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Riyasat is an Indian drama film released in the year 2014, known for being the last film featuring the late Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna. Directed and produced by Ashok Tyagi, the movie has a narrative that combines elements of crime, loyalty, and the struggle for power within the underworld. Set in the tumultuous environment of the Indian underworld, Riyasat tells the story of a revered aging don named Saheb (played by Rajesh Khanna) who has been a powerful and respected figure in his community. As an underworld leader, Saheb is not only known for his ruthlessness but also for his sense of justice and heart for the people he oversees. His leadership has ensured a level of order and a code of ethics within the chaotic world of crime.

The film opens with Saheb's gradual realization that the world of crime is changing, and not for the better. The old ways of honor among thieves are crumbling, and there is an emerging generation of younger gangsters who are ambitious, reckless, and lacking the moral compass that Saheb has always tried to maintain in his dealings. These young turks are more interested in profits and power rather than maintaining the balance and harmony that Saheb sees as crucial for the community's survival.

Saheb, who has no biological heir, begins to see the necessity of grooming a successor to ensure that his legacy and his values survive in this rapidly shifting landscape. This is where Aryeman Ramsay's character comes into the picture. He plays the role of an understudy to Saheb, someone who has been under his wing and has shown the same commitment to keeping peace and justice alive in their domain.

However, the road to succession is fraught with danger. As Saheb’s health begins to decline, the sharks begin to circle, sensing the opportunity to usurp the throne. This includes players from within Saheb’s own inner circle, as well as external forces. The looming battle for power poses the central conflict of the film, as Saheb and his chosen successor must navigate the treacherous waters of loyalty, betrayal, and moral dilemmas.

In a compelling supporting role, Raza Murad plays one of Saheb’s old confidants, a character laden with his own complexities and hidden agendas. The dynamics between Saheb, his confidant, and his chosen successor encapsulate the intricate web of relationships that make up the tapestry of the crime world's hierarchy and code of conduct.

The movie features a blend of dramatic twists, emotional dialogues, and action sequences that capture the grim realities of the underworld. As Saheb's health deteriorates, the movie intensifies, exploring themes of mortality, legacy, and the corrupting influence of absolute power. It examines whether principles can hold fast against the relentless tide of greed and whether a criminal empire can be anything other than self-destructive in the end.

Throughout the film, viewers receive a poignant narrative that explores the dichotomy of a man who is both feared and loved, a man who is a criminal to the world but a guardian to his people. Riyasat delves into Saheb's past, giving the audience insight into what has shaped him into the man he is and why he clings so dearly to the codes and values he upholds.

The movie also serves as a fitting swansong for Rajesh Khanna, the first superstar of Indian cinema. Khanna, known for his magnetic screen presence and dialogue delivery, infuses the character of Saheb with depth and dignity, presenting a layered portrayal of a man who is at once powerful and vulnerable. His performance in Riyasat is a reminder of his versatile acting abilities and why he has been a celebrated figure in Bollywood.

The supporting cast, including Aryeman Ramsay and Raza Murad, delivers strong performances, adding to the compelling narrative and giving life to the complex characters that make up Saheb's world. The script is sprinkled with drama, sentiment, and the occasional flash of wry humor, characteristics that have endeared Indian cinema to its vast audience.

Riyasat is not just a crime drama; it's also a commentary on the changing times and the erosion of certain values in the face of modernization and ruthless ambition. The film offers a look into a world that is often glamorized in cinema, but here is portrayed with a certain rawness and authenticity.

In conclusion, Riyasat stands as a gritty tale of power struggles, legacy, and the human condition set against the backdrop of India's criminal underbelly. It's a film that offers a unique glimpse into the life of a crime lord grappling with the responsibility of his position and the inevitability of change, all the while maintaining his principles. Led by Rajesh Khanna's final performance, Riyasat aims to leave its audience reflecting on the complexities of power and the importance of guiding principles, no matter how flawed its bearer might be.

Riyasat is a 2014 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.