Sanju - Movie Review

RajKumar Hirani is master in bringing human emotions effectively on screen in combination with ample entertainment and social message. This time he has chosen the biopic of his Munna Bhai "Sanjay Dutt" which has enough twists, turns, emotions, rumours, cases for a perfect masala film. Let's see how it turned out.

Story - Sanjay Dutt (Ranbir) and Manyata (Diya Mirza) were looking for a good writer who can bring Sanju's real life story into book. Meanwhile court sentences 5 yr jail term for Sanju for the previous cases pending on his name. They come across famous writer Winnie (Anushka) and persuades her to write the biopic. Story unfolds as Sanju reveals his life. His alcohol &drug addiction, film career, Mother's illness, Father's support, Wrong companions, lifetime friendship, weapons, Cases, courts, family, career revival. What was Sanjay Dutt and What is Sanjay Dutt now, story revolves between this period.

Performances - 2 pillars for the movie : Paresh Rawal as "Sunil Dutt" got the best characterisation and he excelled, which is expected from him. Vicky Kaushal as "Kamlesh", Sanju's best friend was fabulous. These 2 were so natural that you feel their pain, anger, suffering, happiness. Manisha Koirala, Sonam Kapoor, Anushka Sharma & Dia Mirza have got limited screen presence and were good. Thought that hairstyle didn't suit Anushka, not sure why Sonam was casted at all. Ranbir lived Sanju's life elegantly. Body language, looks, Attitude were all pitch perfect. His portrayal of pain and drug addiction were similar to that of "Rockstar" movie. He once again proved why he is one of the finest actors of this generation.

Technicians - Screenplay was engaging with narration through multiple characters like in 3 idiots. Costumes, Art Work, Background score were good. Cinematography was excellent with rich and bright colours, locales in US covered well. Music was good but on par with Hirani's previous chartbusters. Kar Har Maiden Fateh stands out of the lot with right emotions and beat. Raj Kumar Hirani has once again narrated his major strength of human emotions and comedy. He has done a great job in bringing both brighter and darker sides of Sanju, balancing the act.

Highlights

Ranbir, Paresh Rawal, Vicky Kaushal characterisation
Drug addiction and rehabilitation scenes
Right amount of comedy
Father-Son relationship

Negatives

Nothing specific as such

Analysis -
This cannot be seen as his best works, but surely better than PK. His casting was superb and so was the direction. This should be a relief for Ranbir after the disasters of Roy, Jagga Jasoos, Bombay Velvet. Though "Ay Dil hai mushkil" was commercially hit‌, major chunk of
Share went to Anushka and Karan Johar. Many apprehensions on Sanju's life were cleared. However it would have been glad if it also revealed earlier 2 marriages, daughter of S itanju.

Rating - 3/5. Worth watch for Ranbir's acting, Hirani's direction and to know Sanjay Dutt's life