One of the most anticipated movie of the year, directed by one of the most celebrated director of current times, led by one of the most talented actors of Bollywood, came out as a hollow, shallow and completely skewed take on the life of a hugely flawed Sanjay Dutt! Yes, I am starting here with my judgement as I really anticipated some depth and substance from the maker of Munnabhai series and 3 idiots; but Hirani hit another low this time, lower than PK, which definitely was much below the standards set by him through 3 idiots. All previous outings of Hirani had genuine lessons to teach while Sanju preaches some not-so-genuine lessons and conclusions viz.
Plot: The movie was supposed to be a BIOPIC but it certainly isn't one! It only touches 2 aspects of Sanjay Dutt's life - drugs and terror link allegations. While it is no treachery to indulge in drugs, the latter definitely is one and the director continuously tries to prove Dutt innocent on both counts. There is no mention at all of Richa Sharma and Rhea Pillai (Dutt's first 2 wives) and daughter Trishala, leave aside his much famous affair with Madhuri Dixit. Movie keeps going back and forth in a predictable manner. Hirani uses lot of sexual connotations like in his other movies in an attempt to evoke humour. Cast: Ranbir has already established himself as a perfectionist and here too, he literally lives Dutt on screen emulating his body-language, mannerisms and even drooping eyes! Only front Kapoor lacks on is voice (which lacks the dum of real Sanjay) and extra pinch of machoism. My pick from the movie is Vicky Kaushal as the endearing friend with that typical gujju accent. He definitely outshines Ranbir in most scenes and looks every bit natural and effortless. Paresh Rawal seems to be a misfit as Late Sunil Dutt though as an actor he is not less engaging. Dutt Sahab's grace and poise is perhaps unmatchable! Manisha Koirala as Late Nargis Dutt comes like a breeze on screen while Boman Irani, Dia Mirza and Anushka Sharma have little to do. Sonam's character and Sonam both were as much a waste as was Karishma Tanna. Jim Sarbh, though, is impressive in his limited yet important role. His lisp reminds us of Virus of 3 idiots. Music: While Sanju does have some good music, the songs only reduce the pace of movie and are not required as such. Many of them appear from nowhere. Background score is good and has the usage of trademark Hirani mouthorgan. My conclusions/ observations: i. Sanju isn't a biopic/ biography. ii. The movie completely ignores the regular paroles enjoyed by Dutt in his 6 years imprisonment and attempts only to showcase Dutt as a victim of police trials and media bashing. For me, the movie is a big let-down barring some good performances from main actors. While Hirani maintains he doesn't mean to glorify Dutt, he ends up actually doing so.
- First & foremost, "My name is Sanju and I am not a terrorist."
- Most of the terrorists and goons are tilak-dhaari Hindus.
- It's perfectly normal to obtain AK-56 rifles in self-defense from underworld!
- All terror allegations on Dutt were media's imagination (just like no one killed Aarushi, there was no 3G/ 4G scam and Land Rover was on auto-mode - Salman is innocent)
- 900 chuhe kha kar, billi haj ko chali - please call the cat a haaji now; she isn't a killer cat!
Plot: The movie was supposed to be a BIOPIC but it certainly isn't one! It only touches 2 aspects of Sanjay Dutt's life - drugs and terror link allegations. While it is no treachery to indulge in drugs, the latter definitely is one and the director continuously tries to prove Dutt innocent on both counts. There is no mention at all of Richa Sharma and Rhea Pillai (Dutt's first 2 wives) and daughter Trishala, leave aside his much famous affair with Madhuri Dixit. Movie keeps going back and forth in a predictable manner. Hirani uses lot of sexual connotations like in his other movies in an attempt to evoke humour. Cast: Ranbir has already established himself as a perfectionist and here too, he literally lives Dutt on screen emulating his body-language, mannerisms and even drooping eyes! Only front Kapoor lacks on is voice (which lacks the dum of real Sanjay) and extra pinch of machoism. My pick from the movie is Vicky Kaushal as the endearing friend with that typical gujju accent. He definitely outshines Ranbir in most scenes and looks every bit natural and effortless. Paresh Rawal seems to be a misfit as Late Sunil Dutt though as an actor he is not less engaging. Dutt Sahab's grace and poise is perhaps unmatchable! Manisha Koirala as Late Nargis Dutt comes like a breeze on screen while Boman Irani, Dia Mirza and Anushka Sharma have little to do. Sonam's character and Sonam both were as much a waste as was Karishma Tanna. Jim Sarbh, though, is impressive in his limited yet important role. His lisp reminds us of Virus of 3 idiots. Music: While Sanju does have some good music, the songs only reduce the pace of movie and are not required as such. Many of them appear from nowhere. Background score is good and has the usage of trademark Hirani mouthorgan. My conclusions/ observations: i. Sanju isn't a biopic/ biography. ii. The movie completely ignores the regular paroles enjoyed by Dutt in his 6 years imprisonment and attempts only to showcase Dutt as a victim of police trials and media bashing. For me, the movie is a big let-down barring some good performances from main actors. While Hirani maintains he doesn't mean to glorify Dutt, he ends up actually doing so.