Over the period of last 12 years, whenever I wanted to compare the acts between top actors in India, I always viewed this film. There are so many amazing incidents shot for this film which can still be related to the current political situation in India (at least in Maharashtra). The script by Tendulkar is a gem, so is the base written by Sadhu.
If you want to have a look at this film with a political mindset, please read some history of Maharashtra politics from 60s and 70s. Also, try to watch some documentaries regarding the drought conditions in Maharashtra during that time. The kind of corruption and arrogant politics was played that time is brilliantly reflected in the film. This was the same time when leftist became some what stronger in Maharashtra and the rise of shiv sena was on the page. The importance of free journalism and its political handling is shown in a pun way, which is very well presented. Technology changed, so did people but the Maharashtra govt and politicians are still act the way Jabbar Patel could portray them in the movie.
Artistic way: acting is top notch, not a single exception. I think, Patel made sure to have as many takes as it take to get a satisfactory outcome. Lagu, Dubhashi, Sarpotdar, Phule, Toradmal and almost all other top theater personalities from that era were so natural in their acting that I have not seen such a character personification from no other movie. Director might have released this movie as a fiction but i think the actors also knew that this is a non- fiction and they studied the character of the politicians/union leaders/reports they are portraying. I just wished they could have shown some visual activity from Delhi, but I think it was emergency era or just after that and wanted to remain on a safer side from strong hand of central politicians (at least for censor clearance).
The script and dialog writing is one of the most important part of this movie. Nowhere in the movie you feel academic language or pune-based Marathi language taking over the movie. The justice has been done to most of the regional characters including the situation there.
Dialogue of Dubhashi: "Tumha aristocratic porinna..." well, a kinda universal generalization at its best... some of the monologues are pretty superior in every way.