Amit Sadh has revealed how Ajay Devgn and Prakash Jha’s 2003 film ‘Gangaajal’ influenced his ambition to portray police officers. The actor, who comes from an army background, has always been drawn to stories featuring people in uniform. His upcoming film ‘Pratap’ marks his sixth role as a police officer. He plays a celebrated encounter specialist in the action thriller, which explores the darker side of the law enforcement system.In a chat with Variety India, Amit Sadh discussed his admiration for police dramas and the films that shaped his interest in the genre. He recalled watching ‘Gangaajal’ while trying to establish himself as an actor. The film made him imagine creating something along similar lines. He also mentioned several other titles that strengthened his fascination with such stories.“Most of my favourite films are of this genre, like “Gangaajal” made by Ajay (Devgn) sir and Prakash Jha. At that time, I was aspiring to be an actor, and I’d think, ‘I want to make a film like this.’ It’s one of my favourites. Then came ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’ and ‘Shagird.’ I’ve also enjoyed watching ‘Mardaani.’ I’m a huge fan of these films. Then, of course, you can’t take away ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Singham,’ which are larger-than-life, beautiful films. You enjoy them; they’re mass entertainers,” he said.
Amit Sadh explains what makes ‘Pratap’ different
Although ‘Pratap’ belongs to a genre he has admired for years, Amit Sadh believes its central conflict sets it apart. The film does not limit its focus to the courage and authority associated with police officers. Instead, it examines their circumstances when powerful people withdraw their support.The actor said the story explores the personal and professional consequences of losing favour within the establishment. It also looks at how an officer’s position can change when the system he represents turns against him.“One thing that I felt was unique and different from all these films is that we’ve shown the bravado of such men and women in uniform. We’ve shown what they go through. Our films have rarely gone into detail about what happens to them when they are not the favourites of important people, which we have explored here. In ‘Pratap,’ the dynamic changes. We show how that affects him, and he ends up in prison. So, that is an interesting take,” he said.
Why the encounter specialist’s story interested him
The unusual predicament faced by the protagonist was one of the main reasons Amit Sadh wanted to take up the project. His character is an encounter specialist who has received recognition from the President. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he ends up in prison.“One of the reasons I really wanted to pursue this film was how a President-awarded encounter specialist ends up in prison,” he said.
Amit Sadh plays a controversial Mumbai police officer
Written and directed by Sachin Saraf, ‘Pratap’ also features Esha Deol, Seema Biswas, Tigmanshu Dhulia and Milind Gunaji. The film follows Pratap Ranade, a well-known Mumbai encounter specialist credited with 26 or 27 extrajudicial killings. His reputation makes him a celebrated figure among politicians and sections of the media.However, his standing changes after a video showing him brutally assaulting a criminal becomes public. The man later dies in custody, placing Pratap at the centre of a major controversy. He is subsequently framed and abandoned by the very establishment he once served.Following his arrest, Pratap is sent to Mumbai Central Prison. He eventually goes on the run, hoping to expose a wider conspiracy involving powerful figures within the system. The narrative follows his struggle to establish the truth while confronting the consequences of his past actions.‘Pratap’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 20.
