FILM · 2010 · INDIA
Raajneeti
20 archived facts 3 topics 1 source Last reviewed Oct 2026
All facts (20)
- #001
Vivek Oberoi signed on for Arjun Rampal's role but chose to walk away from the film.
- #002
The story draws parallels with the epic Mahabharata, with shades of Arjuna (Kapoor), Karna (Devgn), Krishna (Patekar), Bhima (Rampal), Duryodhana (Bajpai) and Draupadi (Kaif) visible in the characters portrayed.
- #003
Although the characters and their motivations are inspired by the Mahabharata, there are many scenes taken almost directly from The Godfather (1972). Ranbir Kapoor's entire character was inspired by Michael Corleone. Both were initially reluctant participants but eventually became key players in their own family businesses. Both lose their wives/lovers in a car explosion planted by their enemies. The scene in which Ranbir Kapoor goes to Manoj Bajpai's house for the safety of his family and to get his brother out of prison is identical to the scene in The Godfather in which Vito Corleone brings all the different Mafia families together; in fact, the dialogue Kapoor speaks is a reworded version of Don Corleone's speech. Another famous scene, in which Jack Woltz wakes up to the severed head of his prized stallion, inspired the scene in which Babulal wakes up to the corpse of the young male masseur.
- #004
When Prakash Jha announced the film in 2004, Sanjay Dutt had signed on. When the film was delayed, Sanjay chose to walk away.
- #005
Prakash Jha wanted Manoj Bajpai to play Arjun Rampal's role. Prakash told Manoj that the role was very big. Manoj insisted on playing a different role, as he ultimately felt the role he played was better and more challenging.
- #006
Ajay Devgn was reportedly angry with director Prakash Jha for positioning Raajneeti as a romantic film rather than a political drama. Devgn was also angry with Jha for sidelining his character. For this reason, he stayed away from Jha's Aarakshan.
- #007
This was the second film Ranbir and Katrina appeared in together after the super hit Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani.
- #008
Everything is based on the life of Godfather Michael Corleone, since he was to receive a professor's education, and even Michael tried to become a Senator. Later, thanks to his father, he devoted himself to the field his father had left behind.
- #009
Rishi Kapoor advised Ranbir not to sign the film because it had too many stars. Ranbir went with his instinct and signed the film.
- #010
Katrina claimed that her role deserved a national award, but she was later mocked for it since she had nothing very strong to do in the film.
- #011
Raajneeti's certificate was initially refused by India's censor board over the belief that the lead character played by Katrina Kaif was wholly or partly inspired by Congress Party chief Sonia Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Rabri Devi. Director Prakash Jha rejected the claim, saying his only inspiration was the ancient Indian epic the Mahabharata.
- #012
Early on, when Indoo takes Samar to lunch, she sarcastically says she will be the candidate in the next election, foreshadowing her ultimate fate in the film when she becomes CM.
- #013
The entire film was shot in Bhopal.
- #014
Shruti Seth had appeared in many comedies on television and in lighter supporting roles in films. This was the first time, however, that she took on such a bold role.
- #015
This was Barkha Bisht's debut.
- #016
The film was released in cinemas in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
- #017
Bheegi Si Bhaagi Si. This song may have been inspired by the 2005 song "Jauh Mimpiku" by the Indonesian group Peterpan.
- #018
Naseeruddin Shah and Nana Patekar appeared on screen together for the first time, but the shot was from very far away.
- #019
Barkha Bisht's first appearance in Hindi cinema.
- #020
On 11 August 2009, the Mid-day newspaper reported a dispute on the sets of Rajneeti 2010 between Gulshan Grover and Prakash Jha, stating that Gulshan Grover, who plays a policeman in the film, arrived to shoot his scene without his hat. This angered Prakash Jha and the two had a verbal argument, after which Gulshan Grover decided not to shoot for the film and avoided his calls and messages. However, both Gulshan Grover and Prakash Jha denied the incident, calling it a rumour. Gulshan Grover said he was not part of the film and had only come to the set to meet his friend Prakash Jha.
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