MOVIE REVIEW: Sanju
Sanju
Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor,
Paresh Rawal, Manisha Koirala,
Vicky Kaushal
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Music Director: A. R. Rahman,
Sanjay Wandrekar, Atul Raninga
An engaging and entertaining film, Sanju however, fails to pass the test of objectivity, the hallmark of a good biopic. It lets off its controversial superstar subject a tad lightly, with Sanju always being projected as the victim of his circumstances. In the hands of a less skilled director, these liberties might have derailed the narrative completely. But Hirani’s trademark mix of humor and emotion ensures that the film worms its way into your heart.
Hirani takes almost the complete first half in establishing the impact of drugs on Sanju’s life. But it is gripping with plenty of memorable moments between father Sunil Dutt (Paresh Rawal) and son, and the many references to Hindi film music. Post-interval, the pace slackens, giving us time to notice that the purpose behind Sanju seems to be to prove that bad boys are not intrinsically bad. They are just misguided souls!
Also, except for Sonam Kapoor’s spirited Ruby, the women in the self-confessed Casanova’s life are given short shrift. In fact, Sanjay Dutt’s first two wives and daughter are not even touched upon.
Vicky Kaushal as Sanjay Dutt’s faithful New York-based Gujju friend pulls off a superb act and Manisha Koirala playing Sanju’s mother Nargis is endearing. You wish she had been given more screen time. Anushka Sharma as Sanjay’s biographer sticks out with her strange hair and a stranger accent!
Ranbir Kapoor is, of course, the heart and soul of Sanju. He is wholly believable as Sanju baba, delivering his swag and nonchalance, as well as internal confusion, in an effortless manner, right down to his voice and laugh.
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TOP 10 SONGS
1. Tareefan (Veere Di Wedding)
2. Heeriye (Race 3)
3. Dilbaro (Raazi)
4. Dhadak (Dhadak)
5. Kar Har Maidaan Fateh (Sanju)
6. Sanu Ek Pal Chain (Raid)
7. O Saathi (Baaghi 2)
8. Dil Diyan Gallan (Tiger Zinda Hai)
9. Theher Ja (October)
10. Aashiq Banaya Aapne (Hate Story4)
(Left) Raazi.
TOP 10 MOVIES
1. Sanju
2. Raazi
3. Veere Di Wedding
4. Race 3
6. Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran
7. Raid
8. Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety
9. 102 Not Out
10. Blackmail
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