Sam Bahadur Movie Review: A Glimpse into the World of Vicky Kaushal

In the world of Indian cinema, Meghna Gulzar is widely regarded as one of the most nuanced and focused filmmakers. Her latest creation, Sam Bahadur, a biopic on the life of Sam Manekshaw, is a departure from her usual style. While Gulzar's touch is evident, it is Vicky Kaushal who truly shines in this film. Known for his exceptional acting prowess in movies like "Masaan," "Raazi," "Udham Singh," and "Uri," Kaushal's portrayal of Sam Manekshaw is nothing short of remarkable.

The Perfect Casting

One cannot help but appreciate how perfectly Gulzar has cast Kaushal for the role of Sam Manekshaw. The actor's ability to bring the Field Marshal to life on screen is a testament to both his talent and Gulzar's writing. The language used to depict Manekshaw feels uniquely feminine, capturing the perfect blend of bravery, charm, and kindness. It is this combination that makes Sam Bahadur a true "woman's man."

A Maverick Soldier

Set in pre-Independence India, Sam Bahadur follows the journey of a young soldier named Sam Manekshaw, who served in a British regiment. Manekshaw is not one to adhere strictly to rules; rather, he is the one to break them, often finding himself in trouble as a result. However, his dashingly confident and vocal demeanor wins over even the harshest of critics. At a party, he meets and quickly marries Siloo, played by Sanya Malhotra, and together they have two children. Despite his personal life, Manekshaw remains dedicated to his military career, forming a close friendship with Yahya Khan, portrayed by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub.

A Nation in Turmoil

As India and Pakistan separate, Kashmir plunges into chaos. However, Manekshaw becomes the saving grace as he plays a vital role in getting Maharaja Hari Singh to sign the accession treaty within a matter of hours. When the Chinese pose a threat near Assam's Tezpur, and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, played by Neeraj Kabi, loses hope, Manekshaw is assigned to handle the situation in the northeastern state. Recognizing the need for a morale boost, he takes it upon himself to uplift the spirits of the troops. For his efforts, he is honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan.

Confronting Challenges

Manekshaw's journey takes him from battling insurgents in the northeastern states to assisting Bangladesh in its liberation campaign against Pakistan. His responsibilities span a wide range of issues, including wars and internal conflicts. Throughout it all, Manekshaw stands tall, demonstrating not only his strategic brilliance but also his unwavering kindness and respect for the junior-most soldiers. It is this aspect of his character that truly sets him apart.

A Missed Opportunity

While Kaushal's performance as Manekshaw is undoubtedly the highlight of the film, it is unfortunate that the same attention to detail was not given to the other characters. With the exception of Sanya Malhotra's Siloo, who is given minimal screen time and dialogue, and Fatima Sana Shaikh's portrayal of Indira Gandhi, the remaining characters serve merely as stepping stones to accentuate Manekshaw's charisma and bravery. Malhotra does her best with the limited material she is given, but Shaikh's inexperience and lack of guidance are apparent from the moment she appears on screen.

A Treat for Vicky Kaushal Fans

In the end, Sam Bahadur is a true treat for Vicky Kaushal fans, and even those who are not yet familiar with his work. His performance shines brightly, outshining everything else in the movie. The film showcases his immense talent and reaffirms his status as one of the finest actors in the industry.

Conclusion

Sam Bahadur offers audiences a glimpse into the extraordinary life of Sam Manekshaw, brilliantly portrayed by Vicky Kaushal. While the film may not fully explore the depth of the supporting characters, it is Kaushal's exceptional acting skills that make this biopic a must-watch. Meghna Gulzar's direction, along with the talented writing team of Bhavani Iyer and Shantanu Srivastava, brings Manekshaw's story to life in a way that captivates and inspires. Whether you are a fan of Vicky Kaushal or simply appreciate a well-crafted biopic, Sam Bahadur is a film that should not be missed.