn’t fully live up to the potential of its powerful premise.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (Approx. 2.5/5)
