‘Sam Bahadur’ Review: Vicky Kaushal Triumphs in a Tale of Military Legend

Released in 2023, this Hindi-language biographical war drama is a standout in Indian cinema, offering a unique blend of history, drama, and patriotism.

Directed by the talented Meghna Gulzar and co-written by Bhavani Iyer and Shantanu Srivastava, the film is a product of meticulous craftsmanship.

Produced under the banner of RSVP Movies by Ronnie Screwvala, the film boasts a star-studded cast.

Vicky Kaushal, in the title role, delivers a compelling performance, supported by an ensemble cast including Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Neeraj Kabi, Edward Sonnenblick, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub.

Since its release on December 1, 2023, Sam Bahadur has made waves at the box office, grossing Rs. 130.00 crore (US $16 million) worldwide.

The film’s critical acclaim is evident in its eight nominations at the 69th Filmfare Awards, including Best Actor for Vicky Kaushal and Best Film (Critics).

Narrative and Milestones

Sam Bahadur, despite its central focus on the legendary figure of Sam Manekshaw from the Indian Army, carries a unique flavour that distinguishes it from other films in its genre.

The narrative takes an uncharted path, revealing facets of Manekshaw’s life that were previously shrouded in mystery, particularly his close relationship with General Yahya Khan from Pakistan.

This aspect of the film provides a fresh perspective, offering a nuanced understanding of the dynamics between these two military figures.

However, the film’s narrative structure leaves something to be desired.

Rather than presenting a seamless chronicle of Manekshaw’s life and career, the film seems to jump between different milestones, creating a disjointed narrative.

This lack of cohesion gives the impression that the film is more of a collage of Manekshaw’s life events, rather than a coherent biographical account.

While each scene is engaging and well-executed, the overall narrative arc fails to fully capture the essence of Manekshaw’s illustrious career.

The film’s structure, which seems to piece together disparate events from his life, results in an outcome that, while insightful, feels slightly underwhelming.

The audience is left with a sense of having viewed a series of snapshots, rather than a complete, well-rounded portrait of this iconic figure.

Vicky Kaushal Shines

Vicky Kaushal’s performance in Sam Bahadur is nothing short of superlative.

He breathes life into the character, delivering a portrayal that feels authentic to the essence of Sam Manekshaw.

Kaushal’s attention to detail is evident in his impeccable mannerisms, which mirror those of the legendary Field Marshal.

His flawless diction further enhances the believability of his character, making it easy for the audience to immerse themselves in the narrative.

He exudes an authoritative aura that is characteristic of a military leader, making his performance all the more compelling.

His ability to capture the nuances of Manekshaw’s personality showcases his capabilities as a versatile actor, adept at bringing complex characters to life.

The film also features other noteworthy performances.

Mohd Zeeshan Ayub, in the role of General Yahya Khan, delivers a convincing portrayal.

His performance adds depth to the narrative, providing an interesting counterpoint to Kaushal’s Manekshaw.

Govind Namdeo, portraying Sardar Patel, also leaves a strong impression.

Missed Opportunities

One significant shortcoming of the film is its failure to create a sense of heightened tension and intrigue.

Sam Bahadur, despite being a film about a military legend, misses several opportunities to build suspense and engage the audience more deeply.

Numerous moments in the narrative are ripe for dramatic intensity – moments that could have been leveraged to create a more gripping and emotionally charged viewing experience.

However, the screenplay doesn’t quite hit the mark in effectively incorporating these elements.

The result is a narrative that, while engaging, lacks the kind of tension that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Another area where the film falls short is in its treatment of its female characters.

Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh, both talented actresses, are given roles that lack depth and impact.

Malhotra’s character, in particular, makes only fleeting appearances, contributing little to the film’s plot.

Similarly, Shaikh’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi falls short of bringing this crucial element to the forefront.

These characters are instead relegated to the sidelines, resulting in a missed opportunity to explore the dynamics between these important figures and the protagonist, Sam Manekshaw.

Sam Bahadur sets out to paint a vivid picture of a distinguished Army officer’s career, a man who was the very embodiment of courage and patriotism.

However, the film only manages to capture glimpses of these moments, falling short of delivering a seamless portrayal of the protagonist’s remarkable journey.

Vicky Kaushal shines through, his stellar performance acting as the film’s beacon, compensating for its shortcomings.

Despite its imperfections, Sam Bahadur deserves applause for its efforts, providing enjoyment in its own unique, fragmented way.

Don’t miss out on Vicky Kaushal’s stellar performance in Sam Bahadur – be sure to stream the film on ZEE5 Global.