Vicky Kaushal – Rigobertha Reviews

February 27, 2025February 28, 2025

The many faces of Vicky Kaushal: A look at his iconic roles

An overview into Vicky Kaushal’s versatile filmography and what makes him a fantastic actor and also a potential superstar.

Starting from his critically acclaimed debut in the very moving Masaan (2015) Vicky Kaushal has done a wide plethora of roles whether it is characters based on history or more contemporary roles.

Son of the well-known action director Shyam Kaushal, Vicky, before making his debut with Masaan, worked as an assistant director on the movie Gangs of Wasseypur (2012).

In fact, Masaan— Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial— was co-produced by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane under the banner Phantom Films.

Masaan saw Vicky in the role of a bright student from a marginalized caste. His character Deepak works in the cremation Ghats of the place Varanasi; it isn’t something he likes doing but Deepak has no other option. Vicky made a splendid debut, particularly in the portion where he expresses the centuries of discrimination that the marginalised caste people have been subjected to.

Before tasting huge commercial success with the action drama Uri in 2019, Vicky had a very good 2018 with first-rate performances in Raazi, Sanju and Manmarziyaan.

Playing to the strengths

Vicky Kaushal in Raazi — Vicky Kaushal in ‘Raazi’. (X)

In Raazi, Vicky played a Pakistani soldier contrary to the usual stereotypes. In terms of screen time, Vicky’s role was more of a supporting one, but the actor made his presence amply felt. Vicky has an endearing persona, particularly in the scenes where he romances Alia Bhatt’s Sehmat.

There is a visible sensitivity in the way he treats her. His character Iqbal was written as a sensitive soul and Vicky with his acting made the viewers feel for Iqbal.

A major strength of Vicky is this endearing quality both on and off-screen. He comes across as a very loving person, which explains the female fan following.

Another standout strength of Vicky as an actor is his physicality. To portray a warrior king in Chhaava, having a strong build is crucial; the audience must feel that the hero has the power to cut through countless enemies and become a real threat to the antagonist. Vicky naturally fits this role with his tall stature and solid presence, making him the perfect fit for such characters.

Following are some of Vicky Kaushal’s best performances over the years. This ranges from intense to slightly more comedic parts.

Chhaava

Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava has stirred up significant attention for various reasons. While the film has been lauded for its strong performances and its grand cinematic appeal, it has also faced criticism over the accuracy of its historical events.

Regardless of these debates, one thing is undeniable: Vicky’s dedication in embodying the courageous Maratha warrior on screen. He fully embodies the fierce king, presenting a character who is a true menace to Akshay Khanna’s portrayal of Aurangzeb. Beyond his physical transformation, Vicky masterfully conveys the emotional and psychological toll of being a warrior.

Beneath his warrior exterior, there’s a profound vulnerability—whether it’s the longing for his mother’s affection or the haunting nightmares involving his father. In Chhaava, Vicky’s tenderness shines through in the romantic moments with Rashmika Mandanna.

His tender moments, like calling her “Shri Sakhi” and adoring her with such genuine affection, enrich the character, giving it a rare emotional depth.

These layers of complexity add depth to the role, and Vicky Kaushal’s performance brings them to life brilliantly.

Sardar Udham Singh

In Shoojit Sircar’s nuanced biopic of the Punjabi revolutionary Sardar Udham Singh, Vicky Kaushal delivered a stellar performance, conveying the inner rage of a freedom fighter with nothing but his eyes.

Vicky skillfully portrayed the many emotions of Sardar Udham through subtle changes in his body language.

A special mention must be made of his performance during the Jallianwala Bagh sequence. Vicky’s portrayal of Sardar Udham’s anguish gives the audience goosebumps. He truly brought to life the various stages of Udham Singh’s journey.

Sam Bahadur

Meghana Gulzar’s biopic on the dynamic Sam Manekshaw may follow a predictable path, often playing out like a highlight reel, but Vicky Kaushal’s charismatic performance makes the movie worth watching.

He perfectly embodied the fearless attitude and dynamism of Sam Manekshaw.

There’s a Dev Anand-like demeanour to his portrayal, and Vicky was simply superb. He also excelled in the vulnerable moments shared with his wife, played by Sanya Malhotra.

Sanju

Although Ranbir is the main pivot of this Rajkumar Hirani directorial, Vicky Kaushal as Sanju’s best friend Kamlesh was also equally good.

In the initial portions, he brings in a lot of laughs but as the movie progresses, he also provides solid emotional depth.

He is exceptional, particularly in the scene where he encourages Sanju to not succumb to difficult circumstances and reminds him of how his father is facing an equally big battle.

In fact, Vicky Kaushal can be called the second lead of Sanju.

Bad Newz

The best way to describe Anand Tiwari’s Bad Newz is as a showreel of Vicky Kaushal. Apart from his nimble dance moves in “Tauba Tauba,” Vicky was fantastic as a typical happy-go-lucky Punjabi boy undergoing a transformation.

Vicky Kaushal played a major role in lifting the movie’s energy whenever the proceedings started to slow down.

Not only did Vicky bring the house down with his impeccable comic timing, but he also excelled in the emotional scenes. For instance, there’s a moment when his character, Akhil Chaddha, has a breakdown during introspection, and another scene where Vicky reflects on the loss of his late father. In both of these moments, Vicky showcased his versatility and all-around capability.

This is all about Vicky Kaushal’s current filmography. His ability in seamlessly jumping genres is what makes him a potential superstar.

Here’s hoping that Vicky Kaushal continues to entertain the audiences with different roles and genres.

(Edited by Sumavarsha)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/the-many-faces-of-vicky-kaushal-a-look-at-his-iconic-roles/

February 16, 2025February 17, 2025

Chhaava review: A strong ode to Maratha valour

This Laxman Utekar’s directorial is a delight for admirers of Maratha warriors. Just like the recent historicals, ‘Chhaava’ too has a strong undercurrent of saffronisation. Still the solid technical work coupled with the towering performances makes this a worthy big screen spectacle.

Chhaava (Hindi), 14-02-2025, Historical drama , 2 hours 41 minutes, U/A, Theatre

Main Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna
Director: Laxman Utekar
Producer: Dinesh Vijan
Music Director: AR Rahman
Cinematography: Saurabh Goswami
Rating: 3.5/5

In the last few years, Hindi cinema has seen a huge increase in the Hindutva influx, this doesn’t just pertain to the numerous war dramas, but this list also includes historical fiction based on the wars involving the Hindu kings, particularly the Rajput and Maratha warriors.

Very good examples of these are Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavaat (2018) and Om Raut’s Tanhaji (2020). In these films, the Muslim rulers are presented as merciless invaders from whom the Hindu nation should be saved.

Laxman Utekar’s first attempt at historical fiction also treads on the same path. After directing a slew of feel-good movies like Luka Chuppi (2019) and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023) the cinematographer turned director takes an extremely different path from his previous works.

Synopsis

Chhaava meaning a lion cub is based on a novel of the same name written by Shivaji Sawant. The book covered the life and times of the very noted Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji.

It’s hard to say what percentage of Chhaava is based on its original source material and how much fiction Laxman Utekar has added. but the movie does a very fine job of capturing the bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji managing to make the viewers feel for the man particularly if you are an admirer of Maratha warriors.

In simple terms, the core plot of Chhaava focuses on the events which transpired from 1680 to 1689, a period marked by the relentless pursuit of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (a fabulous Akshaye Khanna).

The movie celebrates the valour of Chhatrapati Sambhaji (an outstanding Vicky Kaushal) in fighting against the troops of Aurangzeb. Rashmika Mandanna plays Maharani Yesubai— a very important pillar of support for Sambhaji.

Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji

Chhaava is a historical drama — ‘Chhaava’ is a historical drama. (X)

Chhaava works largely due to the emotional depth brought by Laxman Utekar. He and the screenplay writers don’t just depict Sambhaji as a fierce warrior but also reveal a vulnerable side to him.

There is a palpable sense of grief in the way Sambhaji speaks about missing his mother’s love and a recurring nightmare involving his father. Some of the dialogues effectively convey the brutalities of war, where countless lives are lost.

As Sambhaji, Vicky Kaushal fully embodies the role, delivering a top-notch performance. With this role, Vicky once again proves why he is a versatile actor, able to adapt to various genres, whether it’s the light-hearted Bad News or the more emotionally intense roles in Sardar Udham Singh and Chhaava.

Vicky shines the most in scenes where he portrays the psychological toll endured by a warrior king. The torture sequence involving Sambhaji is another standout moment where Vicky excels.

While the historical accuracy of these moments may be debatable, the way Vicky portrays Sambhaji’s fighting spirit, even while being physically tormented by Aurangzeb, creates an emotional connection with the character.

Performances

Akshay Khanna as Aurangzeb makes for more than a worthy tormentor. While there is no denying the amazing prosthetic work Akshay Khanna with his acting also makes the part memorable.

Thankfully there are no unnecessary theatrics; Akshay invokes terror with just his demeanour and piercing gaze. He excels in showcasing Aurangzeb’s huge hunger for power.

Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai plays a strong partner in the same mould as her last outing Pushpa 2. She delivers a fine performance perfectly showcasing the inner strength of a warrior’s wife. A particular mention must be made of her act in the portions following Sambhaji’s capture.

Vineet Kumar Singh as Kavi Kalash shines the brightest among the supporting cast. He plays his part with a lot of warmth. The friendship between Sambhaji and him gives the movie some of its best moments.

Strong technical aspects

Among the strong aspects of Chhaava, the technical department deserves special mention. The fight sequences in the second half are a delight, especially for those who enjoy rustic action. There are numerous instances of the Marathas outsmarting the Mughals using guerrilla tactics. The way these ambush sequences unfold with surprise attacks resembles a gripping chess game.

Cinematographer Saurabh Goswami delivers high-quality work, successfully capturing both the grand scale and intense action set in the forests. Special mention should also be made of the scenes following the destruction of the war, which are staged realistically.

AR Rahman’s background score and music complement the film well. The tune “Aaye re toofan” serves as a powerful war anthem with a touch of Maharashtrian folk. On the other hand, “Jaane Tu,” a romantic number, perfectly captures the understated romance between Vicky and Rashmika.

A major flaw in Chhaava is its core plot, which suffers from a significant hangover of clichés found in numerous films set in the same historical context.

Additionally, the film doesn’t break new ground in its portrayal of Muslim characters. The heavy emphasis on the concept of Swarajya, along with the lack of subtlety in the dialogues surrounding it, can test the audience’s patience.

Final take

To sum it up Chhaava works as a big-screen spectacle, especially for fans of Vicky Kaushal and those who like stories of brave Maratha warriors.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/chhaava-movie-review/

December 21, 2023November 14, 2024

Dunki: This Rajkumar Hirani Directorial Is A Heartwarming Tale That Tackles An Important Social Issue

The ace director is once again successful on taking the audiences through an emotional rollercoaster particularly in the second half

Dunki (Hindi)
Rating 3.5 out of 5
Starcast: Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Anil Grover, Vikram Kochhar, Boman Irani and others extended special appearance (Vicky Kaushal)
Director and writer: Rajkumar Hirani
Additional writers: Kanika Dhillon and Abhijat Joshi
Producers: Gauri Khan, Rajkumar Hirani and Jyoti Deshpande
Production Companies: Jio Studios, Red Chillies entertainment and Rajkumar Hirani films
Genre: Comedy/drama
Running time: 2 hours and 36 minutes

Rajkumar Hirani is one of those filmmakers who has struck a chord right from his first one Munnabhai MBBS. The director has successfully developed the knack of bringing social issues to the fore in a way that is accessible to the mainstream audiences. The one exception though is Sanju as that was an autobiographical work.

With his latest Dunki Rajkumar Hirani has focused his lens on Donkey Flight (illegal immigration). The film opens with the characters of Manu (Taapsee Pannu), Buggu (Vikram Kochhar) and Balli (Anil Grover). They have been in London for the past 25 years but now they are homesick and want to return to India. But this is not possible for reasons that cannot be revealed here.

The only person who can get them back to the country is Hardyal Singh Dhillon aka Hardy (Shah Rukh Khan). Manu, Buggu and Balli plan a meeting with Hardy in Dubai. The irony here is that once upon a time three of them were desperate to make a good living in London. The story shifts to a flashback where we are introduced to a group of people apart from those already mentioned. Their biggest dream is going to London in search of better prospects. Unfortunately all of them are poor in terms of both social status and education. In this scenario Hardy comes to that town situated in Punjab. Boman Irani plays Gulati. He runs an English speaking course. In this group of friends only one manages to pass the IELTS Exam. Manu and Balli manage to overcome their disappointment. Vicky Kaushal’s Sukhi though is not able to swallow the bitter pill. Sukhi’s reasons for going to London are different from Manu and Balii. He wants to save his ex girlfriend from an abusive marriage. Just before the interval there is the disturbing scene of Sukhi committing suicide by burning himself. Now Hardy takes it upon himself to make sure that Manu, Balii and others reach London even if it is through the illegal and dangerous means of Dunki.

***Shah Rukh Khan with Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Vikram Kochhar and Anil Grover***

The first half of Dunki mostly has a breezy tone to it. There are many instances of Raj Kumar Hirani’s trademark humor in the portions featuring Boman Irani. The humor here hasn’t got the quality of the directors previous ones particularly the Munnabhai films and PK. The punch lines in fact come across as forced on certain occasions. However there are scenes which tickle your funny bone too.

There are also cute moments between Shah Rukh Khan and Taapsee that bring a smile to the viewers face. Through this love Rajkumar Hirani focuses on the serious subject of illegal migrants. How they resort to dangerous routes in order to reach foreign countries. Many of them do not even make it and die in the process.

There are scenes in the second half where we see the characters going through several ordeals in harsh terrains. These moments are disturbing to watch.

***Raj Kumar Hirani, the successful director***

Rajkumar Hirani is also successful in making some pertinent points about the struggles of Non English speaking Indians.

What doesn’t work for Dunki apart from the inconsistent humor are its foreign characters. They are mostly reduced to stock caricatures.

Talking about the performances Shah Rukh Khan blends well into the world of Raj Kumar Hirani. He particularly shines in the second half when things get serious. Taapsee Manu is also solid as Manu. She shares a good chemistry with SRK. Her Punjabi dialect is also spot on bringing back memories of Anurag Kashyap’s Manmarziyaan.

There are portions in the film where SRK and Taapsee are seen with grey hair reminding the viewers of Khan and Preity Zinta in Veer Zara. The prosthetic work is neat and as a result the audiences feel that they have convincingly aged.

Vikram Kochhar and Anil Grover also lend good support. They don’t feel burdened by the presence of SRK at any point. Vicky Kaushal in an extended special appearance makes his presence amply felt.

Pritam’s music is not a chartbuster but goes well with the mood of the film. Lutt Putt Gaya has a catchy tone. O Maahi and Nikile The Kabhi Hum Ghar Se are soulful in nature.

Watch Dunki for the top notch performances and the social relevancy of the subject.

September 23, 2023November 14, 2024

The Great Indian Family: Vijay Krishna Acharya’s Plea For Inclusivity In Diversity

The director shows a huge improvement from ‘Thugs of Hindostan’, but a stronger female lead would have elevated the movie.

An appreciable attempt!

The Great Indian Family (Hindi)

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Manushi Chhillar, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Bhuvan Arora
Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Music: Pritam
Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes

Vijay Krishna Acharya is known for directing big-budget extravaganzas. All his films — Tashan (2008), Dhoom 3 (2013), and Thugs of Hindostan (2018) — belong to the action genre and feature big stars.

However, the subject of his latest outing — The Great Indian Family — on the surface appears as a misfit for the director. But he pleasantly surprises us, particularly, when the film gets to the meat of the story.

The Great Indian Family is about a Brahmin boy Ved Vyas Tripathi, also known as Bhajan Kumar.

Ved Vyas (Vicky Kaushal) faces an identity crisis when all of a sudden he comes to know that he is actually a Muslim by birth.

His father, rather the adopted father Siya Ram Tripathi (Kumud Mishra) is a most respected pandit of the small town where the film is set.

Manoj Pahwa plays the uncle of Ved Vyas. His character Balak Ram goes through a shift when the identity of Ved Vyas is known. All this happens when Siya Ram Tripathi is on a pilgrimage.

Yashpal Sharma, on the other hand, plays the rival pandit who wants to bring down the popularity of Siya Ram Tripathi.

And finally, you have the female lead Manushi Chillar who shows no improvement from her Samrat Prithviraj (2022) days.

Positives

The Great Indian Family does take time to get going. Vicky Kaushal’s scenes with his two friends don’t add much to the film.

Manushi Chjillar’s entry only further slackens the proceedings. Her attempt at being a Punjabi firebrand is rather laboured. There is zero spunk.

Vicky’s chemistry with Manushi has none of the sizzle that he shared with Sara Ali Khan in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023).

The best portions of the film are the scenes where Ved Vyas is going through an existential crisis. There was a time when he was adored by his uncle and others. But now, the same family turns its back on him owing to societal pressure.

The situation reaches a point where Ved Vyas seriously thinks of embracing Islam. The paradox here is that without knowing his identity, he finds shelter in a Muslim family. Additionally, his Sikh girlfriend has no issues about him belonging to either of the religions.

It is in these bits that the directorial skills of Vijay Krishna Acharya come forth.

Performances

Another area where the movie scores is the scenes featuring the senior actors Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra.

Manoj Pahwa plays a citizen who is good at heart but can get easily influenced by WhatsApp forwards. But the director makes sure that he doesn’t become a caricature.

Vicky Kaushal and Manoj Pahwa have a couple of dramatic showdowns, and these bits are a delight to watch because of the intense acting on display.

Kumud Mishra conveys a lot with his silence and expressions. The actor particularly shines in the scene where he opens up to the other family members about how he and his wife decided to adopt the boy born to a Muslim mother.

What pulls the film apart from the female lead is the lacklustre music. The only song that works in The Great Indian Family is “Kanhaiya Twitter Pe Aaja“. It has a catchy tune along with Vicky Kaushal’s energy.

Pritam’s soundtrack in Rock Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani (2023)had far better songs.

Final take

The story of The Great Indian Family might sound a little clichéd and a filmy attempt at unifying religions in these difficult times. But it is still an effort that needs to be appreciated.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

June 2, 2023November 19, 2024

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke: A Fun Ride While It Lasts

The film benefits from both Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan. Their chemistry is on point and keeps the viewers invested.

Has its moments.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (Hindi)

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Sara Ali Khan, Neeraj Sood, Rakesh Bedi, and Sharib Hashmi
Director: Laxman Utekar
Producer: Dinesh VIjan and Jyoti Deshpande
Music: Sachin Jigar
Runtime: 2 hours 12 minutes

Before making his directorial debut with Luka Chuppi (2019), Laxman Utekar was a noted cinematographer who worked on films like English Vinglish (2012) and Dear Zindagi (2016). He was vastly appreciated for his work in these films.

In 2019, Utekar directed the Karthik Aryan and Kriti Sanon-starrer Luka Chuppi, a romantic comedy that explored the concept of live-in-relationships through the lens of comedy. The film also had some satire about moral policing and communal biases in small towns.

The director used the same formula in 2021 with Mimi, starring Kriti Sanon in the lead.

Mimi was about an aspiring actress who agrees to be a surrogate mother for a rich foreign couple as they promise her a lot of money. It is again a film with a lot of situational humor.

But, in both films, Laxman Utekar wasn’t entirely successful in maintaining the balance between humour and social commentary.

His latest, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is no exception.

The director takes the story of a middle-class couple struggling to find some space for intimacy. The wife tries to find a house of their own. This is a promising premise but the director uses dubious means to achieve this simple desire.

Synopsis

The film begins with a wedding anniversary celebration. Vicky Kaushal plays Kapil Dubey and Sara Ali Khan plays Saumya Chawla Dubey.

Apart from Kapil’s parents, there are also his nosy uncle and aunt in the house. They shift to Kapil’s house due to some personal problems.

The wedding celebration changes into something tragic as Kapil’s aunt smells an egg in the cake. This results in a huge ruckus.

Saumya decides that she and Kapil need a space of their own as their romantic life is frequently interrupted by their relatives. The mama’s son also sleeps between the two.

To achieve her dream, Saumya tries to get a flat under the government programme Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY).

Here, we are introduced to a dubious agent (Inaamulhaq). He tells Saumya that she would be eligible to get the flat under the single woman’s quota. However, for that, she and her husband need to have a fake divorce. They can remarry once the house is allotted.

What follows is your typical comedy of errors where the couple tries to pursue both the families and the judge that they must be divorced.

To make things spicier, there is also a love triangle coupled with a watchful guard Daroga (Sharib Hashmi).

Creates authentic middle-class milieu

There is no denying that Saumya’s step of faking a divorce in order to get a new flat is very drastic, but having said that, Laxman Utekar is successful in creating an authentic middle-class milieu.

A particular mention must also be made of how he portrays the relationship dynamics between Kapil and Saumya. Their romantic scenes have their share of adorable moments that are simple yet impactful.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke also benefits from both Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan. Their chemistry is on point and keeps the viewers invested even when the plot goes off rails.

Vicky Kaushal brings certain reliability to his role as a middle-class husband who would go to any length to make his wife happy.

He particularly stands out in the pre-climax scene in a hospital when Kapil and Saumya have a heart-to-heart talk to iron out their differences.

Sara Ali Khan lends the required fire to her part of a feisty Punjabi Girl. She does go over the top in the emotional bits. But still, she makes an impact.

The film has also got some laugh-out-loud moments.

For example, there is a scene where a government official inspects Saumya’s home to ensure that she is indeed separated from her husband. Kapil is with her at that time. He decides to act like a plumber and that results in some chuckle-worthy moments.

Technical crafts

Sachin Jigar’s music is quite melodious.

Arjit Singh’s “Phir Aur Kya Chahiye” is the number that stands out the most.

Raghav Ramadoss’s cinematography goes well with the mood of the film. He creates some beautiful frames that add a vibrant tone. The art design is also good, particularly in the family’s house.

Derails in second half

However, the big issue with Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is how the plot derails in the second half. There are some subplots that the film could have easily done away with.

There are portions where Kapil and Saumya have to act like brother and sister. These scenes come across as unnecessary.

Kapil’s mami has a backstory of suffering from a deadly disease. This comes out of nowhere.

But then, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke ends on a happy note when they realise that their fake divorce is leading to real quarrels. After that, they give up on the new flat and settle in their old house.

Verdict

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is a fun ride. At the end of the day, you take away the performances, music and some delightful moments, particularly in the first half.

(Views expressed are personal.)

December 17, 2022November 21, 2024

Govinda Naam Mera: An Entertaining Khichdi Of Genres

Not a masterpiece but an engaging watch!

Govinda Naam Mera (Hindi)

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Kiara Advani, Bhumi Pednekar, Renuka Shahane, Amey Wagh, Dayanand Shetty, Sayaji Shinde, and Ranbir Kapoor (special appearance)
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Producers: Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Shashank Khaitan
Music: Meet Bros, Tanishkh Bagchi, B Praak, Sachin Jigar, and Rochak Kohli
Runtime: 2 hours and 11 minutes
OTT platform: Disney+Hotstar

Shashank Khaitan is known for directing romantic films: the Dulhania franchise and Janhvi Kapoor’s Dhadak. With Govinda Naam Mera, the director switches gears by mixing comedy with thriller.

It starts in a certain manner but soon goes on a different path altogether. Shashank Khaitan’s direction isn’t watertight but it is an enjoyable watch.

Govinda Naam Mera tells the story of a Bollywood background dancer Govinda Waghmare (Vicky Kaushal). He is also an aspiring choreographer.

Govinda is petrified of his spouse Gauri (Bhumi Pednekar). They live in a mansion in the heart of Mumbai but the mansion is caught in a legal dispute, thanks to Govinda’s father Gopi Vishwakarma (Wilson Tiger).

Vishwakarma is married to Charulata (Veenah Naair) and they have a son. However, he has an affair with Govinda’s mother Asha Waghmare (Renuka Shahane). Vishwakarma leaves the mansion for Asha when he dies.

Since then, Asha and Charulata keep fighting in court for the ownership of the mansion.

Additionally, Govinda’s marriage is in deep trouble. He is in love with his fellow background dancer Sukku (Kiara Advani) who wants him to leave Gauri, but it is easier said than done.

Fed up with Gauri’s behaviour, Govinda buys a gun for ₹2 lakh from inspector Javed (Dayanand Shetty). However, he doesn’t have the guts to shoot her.

Things take a turn when Govinda and Sukku are asked to choreograph a music video for Sandeep Dharkar aka Sandy (Jeeva), son of the dreaded politician Ajit Dharkar (Sayaji Shinde).

They agree but things don’t go according to plan. Ajit is furious with how the video turned out. Instead of paying the amount, he asks them for a refund.

In short, Govinda’s problems are aplenty. At this point, things change for the better but it doesn’t last long. He gets embroiled in a murder mystery.

The rest of the story is about how he gets out of all this mess and what happens to his dream of being a choreographer, among other aspects.

Over-the-top yet amusing to watch

Director Shashank Khaitan wastes no time in setting up the world of Govinda. His love for Sukku and his fear of Gauri makes you invested.

The scenes depicting the legal dispute are showcased in a light-hearted manner.

These portions are quite over-the-top but are amusing to watch. Ranbir Kapoor’s cameo has also been smartly integrated.

Sukku is a fan of Ranbir Kapoor, while Govinda is a fan of Ranveer. The interaction between Vicky and Ranbir is short but it brings a smile to your face.

There is also a reference to Brahmastra 2 when Ranbir talks about Ranveer playing the lead in his next production. It is a nice meta-touch.

Things slow down in the middle but the film becomes more engaging when Govinda gets embroiled in a murder mystery. From here on, there are some interesting twists and turns, particularly with the characters of Sukku and Govinda.

The final 30 minutes are particularly gripping and the ending does catch you off guard.

On the flip side, some of the plot points come across as contrived. A chase scene involving Govinda and Sandy in the second half could have been easily avoided.

Bhumi Pednekar as Gauri suffers from a sketchy characterisation. Her family background is never properly established and this reduces the impact of the character.

Vicky Kaushal’s best commercial outing

Talking about performances, Vicky Kaushal handles his role with ease. This is Vicky’s most commercial outing so far and the actor doesn’t look out of place in any scene.

His comic timing coupled with his energy propels the narrative in a big way.

Kiara looks beautiful as always but more importantly, she has a good part to play. The actress did a good job. A special mention must be made of her outburst in the second half.

Bhumi Pednekar is loud as required but there is nothing memorable.

Renuka Shahane wholeheartedly embraces the quirkiness of her character. She is fun to watch in her whacky avatar.

The music goes well with the mood of the film. The “Bijli” song, in particular, is energetic and has been well-choreographed by Ganesh Acharya.

Govinda Naam Mera isn’t a masterpiece. But, at the same time, it is not something that will make the audiences tear their hair in frustration.

October 19, 2021December 18, 2024

Sardar Udham Singh: A Slow Burner But Completely Worth Your Time

Shoojit Sarcar is one of those directors who has always had a distinct style in the way he narrates his stories. In his career so far Shoojit has explored many interesting subjects and has been mostly successful barring last year’s Gulaboo Sitaboo. With Sardar Udham Singh the director takes the life of a freedom fighter without succumbing to the usual trope of hyper nationalism that we generally associate with films of this genre. Shoojit presents a layered biopic which strikes a chord with the audiences. Sure the pace is slow and the initial portions are a bit hazy but the eventual product more than makes up for it. It also helps that Vicky Kaushal is in terrific form as Sardar Udham Singh.

The film opens in a jail in Punjab in 1931 where a freedom fighter is just released. From then the story is split into two timelines for a while. One part of it is the interactions between him and Bhagat Singh (Amol Parashar). The other part is Udham fleeing from Punjab police and his early days as revolutionary. This spilt narrative returns back after Udham has killed Dwyer (Shaun Scoot). Here Shoojit juggles between the present day interrogations by a Scotland Yard officer, Swain (Stephen Hogan) and the other one is the journey of the freedom fighter in UK from 1930 to 1940. In between there is also the heartrending Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the deep impact it had on Udham Singh.

The biggest strength of the film is its writing. There are many powerful moments that make you applaud the writers. One of my favorite scenes is when Bhagat Singh explains his socialist commitment, he says the following words. “A revolutionary has to follow certain principles. You can’t be prejudiced, communal or casteist. There can be no social or economic difference. The only truth is equality.” There is another hugely impactful scene where Swain tries to break Uddam Singh’s silence by saying that you must really hate the British. Udham Singh replies back with a calm smile on his face, he says the following words: “No, I’ve many British friends. I don’t hate you either. You are just doing your Job.”

Lastly there is also a moment in a factory where Udham Singh is working at a factory floor in London. Udham gets enraged by a British supervisor who insults his friend. However, Udham’s anger doesn’t come from nationalistic sentiments alone, he tells everyone to stop working and these include a few British employees too.

The British characters don’t come across as your usual stereotypes and as a result Shaun Scott and also Hogan shine in their limited parts. The changing equation between Uddam and Swain is well developed. Towards the end you feel the detective having a sense of admiration towards Udham.

By the very nature of its story the light scenes are far and few, however the ones between Udham and Bhagat Singh are sure to bring a smile to your face. You wish they had more scenes together.

The massacre of Jallianwala Bagh is something which doesn’t need a special introduction. It brings back many horrendous memories even to this date. Shoojit Sarcar’s recreation of the ghastly incident is successful in bringing out the required emotions.

Vicky Kaushal as I earlier said is terrific. He ably switches from being explosive to restraint as per the demand of the script. Amol Parashar is a great choice for the role of Bhagat Singh. The actor makes a huge impact in all the scenes that he is in.