Department was released on 18 May 2012 to mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, with sharp criticism for the screenplay, pacing, experimental camera work and performances of the cast.[7][8] The film emerged as a commercial disaster at the box-office, grossing ₹25 crore worldwide against a production budget of ₹35 crore.
Plot
Inspector Mahadev Bhosale (Dutt) is tasked by his superiors to form a hit squad called the "Department" to tackle the growing threat of the Mumbai underworld. He recruits Shiv Narayan (Daggubati), a suspended police officer who had been penalized for an encounter killing. Together, Mahadev and Shiv, along with other members of the team, target crime syndicate leader Sawatya (Raaz) and his gang. Despite numerous urgings from his second-in-command D.K. (Singh) and D.K.'s girlfriend Naseer (Shalini), Sawatya refuses to retaliate against the police action.
Sarjerao Gaikwad (Bachchan) is a former gangster-turned-politician. Shiv and Sarjerao develop a close relationship when the latter saves Shiv’s life at a public rally. However, Mahadev warns Shiv that Sarjerao is manipulating him for his own political gains. As events unfold, it is revealed that Mahadev himself is working for Mohammad Ghouri, an underworld don, and is systematically eliminating Sawatya’s gang at Ghouri’s request. Shiv, unwilling to be part of Mahadev’s corrupt world, chooses to walk away. Despite Mahadev’s agreement to let him go, tensions rise when Shiv confronts a faction formed by D.K. under Mahadev’s protection, leading to a rift between the mentor and his apprentice.
Cast
Amitabh Bachchan as Sarjerao Gaikwad, a gangster-turned-politician
Sanjay Dutt as Inspector Mahadev Bhosle, the DSP of an encounter squad
Rana Daggubati as Inspector Shivnarayan, an encounter specialist
