Political Satire and Bureaucratic Corruption: An Analysis of Shyam Benegal’s Film “Well Done Abba”

Abstract

Corruption poses a significant obstacle in governance, threatening transparency, accountability, and the efficiency of institutions. In India, corruption within the bureaucracy hampers the implementation of welfare programs, denying marginalized communities access to vital resources. The Right to Information Act (RTI) of 2005 was established to address corruption by enhancing transparency and empowering citizens. Nonetheless, systemic inefficiencies and resistance from bureaucrats persist, preventing its complete effectiveness. Shyam Benegal’s Well Done Abba (2009) serves as a political satire that critiques corruption and shortcomings in rural governance. Through the protagonist's battle to secure a well in his village, the film reveals the systemic issues within government welfare initiatives and highlights the role of RTI in exposing corruption. This paper analyzes Well Done Abba as a case study to investigate governance failures, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the impact of political satire on public awareness. The study underscores both the effectiveness and limitations of transparency measures in India by juxtaposing the film’s storyline with actualcorruption cases revealed through RTI. The findings indicate that although RTI has brought to light several fraudulent incidents, deeper structural reforms are essential for lasting change. The study concludes by stressing the importance of political satire in promoting civic awareness and stimulating democratic engagement.