By Dr Toyeba Mushtaq
“When cinemas in London were flocked with Animal screenings, I had to wait a weekend to watch Sam Bahadur after its cinematic release."
An army / war film that should be the benchmark for any war / army film where army and its discipline is above politics and nationalism. Hats off to Meghna Gulzar for beautifully directing the film while keep it crisp and focused.
In the era where war films are made like a laughing stock with tropes that haven’t changed in decades, this film is beyond villainizing other countries and solely focuses on one man’s principles and discipline, Manek Shaw. An army man who doesn’t understand politics or nationalism but just the ethos of what makes an army man great. Reasons? Probably because he was British trained before Independence and didn’t imbibe the nasty things that came with the idea of nationalism later on.
Born in India during British rule, he joined the army and fought for British-Indian interests against Japan in the second world war. On partition in 1947 he was assigned to a new unit, as his previous regiment was now part of Pakistan’s armed forces. He later oversaw India’s part in the Indo-Pakistani war and became, in 1973, the first Indian army officer to be promoted to the rank of field marshal, just as he retired. He served Indian army for over four decades and was part of five wars.
Vicky Kushal as Field Marshal Sam Maneskhaw just shines brilliantly through the film. He is uncorrupted, devoted and charismatic as the character. His flawless enunciations, mannerisms, gestures and the way he walks do justice to the role. From Masaan to Sam Bahadur Vicky Kaushal has come a long way – one of the most versatile actors we have! Maneskhaw’s stance while defeating evil and divide forces both inside and outside the country remain the centerpiece of the film.
The film’s beautifully highlights the softer powers in the film. Like once brothers in arms, Yahya Khan and Manekshaw turn into adversaries and how Maneskshaw leaves his military decorum outside the walls of his home where his wife rules and runs the world. His humour with his cook again cannot be missed. It’s how the film has shown an army officer more humane than you and me at times that worked wonders for me. He is shown as an incorruptible man who puts his soldiers before anything and everything else. A leader in true sense! A man whose communication skills and decision making skills are clear as blue skies. Manekshaw’s simple deeds bring a smile on your face. Case in point, his adding ‘Sweetie’ to most women he talks to; which at first sounds flirtatious but soon you release that it’s as harmless and habitual. Manekshaw’s funny anecdotes throughout the film will make you chuckle which makes this film wholesome. Theatre scenes where he addresses the Gorkha regiment, all add to the unique narrative of the film. These scenes are the most watchable scenes in the movie that don’t have a dull moment
Here’s a man with no malice or bitterness just ready to do what’s best for his country. The film reiterates that fact that if one does a job with honesty no force in nature can stop you from achieving what you want.
Vicky Kaushal’s performance in Uri was great (leaving apart the facts about the events portrayed in the film) but wait till you see Sam Bahadur – this film will make you in an awe of him. I was so swayed by Vicky Kaushal’s performance in the film that I felt Sanya Malhotra as wife of Sam and Fatima Sana Shaikh as Indira Gandhi felt flat in terms of acting specially when portraying assertiveness in scenes. These fleeting performances create a vacuum to the storyline through these characters though. Similarly Zeeshan Ayub as Yahya Khan doesn’t get much screen time and hence the character doesn’t impact you.
There are many dialogues from the movie are my personal favourites. One of them is when Sam Bahadur talks about the difference between ‘I won’t and I can’t’ to Indira Gandhi when she questions his intent and possibility of a military coop. I also like the scene where Sam doesn’t let Indira to enter the room where the war is being planned as she doesn’t have security clearance stressing on how he didn’t get started by politics or politicians. Another favorite is when he is giving an interview and the journalist thinks he is flirting with her.
The film is an uncorrupted tribute to India’s most loved, decorated soldier. Meghan Gulzar as a Director beautifully brings out the contribution of a military strategist which in the current scenario gets white washed by nationalism.
The music and the songs are good but fail to be etched in your memory. The film has used original footage from time to time through the film to make the storyline more authentic but doesn’t make the film a little bookish too. The film lacks the finesse in creating an edgy war / army movies. What worked for me best was how well has the film been researched and how it hasn’t swayed away while having a crisp focus on the character so much so that when you think of the movie all you think about is Sam Bahadur!
The film will be available on Zee5 from 26 January. Do watch it.
Author is an expert in film studies and currently lives in London. She can be contacted on toyebapandit@icloud.com
