The Raazi director, Meghna Gulzar, and Vicky Kaushal crusade to deliver a work of art that tells us the story of India’s most beloved soldier.
Watching Sam Bahadur was my ‘bahadur’ attempt at bunking office and sneaking away in the afternoon to enjoy some me time. It gave me a much-needed break from the everyday grind and the next day saw me refreshed and inspired by the movie. Let me tell you a little about the story before giving you my honest review of the film.
Is Sam Bahadur a True Story?
The Sam Bahadur movie is based on the life of Sam Manekshaw, the first Indian army officer to be promoted to the rank of field marshal. The film explores his illustrious career while celebrating an admirable veteran, a master strategist, and above all an exceptional human being.
What is the Story of Sam Bahadur?
The film flits between the early 1930s to the 1970s grafting the nation’s eventful history before and after independence. This 2h 25m biographical film plays out on a vast canvas covering 4 decades of active military service, 5 wars, and numerous operations. Inevitably, this ambitious, well-researched movie is fast-paced, even rushed at times but there’s never a dull moment.
The movie sheds light on Sam Manekshaw’s close relationship with Gen. Yahya Khan from Pakistan. Though Fatima Sana Shaikh’s performance as Indira Gandhi is uneven, the film captures the chemistry between the feisty Indira Gandhi and a resolute Sam who doesn’t mince words to speak the truth.
Sam Slams With Its Brilliance
Meghana Gulzar presents not just a soldier or a conventional hero but an incredible human being – full of conviction and intelligence, a strategist who was known for his wit and charm.
Sam Bahadur is a befitting tribute to a man whose grit and gallantry, patriotism, joie de vivre, candour, decision-making skills, and unwavering sense of purpose are the stuff of legend.
Talking about performances, the movie is a dream for Vicky Kaushal fans. Hats off to him for delivering such a stellar performance with such finesse. Vicky Kaushal’s impeccable mannerisms, walk, quirkiness, flawless accent, and the authoritative aura he exudes bring him as close as possible to Sam Bahadur’s persona. As Sam, Vicky Kaushal has done a role of a lifetime.
The visuals are stunning and the soft touches and anecdotes are sure to make you smile in this military-based drama. The brilliant production design and cinematography successfully transport us to an unseen era of history.
Regardless of the film’s success on several fronts, the film lacks cohesion. The screenplay falls short of garnering the desired intensity for its moments. Though I learned a lot about a great soldier, it failed to immerse me into the narrative. This is because it was fragmented, kind of like a documentary.
Should You Watch Sam Bahadur with Your Children?
A movie that inspires youth needs to be watched. The movie has important lessons for everyone, especially children. It teaches us what ‘leading from the front’ means. Sam Bahadur shows us what real heroes, officers, and gentlemen are made of. He is an example of a true leader and a motivator.
In an age of increased aggression, the movie helps us to teach our children to make level-headed decisions in life. It is a must-watch for it teaches important values of commitment, integrity, honesty, and a sense of pride. It teaches us that no matter how bad our situation may be, one must remain and say ‘I am okay’.
In Conclusion
Sam Bahadur is an honest movie with no added spice or item songs presenting Mankshawji with impact, aplomb, and grace. It is informative and generates curiosity to know more about the man and the history of the era.
Go watch this movie for an extra dose of ‘Josh’. As Sam would have put it – It is worth a dekho, Sweetie.
