“Sam Bahadur” – A Biopic That Falters in its Narrative Precision

"Sam Bahadur" - A Biopic That Falters in its Narrative Precision

Cast - Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Neeraj Kabi, Aanjjan Srivastav, Edward Sonnenblick, Govind Namdev, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub

Director – Meghna Gulzar

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Sam Bahadur, directed by the talented Meghna Gulzar and featuring an impressive cast led by Vicky Kaushal, attempts to chronicle the legendary life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Despite the promising elements on paper, the film falls short of creating a lasting impact, leaving the audience yearning for the decisive moments that could elevate it to greatness.

The film follows the life of Sam Manekshaw, portrayed by Vicky Kaushal, a revered military figure known for his exceptional leadership during pivotal moments in Indian history. It delves into his personal and professional life, exploring his relationships, challenges, and the iconic events that shaped his legacy.

Vicky Kaushal, with his undeniable talent, manages to breathe life into the character of Sam Manekshaw. His portrayal captures the essence of the legendary figure, from the distinctive gait to the quick wit. However, despite Kaushal's commendable performance, the film's lack of narrative depth prevents the audience from fully connecting with the protagonist.

Sanya Malhotra, as Sam's wife Silloo Bode, adds emotional depth to the storyline, providing a sense of balance to Manekshaw's maverick energy. Fatima Sana Shaikh's portrayal of Indira Gandhi, though unsteady, attempts to bring complexity to the narrative.

Meghna Gulzar, known for her success with films like Talvar and Raazi, seems to falter in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative in Sam Bahadur. The film lacks the necessary narrative pyrotechnics to make it memorable, often feeling like a straightforward retelling rather than an exploration of the complex life of its protagonist.

The choice to focus on Manekshaw without much divergence or problematizing his recent appropriation as the ultimate 'sigma male' results in a hagiography rather than a nuanced portrayal. The film leans heavily on bringing the legend to life on screen but misses the opportunity to delve deeper into the conflicts and complexities of its central character.

While the film benefits from Vicky Kaushal's strong performance, the music, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, falls short of expectations. The war anthem "Badhte Chalo" is described as insipid and inelegant, contributing to the overall distraction rather than enhancing the cinematic experience. The background score is deemed middling, and the time leaps, though utilizing archival footage effectively, contribute to the film's passive linearity.

Sam Bahadur may attract viewers with its star-studded cast and the intriguing subject of Sam Manekshaw's life, but it ultimately fails to deliver a compelling narrative. The film relies heavily on Vicky Kaushal's performance, which shines amid a lackluster screenplay. Meghna Gulzar's directorial prowess, showcased in her previous works, seems to be missing the mark this time. While the film touches on the iconic events of Manekshaw's life, it lacks the narrative precision and depth needed to make it a memorable biopic. If you're a fan of Vicky Kaushal, his performance may be reason enough to give it a watch, but overall, Sam Bahadur falls short of the cinematic brilliance expected from a film of this caliber.