"Sam Bahadur," unveiled in 2023 under the directorial expertise of Meghna Gulzar, finds itself amid high anticipations, given Gulzar's prior directorial triumphs with "Talvar" (2015) and "Raazi" (2018). Fronted by Vicky Kaushal, renowned for his impactful portrayals in patriotic roles in films such as "Uri: The Surgical Strike" (2019) and "Sardar Udham" (2021), the movie delves into the remarkable life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

Summary:

The narrative gracefully unfolds the life saga of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, a revered figure who miraculously survived nine gunshot wounds during World War II. However, despite the film's attempt to portray Manekshaw's journey with minimal embellishments, it seemingly misses the mark in establishing a clear and compelling central conflict.

Likes and Dislikes:

The audience is left yearning for a decisive cinematic brilliance that remains elusive throughout the film. While moments of humor are acknowledged, the film's ultimate purpose is deemed unclear, leaving viewers with the impression of a rehashed account of well-known facts about Manekshaw's life. The movie is critiqued for its unwavering commitment to presenting Manekshaw's legend, possibly falling into the trap of hagiography.

Actor Performances:

Vicky Kaushal receives well-deserved praise for breathing life into the character of Sam Manekshaw, showcasing his trademark intensity. The actor's ability to capture Manekshaw's demeanor, vocal nuances, charm, and wit is applauded, affirming Kaushal's strong grip on the character. Sanya Malhotra, portraying Manekshaw's wife Silloo Bode, earns acclaim for adding emotional depth to the narrative. However, Fatima Sana Shaikh's depiction of Indira Gandhi is criticized as inconsistent, with blame placed on the casting choice.

Music and Cinematography:

Despite the musical prowess of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the film's music is labeled as loud, distracting, and lacking melody. The war anthem "Badhte Chalo" faces particular criticism. On a positive note, cinematographer Jay I Patel's work in capturing air strikes and combat scenes in Burma is lauded for its excellence, contributing to the film's visual appeal. The effective integration of archival footage adds a documentary-like gravitas to the storyline.

Verdict:

"Sam Bahadur" earns praise for its sweet and engaging portrayal of individual segments from Manekshaw's life, skillfully executed in terms of cinematography and acting. The film's strength lies in these well-crafted vignettes, particularly scenes depicting air strikes and combat. However, the movie stumbles in seamlessly connecting these segments, with certain sequences feeling disjointed and in need of narrative cohesion. While acknowledging the film's predominantly optimistic tone, it falls short of meeting the overarching expectations.

Star Rating: 3/5

IMDB Rating: 8.3/10