Idiot Experiences

One place for Indian Movie Reviews

  • Home
  • Just Bollywood
    Just BollywoodShow More
    Ae Watan Mere Watan: Karan Johar are you fr?!
    Bade Miyan Chote Miyan: What A Snoozefest Bruh
    Crew: Average Watch Due To The Weak Writing?
    Dange, just Another Toxic Alpha Male Ego Showdown With All Style But No Substance
    Murder Mubarak Ya Tumhein Boredom Mubarak?
  • OTT Platform
    • Hotstar
    • Netflix
    • Jio Cinema
    • Prime Video
    • Apple TV+
    • SonyLIV
    • ZEE5
    • Others
  • Mood
    • Going Through Breakup
    • I feel like crying
    • Laugh With Frens
    • Need Thrills
    • Mindfuck me
    • Popcorn Dumb Fun
    • Scare me
    • Wholesome Dikhao
  • Movies
    • Action
    • bollywood
    • Animated
    • Horror
    • Comedy
    • Sci-Fi
    • Thriller
    • Superhero
  • TV Shows
    • Drama
    • Fantasy Drama
    • Indian shows
    • Rom-Coms
    • Sitcoms
  • Pop News
    Pop NewsShow More
Reading: Sam Bahadur: a Vicky Kaushal Acting Masterclass
Share
Aa
Aa

Idiot Experiences

One place for Indian Movie Reviews

  • OTT Platform
  • Movies
  • TV Shows
  • Listicles
Search
  • Home
  • OTT Platform
  • Movies
  • TV Shows
  • Mood
  • Listicles
Follow US
Action

Sam Bahadur: a Vicky Kaushal Acting Masterclass

The film does well to capture pivotal events of Sam's journey, but kinda sorta fcks up when it comes to integrating all those events into his journey.
Abhishek Tiwary
Abhishek Tiwary
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE
  • "Sam Bahadur" navigates the kaafi happening journey of India's beloved war general, Sam Manekshaw, highlighting his battles on and off the battlefield.
  • While Vicky Kaushal delivers another banger of a performance, it is the female actors who remain underutilized
  • The film is honest, raw, witty and has no bekaar ka masala-- Meghna Gulzar understood the assignment
  • While you can complain about the lack of intensity, this movie is one hell of an attempt in the realm of Indian Army movies
Review Overview
7.6

Every year, while everyone’s busy marketing their high-octane action films, there comes a movie starring Vicky Kaushal, that only a select few watch. Cut to a few months later, this movie is winning one award after the other. Well, “Sam Bahadur” is gonna be that movie this year. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, “Sam Bahadur” marches onto the screen, offering an inspiring take on India’s war hero, Sam Manekshaw. But pata hai where it stands out? In a time when every patriotic movie these days is filled with an overdose of emotions, this biopic is straightforward, flattering, and cheeky. I mean, it is coming from someone who directed Talvar and Raazi, so it has to stand out.

Contents
PlotPerformancesDirection and WritingScreenplay and CinematographyConclusion
Source- YouTube- Sam Bahadur Official Trailer/RSVP Movies

Plot

The film, at its base, explores the complex relationship between politicians and the military during the Nehru era. Can you imagine that there was a time when soldiers meant for combat were assigned construction jobs? Meghna Gulzar does not shy away from calling out Jawaharlal Nehru’s emotional approach, jiske wajah se every enemy thought they could dominate India in a war. Now, where does Sam Bahadur come into the picture? Well, it was Indira Gandhi and Sam Manekshaw ki jodi who fought the system, changed the order, and sorted the Army out. Being the over-achiever he was, Sam Bahadur also played a vvv important role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, helping India beat the shit outta Pak, but also making sure that the Pakistani prisoners of war were treated with respect. Seriously, how can ONE man do so much?

Source- YouTube- Sam Bahadur Official Trailer/RSVP Movies

Performances

To start things off, congratulations Vicky Kaushal for another national award winning performance. Vicky Kaushal as Sam Manekshaw is EASILYYYY the standout element of the film. Bro cooked, ate and left no crumbs. He doesn’t just play the part; he becomes the swaggering, can-do general, complete with witty one-liners. Sanya Malhotra as Sam’s wife, Siloo, adds a sweet touch, complementing Kaushal’s charm. Fatima Sana Sheikh‘s portrayal of Indira Gandhi is a mixed bag though. She tries to be all strong and strict, but… idk wo assertiveness missing hai, which was essentially why Indira Gandhi was famous.

Source- YouTube- Sam Bahadur Official Trailer/RSVP Movies

Direction and Writing

Meghna Gulzar takes a smart approach and keeps it simple and straightforward. No bakwas emotions or masaledaar fake plot twists. Just Sam Manekshaw’s unwavering resolve. Ek aur cheez jo mujhe kaafi achhi lagi was how honest the film was. It calls out the political-military relationship, and reveals how weird decisions made by leaders shaped the consequences of wars. The writing ensures Sam has enough witty remarks, and adds a layer of smart humor to the screenplay. Who knew military strategy could be this entertaining? All in all, top effort ab tak, gg.

Source- YouTube- Sam Bahadur Official Trailer/RSVP Movies

Screenplay and Cinematography

Now, this is the part where I have complains. The screenplay delivers the goods but misses a trick or two in the tension department. There was just so much potential for intense drama, but the execution was very mehhh. Also, coming from a female director, it is very surprising how the female characters have been treated, especially Sanya Malhotra’s Siloo. However, the film shines in capturing unique moments, such as Sam’s interactions with Gurkha soldiers (one of my favourite moments fr) and comical exchanges with a grumpy South Indian cook. The cinematography does a good job in contributing to the film’s charm, with sharp and believable battle scenes that feel real, and not over-the-top.

Source- YouTube- Sam Bahadur Official Trailer/RSVP Movies

Conclusion

“Sam Bahadur” takes us on a wild ride through Sam Manekshaw’s life, with Vicky Kaushal as the charismatic tour guide. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, history lessons, and a sprinkle of humor. While it might not be the cinematic masterpiece we hoped for, it’s a darn good attempt, delivering an engaging experience. So, in a world that’s too busy with “Animal”, grab your popcorn and salute to Sam, the unsung hero who stitched the nation on his uniform – and on the big screen. Here’s to the Indian Army, cheers!

Review Overview
7.6
Plot 7 out of 10
Cinematography 7 out of 10
Performances 8 out of 10
Dialogues 7 out of 10
Vicky Kaushal >>>> 9 out of 10
Good Stuff Vicky Kaushal is just flawless The film is honest-- it calls out the actions of the government without being polite
Bad Stuff The tension fizzles out very soon due to which the dramatic scenes don't seem impactful The female actors could've been utilized better, especially Sanya Malhotra
Summary
Might not be the best, but "Sam Bahadur" is a darn good military drama Bollywood has come up with. Jao aur dekho, please!

You Might Also Like

Godzilla X Kong: A Mediocre Addition To The MonsterVerse?

Patna Shuklla: A Courtroom Drama That Lacks Intensity

Jack Johnson’s Self Reliance: A Fun Watch Despite The Half-Baked Plot

Ae Watan Mere Watan: Karan Johar are you fr?!

Suncoast Fumbles On The Feels

TAGGED: Decent, Indian, Underrated
Abhishek Tiwary September 10, 2024 September 10, 2024
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Reddit Telegram Email
What do you think?
Love0
Happy0
Sad0
Cry0
Angry0
Surprise0
Previous Article Animal: a Celebration of Toxic Masculinity, Even Ranbir Kapoor Cannot Compensate
Next Article The Archies is All-Show-No-Substance that Makes you Praise Ananya Panday’s Acting Skills!
Action

Godzilla X Kong: A Mediocre Addition To The MonsterVerse?

6.4 out of 10
Drama

Patna Shuklla: A Courtroom Drama That Lacks Intensity

6.8 out of 10
Comedy

Jack Johnson’s Self Reliance: A Fun Watch Despite The Half-Baked Plot

6.4 out of 10
[Ruby_E_Template slug="footer"]
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?