The recent death of Bihar's "Bahubali" (strongman) Kali Prasad Pandey at the age of 69 has reignited discussions about the 1987 Hindi film Pratighaat. Pandey, a former Member of Parliament from Gopalganj, passed away in a Delhi hospital after a prolonged illness. His life, marked by a blend of political influence and alleged criminal activities, bears a striking resemblance to the character of the antagonist in the film, leading many to draw parallels between the reel and real-life figures.
Kali Prasad Pandey, born in 1946, was a prominent figure in Bihar politics throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He began his political journey with the Indian National Congress but later gained notoriety as an independent MLA. In 1984, despite being in jail on charges of murder, Pandey contested and won the Lok Sabha elections from Gopalganj, defeating the Congress candidate amidst a wave of sympathy for the party following Indira Gandhi's assassination. This victory cemented his image as a powerful and defiant leader. He was known as "Sher-e-Bihar" (Lion of Bihar).
Pratighaat, directed by N. Chandra, is a feminist drama that revolves around the nexus between politics and crime. The film tells the story of Laxmi, a college lecturer who stands up against Kali Prasad, a ruthless and corrupt politician who terrorizes the town of Dharampura. Kali Prasad, aided by a crooked lawyer and protected by a local MLA, operates his own court and eliminates opponents without fear of arrest. After witnessing the murder of a police officer who dared to arrest Kali, Laxmi files a complaint against him. In retaliation, Kali publicly disrobes her, but instead of being cowed down, Laxmi challenges him in an election. Despite Kali's victory through booth capturing, Laxmi ultimately avenges her humiliation by killing him.
The character of Kali Prasad in Pratighaat, played by Charan Raj, is portrayed as a symbol of unchecked power, corruption, and oppression. He rules the town with an iron fist, using violence and intimidation to maintain his dominance. The film highlights the helplessness of ordinary citizens in the face of such authority and the courage required to challenge it.
The similarities between Kali Prasad Pandey and the character in Pratighaat have long been a subject of discussion in Bihar's political circles. Pandey's alleged involvement in criminal activities and his strongman image mirror the on-screen persona of Kali Prasad. It is believed that the film was inspired by Pandey's rise to power and his influence in the Gopalganj region. While the filmmakers never officially confirmed this connection, Pandey himself reportedly acknowledged the inspiration.
The film Pratighaat became a hit, grossing ₹8 crore at the box office. Made on a small budget with no major stars, it was part of director N. Chandra's hat-trick of hit films, which included Ankush (1986) and Tezaab (1988). The movie's themes of female empowerment, the fight against corruption, and social injustice resonated with audiences, making it a significant commentary on the socio-political landscape of the time.
Kali Pandey's political career saw him associated with various parties, including Congress, RJD, and LJP. Despite his initial success as an independent, he struggled to replicate his victory in subsequent elections. His image as a "Bahubali" remained, and his name continued to be linked to controversies and criminal allegations.
The renewed interest in Pratighaat following Pandey's death underscores the complex relationship between politics, crime, and popular culture. The film serves as a reminder of a time when strongmen like Kali Prasad Pandey wielded considerable influence in Bihar, and the echoes of that era continue to resonate in the state's political discourse.
