Sam Bahadur” unfolds the remarkable journey of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, chronicling his life from the origins of his unique name to his retirement. The narrative spans his involvement in five major wars, showcasing his enduring impact on individuals aspiring to serve their nation.
What works for Sam Bahadur:
Vicky Kaushal’s Stellar Portrayal: Kaushal excels in capturing every nuance of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, from mannerisms to accent and body language, delivering one of the best performances by a mainstream actor.
Compelling Dialogues and Gripping Drama: The film’s sharp and impactful dialogues, particularly in the first half, contribute to its success. Gripping drama keeps the audience engaged throughout.
Lavish War Sequences and Top-notch Cinematography: The film’s war sequences are visually stunning, shot lavishly, and complemented by top-notch cinematography.
Authenticity through Historical Footage: Seamless integration of historical footage enhances authenticity, making the depiction of true events more relatable.
Inspirational Storytelling: Manekshaw’s inspiring journey broadens the film’s appeal, reaching beyond military enthusiasts to resonate with a wider audience.
What doesn’t work for Sam Bahadur:
Episodic Nature: The film’s episodic presentation may resemble short segments of Manekshaw’s life, potentially diminishing its commercial appeal.
Uneven Intensity Between Halves: While the first half excels, the second half struggles to maintain the same intensity, resulting in an underwhelming experience.
Disruptive Pre-climax Song: The pre-climax song disrupts the narrative flow, feeling anti-climactic and momentarily halting the screenplay.
Format Misalignment with Manekshaw’s Grandeur: The film’s format may not entirely synchronize with the grandeur of Manekshaw’s life, leaving potential untapped.
Performances in Sam Bahadur:
Vicky Kaushal: Kaushal’s portrayal is exceptional, capturing the essence of Manekshaw with precision.
Sanya Malhotra: Malhotra’s portrayal of Siloo Manekshaw is endearing, though her role lacks depth.
Fatima Sana Shaikh: Shaikh delivers a decent performance as Indira Gandhi, while Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub shines in his role as Yahya Khan.
Supporting Cast: The supporting cast deserves praise for compelling performances, adding depth to the narrative.
Final Verdict of Sam Bahadur:
“Sam Bahadur” is a credible film primarily elevated by Vicky Kaushal’s extraordinary performance and impactful dialogues. While the film showcases the chilling story of Sam Manekshaw, its format struggles to fully complement the grandeur of his life. A series format might have provided more justice to his marvellous story. Nevertheless, the film is worth a watch, especially for Kaushal’s compelling portrayal. Catch “Sam Bahadur” in theaters starting December 1, 2023.
Rating: 3.5/5