Sam Bahadur Movie Review

Plot

'Sam Bahadur' is a biopic based on the life of India's first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw. The film takes us through his early days and showcases his inspiring journey. It highlights his remarkable achievements in war and his contributions to the Indian armed forces.

Acting

Vicky Kaushal delivers a committed and studiously mannered performance as Sam Manekshaw. He successfully embodies the persona of the Field Marshal, exuding eloquence, charisma, and conviction. His physicality and manner of dialogue delivery are reminiscent of iconic actors like Rajendra Gupta and Jackie Shroff. However, the supporting cast, including Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh, lack the same impact and struggle to bring depth to their characters. Overall, Vicky Kaushal's acting stands out in the film.

Cinematography

The cinematography by Jay I Patel captures the grandeur of the story, showcasing sweeping shots and visually striking moments. However, the film lacks creativity in its action sequences, failing to fully utilize Meghna Gulzar's flair for action. Apart from one notable aerial shot depicting Pakistani soldiers crossing a mountain stream, rest of the combat scenes feel underwhelming. Nonetheless, the cinematography successfully captures the larger-than-life presence of Sam Manekshaw.

Direction

Meghna Gulzar's direction in 'Sam Bahadur' offers a straightforward and detailed account of Sam Manekshaw's journey. The film is meticulously researched and portrays the Field Marshal's triumphs accurately. However, Gulzar's approach feels impersonal, and the film lacks the intimacy and depth seen in her previous works. The script, jointly penned by Bhavana Iyer, Shantanu Shrivastava, and Gulzar, fails to fully explore the emotional and dramatic aspects of the story. As a result, the narrative feels like a summarized historical account rather than a captivating biopic.

Conclusion

'Sam Bahadur' is a biopic that showcases the remarkable life of India's first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw. Despite Vicky Kaushal's commendable performance and the film's meticulous research, it falls short in terms of exploring the emotional depth and significance of each chapter of Manekshaw's life. The cinematography captures the grandeur of the story, but the action sequences lack creativity. Meghna Gulzar's direction offers a straightforward portrayal but lacks the intimacy found in her previous works. Overall, 'Sam Bahadur' is a watchable film, but it fails to leave a lasting impact or offer fresh perspectives on the legendary commander.

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