Governor Review: It is 1990, and India is about to be bankrupt. Foreign exchange reserves are rapidly depleting, oil prices are soaring due to geopolitical tensions, and fears of the nation’s breakdown are growing with each passing day. As the crisis deepens, the government turns to an unlikely figure—a brilliant economist who is appointed the Governor of the RBI at a time when few believe the nation can be saved.
This calm but capable Governor, played by Manoj Bajpayee, is inspired by RBI Governor S Venkitaramanan. He enters a system riddled with bureaucracy, political pressure, and resistance to change. Manoj’s Ramanan soon realises that under all the red tape, the nation’s condition is worse than anticipated. India’s foreign reserves have dwindled to dangerously low levels, imports are under threat, and the country’s global credibility is eroding.As panic spreads, the Governor begins crafting a bold rescue strategy. However, besides coming up with a way to save the nation, he also has to convince a sceptical government, powerful stakeholders and even his own team to trust his vision. With no other solution in sight, Ramanan comes up with the “secret mission” to sell India’s gold to foreign nations.The plot has all the markings of a fantastic and sharp Manoj Bajpayee film: the stakes seem high, the strategies are bold, and the actor is brilliant. Over the years, Manoj Bajpayee has consistently proved his mettle, and now there are certain expectations attached to his projects, especially mission-based narratives. However, Governor subverts all expectations and reminds us that, after all, expectations are the cause of all misery.
Governor feels like part advertisement, part daily soap. While the film has taken the liberty of dramatising real-life events, no part of this drama manages to impress. When the film begins with Manoj Bajpayee, the actor once again proves his prowess by totally transforming into Ramakant. From his diction to his body language, Manoj checks all the marks. However, the actor is the only appreciable part of the film.
His half-baked character fails to establish a connection beyond the screen, even though it is inspired by the man who saved the country. Right before he is appointed the Governor, Ramanan witnesses a man burn himself alive to escape his financial burden. Ramanan makes no real rescue effort as he is forced to drive away due to his government position. One can only wonder how much impact this incident has had on him beyond one flashback.
