Runtime: 2 hours 28 minutes
Directed By: Meghna Gulzar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Sanya Malhotra, Mohammed Zeeshan
Distributed By: Zee5
Released on: 30th November 2023
Sam Bahadur is the story of a Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army who had the charisma and all the attributes of a strong leader that made him an icon. Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw was the first field marshal India has ever had. Despite being a field marshal for a short tenure, his life is nothing less than respectable and boasts of a man who never kowtowed to politics. Man, who drew a fine line between politics and the army and didn’t sell himself short. Man, who had an unshakable belief in himself and is a solid role model for aspiring defense aspirants. This movie reflects his journey from being a cadet at the Indian Military Academy to becoming Chief of Army Staff. We further review this movie and shed light on some of the important points that need to be discussed.
The movie opens up with a couple trifling over naming their son. This marks the beginning of a life story of a much-coveted army officer. As the story progresses, we see each chapter of Sam’s life unfold. From sneaking out of the army quarters to partying with his friends, marrying the love of his life, separation from his friend, and bittersweet experiences that will surely make you connect with the flow of the movie. The plot’s timeline begins with Sam’s inclusion in the Indian Military Academy, India-Pakistan partition which gets him separated from his friend Aayah Khan. Getting shot nine times by a Japanese soldier. Still cheating death and joining the next war. He was in charge of the Liberation War in 1971, a battle to which he gave his most contribution. From being a victim of politics by the government and proving his loyalty to the nation. This comprises the points in the storyline that the makers have successfully covered but have cleverly concealed the failure of governance in supporting the army during crucial times.
Vicky Kaushal’s performance is exemplary and he seems to have embodied every aspect of Sam Manekshaw’s personality. This also shows how good he is as a method actor. From portraying the perfect accent of Sam Manekshaw, the walking style, and taking strides while walking are shown perfectly. The cinematography is excellent, the costumes are elegantly designed and they suit the theme of the movie. One of the parts where the movie lacks is showing valor and courage of Sam Manekshaw and feels short-lived. Dialogues could have been worked upon and have been made impactful. As mentioned in the above para the makers have tried to conceal the errors made by the previous government which have cost us more than we can imagine. Like Pt Nehru taking the issue of Kashmir to the UN which led to the formation of LOC and gave us an issue of terrorism in Kashmir to deal with. Which till date is responsible for the death of our soldiers due to cowardly terror attacks from our neighboring country and the absence of ministers during Sam Manekshaw’s funeral is missing in the plot. Don’t know when these types of topics will also be covered by the makers.
Overall, the movie is good and enjoyable. Please note to gain substantial knowledge on the Liberation War before watching as it will help you understand the movie quicker. The character of Sam Manekshaw was larger than life and will always be revered and respected. When army men were treated as waiters in functions, he stood up for them. Such was the dedication of this man towards the uniform. Let it be using them as laborers for the construction of bridges to serving tea in functions. Manekshaw condemned this behavior. He would always remain a role model and would be remembered as a true patriot.
“JAI HIND” “VANDE MATARAM”
Moviesamrat Rating: 2.5/5