Review by : Sarang Dev Singh
Screenplay and story :
Sam bahadur is biopic film made on first field marshal of India, Sam Manekshaw. Different phases of Sam has been shown in the film from when he was the lieutenant in the British Indian Army who later became the Indian Army officer, after the partition to his contribution in Indo Pak War 1971 and Bangladesh liberation war. This film also outlines the politics of Government in 1940’s. After independence, how PM Nehru and Indira Gandhi handled the aftermath of partition and tensions across the Borders. More than the story of Sam, this film is more focused about the justifications of the decisions of then Prime Ministers, Nehru and Indira. The bond between Indira Gandhi and Sam Bahadur share in the Movie is looking great. But I doubt this is actually a truth, because Congress was not always supportive to Sam Manekshaw and his suggestions. If the story of Sam initialised from his childhood, it would definitely more encouraging and admiring for the youths who dreams to become the Army officer. This is the thing which is missed in the movie. The climax of film should deserve reality rather than happy ending. Although, It looks like a movie full of emotions on nationlaism. Screenplay of movie is 150 minutes long. The war and action sequences were technically well made and eye catchy.
Dialogues :
There are so many dialogues which makes you feel motivated and awakes your love towards Indian Army and the nation. Although most of the dialogues written in the discussion between Sam and Indira are not very complex. But Sam spoke to Indira Gandhi metaphorically in the movie most of the time.
Actors and characterisation :
Vicky Kaushal, in the role of Sam Manekshaw, gets fully into the skin of the character. He did the proper justice to fill Sam’s shoes. He exactly picked up the all the gestures and postures of Sam. The way he walk, stand, talk everything he expressed just like Sam did. All his nuances looked very gentle. The character of Sam is more flamboyant and jolly in movie. Sam used to say sweetie to Indira Gandhi that is very funny, but as a soldier his body language always looks disciplined and enthusiastic. Fatima sana shiekh played Indira gandhi who looked decent in the movie. Sanya Malhotra as wife of Sam also played her part well.
Music and BGM score :
The BGM score is the plus point of the movie as it evokes the emotions on nationalism everytime. The BGM is very fast paced and perfectly fit in particular situation of the scenes. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is the music director. There are total 4 tracks in the movie. And Badhte chalo sung by Shankar Mahadevan is my favorite song in the movie as the lyrics also includes the utterance of all the regiments of Indian Army.
Direction :
Meghna Gulzar directed superbly on both technical and cinematographical aspects. She also presented the Real video clips of funeral of PM Nehru and other clips also between political incidences happening in the film.
