Movies are magic. They are creative endeavours. They can make you laugh or cry. They can make you forget your life worries. Sometimes, they can also make you realise that your worries are not real in the large scheme of things. As always, I love movies and still get excited about them. Once in a while, a movie comes that hits you hard. You can’t watch it without saying “WOW”.
“Sanju” is one such movie.
Making a biopic of a movie actor is an extremely onerous task. Audience has seen a character for years on the screen. They know every move of that character. Comparison is bound to happen. You have no leverage. One needs a lot of guts to even try and replicate that character on the screen. Not anyone can do this with such conviction and deliver it so beautifully. Rajkumar Hirani has been able to do this almost flawlessly. He is a master story-teller. I am simply amazed how he has managed to portray such a complex life in 2 hrs 40 mins with such ease. The screenplay is so good that it can be used as a gospel by other movie makers. There’s not a single dull moment in the movie where your attention drops out. Raju makes you fully immersed in the experience. I cried a lot in the movie and I laughed too. When a director makes you cry and laugh in the same movie, the job is splendidly done.
Ranbir Kapoor….What can I say! An outstanding performer! I can’t imagine how much hard work this guy must have poured into this movie. The drug scenes were superbly shot and amazing to watch. He totally convinces the audience where drugs can take someone. The head shake, the walk, the dialogue delivery, facial expression — everything to perfection! He astounded me in couple of scenes where I literally thought Baba was on the screen! He excelled in Barfi. He acted with such intensity in both Rockstar and Tamasha. Both were such complex roles that not many will understand. He has completely outdone himself with “Sanju”.
Vicky Kaushal as Kamli is the surprise package of “Sanju”. He delivers an effortless performance. He completely blew my mind! When I watched “Masaan” few years ago, I knew he has a solid career ahead of him. He makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you believe in a relationship called friendship. A fine actor waiting to “Rorrrr”, just like a “snake in the hole”!!
Sanju is a story where songs in the movie should take a back seat and I love how Raju has stitched the songs. Each and every song narrates a part of the story. Not a single song feels like burden to the movie. “Main badhiya tu bhi badhiya” makes you groove. “Ruby ruby” will stay with you for a while. “Kar har maidaan fateh” beautifully takes the movie forward. Rahman seductively captures the vibe of the scene with ”Mujhe chaand pe le chalo”. “baba bolta hai bas ho gaya” gives superb finishing touch that compels you to leave the theatre with smile on your face.
Sanju is an emotional film that beautifully portrays relationships between father and a son and between two friends. It captures emotions in full spectrum with such magnificence. It teaches you why family is so important by showing how Sunil Dutt and whole family stood by “Sanju” in such a rollercoaster life. It also teaches you how your friends can make or break your life and thus, its very important to choose your friends wisely. Lastly, it affirms that no matter how fu*&#@ up your life is, you can always bounce back.
“Sanju” is a movie not to be missed. Rajkumar Hirani is one of the most talented directors Bollywood has ever produced and Ranbir is one of the finest actors of his generation. Period.
How many stars I would give to “Sanju” — as many you can count at night in a clear sky.
Baba bolta hai ab bas ho gaya.
Go watch it.
