As I stepped into the cinematic world painted by Meghna Gulzar in Sam Bahadur, the tale of India’s first field marshal, Sam Manekshaw, unfolded before me like the pages of a riveting history book. Starring Vicky Kaushal in the titular role, the film masterfully navigates the complexities of war, resilience, and the enigmatic persona of Sam Manekshaw.
From the opening scenes that thrust us into Sam’s initiation into World War II, the film takes a deliberate approach, steering clear of bombastic war sequences and overt displays of patriotism. Instead, it delves into the very core of Sam’s character, exploring his first tryst with war and the remarkable bounce back from injury that defined his journey.
Vicky Kaushal’s Commanding Portrayal
Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Sam Manekshaw is nothing short of commendable. His effortless embodiment of Sam’s body language and emotions brings the character to life. Yet, a subtle echo of Dev Anand lingers in his mannerisms, which doesn’t do justice to Sam’s persona. However, Kaushal’s overall performance holds the narrative together, embodying the strength and charisma of the military maverick.
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s Stellar Turn as Indira Gandhi
In a supporting role, Fatima Sana Shaikh shines as Indira Gandhi. Her portrayal is marked by a careful balance, capturing the essence of Gandhi’s stature without falling into the trap of mimicry. The body language is a testimony to Shaikh’s commitment, providing depth to the character without resorting to replicating mannerisms.
Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub’s Struggle with Prosthetics
However, Sam Bahadur is not without its pitfalls. Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub, tasked with bringing Major Ayub Khan to life, faces prosthetics challenges. Unfortunately, the prosthetics often overshadow Ayub’s expressive talents, diluting the impact of his performance. The desperate attempt to recreate Ayub Khan’s look compromises the actor’s ability to convey emotions effectively.
Screenplay and Direction: A Man-Centric Focus
Sam Bahadur‘s screenplay and direction, spearheaded by Meghna Gulzar, Bhavani Iyer, and Shantanu Srivastava, focuses exclusively on Sam Manekshaw. While this approach illuminates the life of the military maestro, it leaves limited room for the development of other characters. The insertion of actual footage contributes to the film’s docudrama feel, adding depth and authenticity to the chronological depiction of events.
Sam Bahadur – Real and Relatable Dialogues
Kudos to the writing team for crafting real and relatable dialogues. The conversations are steeped in authenticity, capturing the essence of the era. Sam’s motivational speeches are delivered with no-nonsense precision, avoiding an overdose of emotions yet managing to captivate the audience. The celebration of life is portrayed without unnecessary theatrics, adding a touch of subtlety to the narrative.
Humanism Amidst Military Might
Amidst the military might and strategic brilliance, Sam Bahadur beautifully captures moments of humanism. Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal brings forth Sam’s personal interactions with Gorkha soldiers and the warm camaraderie he shares with his South Indian cook. These intimate moments reveal a man who valued his country’s sovereignty but also cherished his downtime.
A Few Dialogues Fall Short
However, some dialogues, especially the interactions between Mrs. Gandhi and Sam, lack depth and taste. The attempt at lighthearted banter comes off as slightly forced, disrupting the otherwise seamless flow of the narrative.
Musical Highlights and Tracks That Resonate
The film’s musical score, particularly the track ‘Badhte Chalo,’ stands out. Symbolizing the same spirit as ‘Vande Mataram’ or ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara,’ the music contributes to the theme of unity in diversity. Unlike other tracks, these resonate with the audience, adding emotional depth to the storytelling.
Final Verdict: An Intriguing Docudrama Journey
Sam Bahadur is a compelling watch, offering a docudrama-style exploration of Sam Manekshaw’s extraordinary life. Vicky Kaushal’s commanding performance, coupled with nuanced portrayals from the supporting cast, elevates the film beyond its occasional shortcomings. The deliberate focus on Sam Manekshaw’s journey, peppered with real footage and authentic dialogues, creates an engaging cinematic experience.
The film gets its theatrical release on December 1st. Sam Bahadur promises an intriguing journey into the life of a military legend, leaving audiences with a deeper understanding of the man behind the uniform.