“Sam Bahadur’s Story: ‘Sam Bahadur’ narrates the remarkable life of the great military leader Sam Manekshaw, who later ascended to the position of Field Marshal. The film unveils the milestones of his illustrious career.
Sam Bahadur Review:
Despite its attempt to tell the story of a great Indian army man, ‘Sam Bahadur’ maintains a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other films of its genre. It delves into previously unknown facets of Sam Manekshaw’s life, shedding light on his close ties with Pakistan’s General Yahya Khan. The film also highlights the challenges he faced, including attempts by a close associate to brand him as anti-national and portrays his clear stance, such as referring to Indira Gandhi as ‘Sweetie.’
Vicky Kaushal’s stellar performance breathes life into the character, providing a portrayal that feels remarkably authentic. However, despite the film’s success on various fronts and its overall appealing quality, there’s a noticeable lack of coherence. At times, one cannot escape the feeling that the amalgamation of several significant moments from Sam Manekshaw’s outstanding career results in a somewhat anticlimactic finale.
A significant flaw in the film lies in its inability to generate excessive tension and intrigue. ‘Sam Bahadur’ presents several dramatic moments appropriate for such a narrative, but the screenplay falls short of incorporating them effectively. Another shortcoming is evident in the treatment of female characters in the film. Sanya Malhotra’s portrayal of Sam’s wife is limited, offering minimal contribution to the storyline. Fatima Sana Shaikh, attempting to bring to life the famous Indira Gandhi, fails to bring this crucial element to the forefront effectively.
Nevertheless, the film is not devoid of moments that contribute significantly to its overall appeal. The interactions between Sam and the Gorkha soldiers, his humorous banter with the fiery South Indian chef, and the scenes depicting his clashes with Indira Gandhi all add a unique flavor to the story. The film effectively showcases the understanding and respect between Sam and Indira Gandhi, portraying their ability to comprehend and honor each other’s perspectives. The initial scenes depicting Sam’s journey in Mussoorie and Ferozepur play a vital role in shaping his character, presenting him as an irrelevant, non-conformist soldier ready to go to any extent for the service of his country.
Vicky Kaushal’s performance is probably the best part of the movie. Kaushal once again rises to the challenge of portraying a real-life character on screen, and this time, he succeeds admirably. His flawed demeanor, imperfect pronunciation, and the official demeanor he imparts truly identify him as a capable actor, ticking all the boxes. Supporting roles by Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub as General Yahya Khan and Govind Namdev as Sardar Patel are noteworthy, adding effective presence to the film’s ensemble.
‘Sam Bahadur’ attempts to encapsulate the highs and lows of an esteemed military officer, a symbol of bravery and nationalism in the history of the Indian army, leaving a significant imprint. However, the film only partially succeeds in capturing those moments that would have made the heroic journey more engaging. Vicky Kaushal emerges as a saving grace, providing a performance that goes a long way in mitigating the film’s shortcomings, offering enjoyment primarily in its fragmented segments.”