Sam Bahadur Review: Vicky Kaushal presents a compelling, heartwarming portrait of Sam Manekshaw

Director Meghna Gulzar, who has presented compelling human accounts in her directorial Talvar (2015) and Raazi (2018), is back at director's chair with a fresh narrative of one of India's most decorated army men- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. More than a war film, Sam Bahur is a meticulously crafted portrait of Manekshaw in all his glory, both on and off war lines. Vicky steps up his game in anor biopic after effortlessly getting into skin of freedom fighter Udham Singh in Sardar Udham (2021) and like his previous effort, he doesn't miss a beat here.

Hot Take

Sam Bahur follows titular character through his four-dece-long journey in military, pre and post-India's independence and how he becomes a force to be reckoned with in India's evolving political landscape. Manekshaw saw through country during its transition from British monarchy to its independent rule, and from Sino-India war of 1962 to formation of Banglesh in 1971.

Manekshaw was an unabashed army man and was not one to indulge himself in politics. film does justice to personal and professional aspects of his life as it blends his charismatic humour and diligence towards his nation in equal measures. What audience gets to see is man in uniform- unapologetic and brave.    

Does Sam Bahur live up to hype?

Sam Bahur unfolds various aspects of Sam Manekshaw's life with undercurrent of patriotism running throughout narrative. However, often it turns more informative than emotional. Vicky's portrayal of man, legend is praiseworthy. Beyond that, chapters of history that unfold is stuff for books. Spruced up with some well shot war sequences, director Meghna Gulzar tries to offer or, lesser-known aspects of Manekshaw's life.

Cinematographer Jay Mehta breas life into narrative with controlled use of camera movements. He channels director's vision well and Meghna's tremark simplicity in storytelling and her penchant for to deep dive into her character is brought out well -- credit to lens of Jay. ditionally, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music also blends with storyline and navigates various emotions Manekshaw and film goes through.

ditionally, detailed production design, which uses real locations more than sets deserve a special mention. Be it mountains and jungles where battle unfolds or interiors of war rooms and political offices, sets draw us into era.      

Vicky's performance shines in this detailed biopic

Vicky Kaushal's grip on character is evident from film's opening shot. Right from Manekshaw's signature walk to his deeply emotive eyes, actor seems to be living character. It is a gem of a performance from an actor who has seemingly mastered art of portraying real-life characters. This year has seen Vicky come into his own with two back-to-back comic roles -- Zara Hatke Zara Bachke and Great Indian Family. He brings charm and humour to Manekshaw's role as well and gives film an edge that one would rar expect to be serious in tone and treatment.

Sanya Malhotra's role as Manekshaw's wife is choppy but her character grounds narrative in realism. Fatima Sana Shaikh as former PM Indira Gandhi has a limited role but essays part well. Vicky shoulders film and takes it across finishing line. His collaboration with Meghna Gulzar offered promise in Raazi and y indeed bring out best in each or- Sam Bahur is proof of it.

Meghna invests in delivering a biopic that looks beyond battlefield and does it with sincerity. She has a grip on narrative and despite its slow unfolding, manages to grab attention of viewers through film's 2.30 hours runtime.      

Watch it or skip it?

Sam Bahur will find its audience despite releasing with massy action film Animal. While most of army men in films have been shown to deal with political repercussions of ir actions and are sometimes subdued by pressure, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw fought for his batallions. Vicky's portrayal and Meghna's guided vision make it a film worth watching and a character study worth witnessing on big screen.

Bottomline

Sam Bahur is one of finest biopics in recent times that does full justice to status of its subject. This is one of Vicky's finest performances, so much so that it is quite difficult to separate Manekshaw from actor who essays him.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars