Sanju has been one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Be it Ranbir Kapoor‘s leaked images as Sanjay Dutt or the fact that Rajkumar Hirani was helming it, news about the project made sure the audience was interested right from the shooting phase and then came the teaser. If you’ve watched it, you’ll agree that it was mind-blowing. It felt like we were watching Sanjay himself and it left us with goosebumps. The trailer was released soon after and needless to say the audience was hooked. The combination of a controversial story of one of Bollywood’s very own plus Ranbir’s convincing acting made sure the audiences reached the theatres on opening day. Much like Sanju Baba’s life, the movie also had to face quite a fair bit of controversies for a couple of scenes but it’s release day and here we are!
I went into the movie with high expectations and it didn’t disappoint in fact, I left the theatre in awe. The movie keeps you engrossed throughout with all the bits of drugs, sex and drama that the trailer promises. The way details of Sanjay’s life have been divulged on the screen makes you feel like you’re on his life’s journey with him. From being born into an illustrious family to begging on the streets for a bus ticket, the actor has seen more ups and downs in his life than you could think of but what shines through in the film are the close relationships the actor has.
I will come to Hirani and his brilliant direction later but before that, I must commend the makers on their casting choices. Each actor has portrayed their characters impeccably well and even though it is Sanjay Dutt‘s life story, you can’t help but be in awe of the people in his life too. Ranbir transcends into each phase of Sanjay’s life seamlessly re-instating the fact that he is an incredible actor and born to be in front of the camera. From the hesitant debutant to the country’s most loved star to the most hated one, Sanjay’s character wasn’t an easy role to essay. But Ranbir being Ranbir, has a pull that keeps the audience engrossed in every scene. From portraying the actor’s care-free phase to the vulnerabilities of someone being confined in a cell you feel every emotion with him.
The seasoned star, Paresh Rawal does an outstanding job as Sunil Dutt portraying the serious and concerned shades of a father. Manisha Koirala plays Nargis Dutt and the love between the mother and son is essayed very well. Even though she has limited screen time, Manisha makes you wish you saw more of her in films again. Raazi actor, Vicky Kaushal impresses audiences once again with how well he dons the avatar of, Kamlesh Kanhaiyalal Kapasi, a Gujarati NRI and Sanju’s best friend. You have to watch the two together and the kind of relationship they share to understand what I am talking about. Dia Mirza and Anushka Sharma have also done a good job in the film. However, Sonam Kapoor as Ruby doesn’t blend with the rest of the cast. But an actor who deserves a special mention is Jim Sarbh, he is seen in a negative role and does it effortlessly too, he is one of those characters who you’d love to hate. Now, coming back to the direction, Raju Hirani has worked his magic once again and taken the movie to another level. The sincerity and dedication with which he has handled each scene and the details of Sanjay’s life are truly incredible.
Being the kind of biopic Sanju is, it could have easily been made with a darker tone but the film balances the intensity with just the right amount of humour. Whether or not you are a Sanjay fan, whether or not you know about his story this movie is a must watch for anyone who enjoys a pure engaging and entertaining film. The additional song at the end of the film is a pure treat for all fans. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and I am going with 4 stars.
If you’re planning on watching one film over the weekend, this should be it.
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Vicky Kaushal, Manisha Koirala, Dia Mirza & Anushka Sharma
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Rating: 4/5