Power rarely announces itself loudly-it consolidates quietly, through influence, ideology and unwavering loyalty. It is this subtle yet formidable architecture of control that forms the spine of Sankalp, the upcoming socio-political thriller from Amazon MX Player. The streaming platform has dropped a gripping teaser, marking the highly anticipated OTT debut of Nana Patekar and the return of filmmaker Prakash Jha to terrain he navigates with unmistakable authority.
The first look was unveiled on Jha’s 74th birthday, a fitting occasion for a project that revisits themes of power, politics and institutional fault lines- areas he previously explored in Ek Badnaam Aashram.
Sanskaar- Satta- Samarpan
Anchored in the thematic triad of Sanskaar- Satta -Samarpan, Sankalp delves into revenge, ideological warfare, mentorship, corruption and the inner workings of bureaucracy in modern India. At the centre stands Nana Patekar as Ma’at Saab- a commanding master strategist whose authority dominates every frame of the teaser.
Unlike traditional political dramas built on overt aggression, Sankalp positions influence as its primary weapon. Ma’at Saab emerges as a modern-day Chanakya- an educator and tactician who builds power not through brute force, but through carefully cultivated loyalty and institutional command.
Standing in ideological opposition are Sanjay Kapoor and Neeraj Kabi, their visible friction signalling an imminent clash of power structures. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub adds emotional complexity as a fiercely devoted protégé whose allegiance to Ma’at Saab runs deeper than it initially appears. The ensemble further includes Kubrra Sait and Kranti Prakash Jha, rounding out a cast that promises layered performances.
Reimagining Chanakya in contemporary India
At its core, Sankalp reinterprets the historical dynamic of Chanakya and Chandragupta within a contemporary socio-political framework. Here, classrooms replace battlefields, bureaucrats stand in for soldiers, and ideology becomes the ultimate instrument of dominance.
The series examines how influence is engineered-how mentorship transforms into machinery, and how institutions become arenas of silent warfare. It is a study of power as structure rather than spectacle.
The team behind the series
A presentation by Jio Studios, Sankalp is produced by Jyoti Deshpande along with Dishaa Jhaa under the banner of PJP Films Productions. Directed by Prakash Jha, the project promises his signature blend of political realism, moral ambiguity and character-driven intensity.
Where to watch
Sankalp will premiere exclusively on Amazon MX Player and will be available to stream free of cost across the MX Player app, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV and Airtel Xstream.
With Nana Patekar’s commanding screen presence and Prakash Jha’s sharp socio-political lens, Sankalp positions itself as a gripping exploration of influence, loyalty and ideological warfare-a drama that seeks to dissect how power is built, protected and ultimately challenged in contemporary India.
