User Reviews

7.5 Stars.

Although I like the movie, it could have been much better if it was series.

Sam Manekshaw's life is too long and filled with too many experiences to fit into a movie.a lot is crammed still missed a lot.

The ensemble is excellent, especially "Vicky" in the role of "Sam". Not for once, I have the impression that I was watching Vicky the entire time, Sam was the only character I was seeing.

He picked the physical traits as well as commanding yet smooth speaking style. He is a chameleon.

Supporting cast is hit and miss.

The entire set design is excellent, and the raw mood is enhanced by filming conflict scenes in actual locations.

The movie moves quickly between scenes, but Sam's flamboyant, cheeky personality is the only thing that keeps you interested.

As expected from a Meghna Gulzar film, the direction is excellent. However, the screenplay and writing don't do the other supporting characters justice because they have very little on-screen time.

In production design, research and detailing are used to create sets, costumes, and makeup that are entirely visible on screen.

Good songs and music, especially Badhte Chalo, which aptly captures the togetherness of the Indian Army despite its different regiments.

Sam and the system had a fight when he retired, and it was an important aspect of his life that I wanted to see.

Although there is more to the tale, it is still a fantastic film that should be seen.

The movie does well to portray the Field Marshal's life and everything he went through. The acting by Vicky Kaushal is top-notch, he perfectly embodies the character. However, the movie left me disappointed because it felt very shallow. It's as if the writers wanted so badly to cover everything that they ended up covering nothing. At no point does the movie feel intense or engaging at all. The 1971 war between India and Pakistan is a major moment in history and the Indian victory was largely because of Sam Manekshaw. For some reason such a crucial war sequence is completed within 7-8 minutes of screentime like it wasn't the character's most important contribution. Also, Indira Gandhi is portrayed as a feeble tiny woman in the movie with the representation nowhere close to the stature she had. Filmmakers in general need to stop chasing petty laughs and comedic reliefs. I want to be thrown at the edge of my seat when i pay for your movie, I don't want to hear low-effort jokes made by the protagonist's house help. Overall the movie is definitely worth a watch but its wasted potential is what frustrated me.

Sam bahadur is a biographical drama war film directed by meghna gulzar.

The film focuses on a personality who is the owner of unending charm and a highly happening life. The film tries to cover it all, but the events don't have a lot of breathing space, so it feels the screenplay is weak. The film benefits highly from a scintillating performance by vicky kaushal and other actors including sanya malhotra, neeraj kabi etc. Vicky especially is a force to reckon with, he makes same manekshaw believable without making it gimmicky. The music is good. The cinematography is also good, but the writing flaws surface a bit too often.

I can't remember the last time I wrote a review on IMDb, but here I am compelled to share my insights. I got into this movie purely for my love and respect for the Indian army (or military, in general). Also, the fact that it stars Vicky Kaushal, who was brilliant as Sardar Udham and in Uri. And god, did I enjoy this? In simple words, it's an excellent movie shot wonderfully and the team at work captures elements quite exceptionally. This isn't your typical Bollywood drama. There aren't any high-octane action sequences, and neither are there any songs that could pull audiences. It's a slow-paced narration of the life of Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw. It started in the early 1930s and ended after the liberation of Bangladesh. I just loved every bit of it. The direction, acting, cinematography, locations (highlight) and background music. It's a delicious tale of our legend and Vicky Kaushal got into the skin of character quite easily here. He has lost his weight here, the way he walks and speaks, everything reminds us of Sam Manekshaw. He is brilliant. Every else in the cast gave it their best shot. Nothing felt out of place to me. I also appreciate Meghna Gulzaar for her sincere direction and for not getting seduced by propaganda. Every Indian should watch it. Jai hind.

Meghna Gulzar, Bhavani Iyer, Shantanu Shrivastava and Vicky Kaushal take a bow; what a fitting tribute to one of the finest soldiers of Indian Army and a true gentleman Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

The screenplay is fast paced and crisp. The writers remain true to the historical events and have woven all of Sam Bahadur's anecdotes into the script beautifully. The transitions between timelines are smooth. The screenplay spotlights bravery and the brave rather than bravado. The dialogues are spot on, there's humour and there's pain. The anguish of partition in a speech by a young Yahya Khan tugs at your heart and you find yourself swallowing upon a lump in your throat. Meghna Gulzar's dialogues do remind one of her father's writing prowess.

There are just three songs in the movie. The lyrics of Badhte Chalo give you goosebumps, as an Indian you feel proud to hear the war cries of every regiment. Only Gulzar Sahab could have written this.

Vicky Kaushal is ably supported by Sanya Malhotra, Fatima Sana Sheikh and Mohmd. Zeeshan Ayub.

Sanya Malhotra is sweet and likeable as Mrs. Silloo Manekshaw. Though Fatima Sana Sheikh looks a softer version of Mrs. Gandhi but her aloofness does convey a stern persona.

Mohmd. Zeeshan Ayub in a cameo as Yahya Khan is convincing.

Vicky Kaushal is in fact Sam Bahadur in flesh. He aced the expressions, body language, voice and mannerisms to perfection and by doing so he pays the greatest respects to a great personality that is Sam Bahadur. Anything less would have been a great insult to Sam Bahadur's memory. Rab ka Banda.

As the end credits rolled and I looked around all I saw were smiling faces. Amidst the howling and rattling of animals, Sam Bahadur is like a mother's lullaby; soothing and comforting to the soul,

A must watch.

"Sam Bahadur" is not just a movie; it's an experience. It's a journey through the heart of Indian history, a story that will leave you with goosebumps and a renewed sense of pride in your country. From the very first frame, the film captivates you, engulfing you in its world of war, sacrifice, and unwavering courage.

At the center of this epic tale stands Sam Manekshaw, played with remarkable brilliance by Vicky Kaushal. Kaushal embodies the spirit of Sam Bahadur with utmost authenticity, capturing his wit, his resilience, and his unwavering dedication to his nation. His performance is so powerful that it transcends the screen, making you feel every emotion that Sam Bahadur experiences.

The film meticulously recreates the historical events of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, immersing you in the tense atmosphere of the battlefield. The battle sequences are masterfully crafted, showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers in the face of overwhelming odds. You'll find yourself holding your breath as the soldiers charge into battle, and your heart will swell with pride as you witness their unwavering determination.

But "Sam Bahadur" is more than just a war film. It's a story about leadership, about the burden of command, and the unwavering belief in one's cause. Sam Bahadur is a man of the people, a leader who inspires loyalty and respect with his simple yet powerful words. His leadership is both strategic and compassionate, and it's this very duality that makes him such an inspiring figure.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, each actor bringing their characters to life with depth and authenticity. Sanya Malhotra as Sam Bahadur's wife, Silloo, delivers a performance that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. She portrays the strength and resilience of Indian women during a time of war, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who wait at home.

The film's direction is masterful, seamlessly weaving together historical accuracy with cinematic brilliance. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the beauty and vastness of the Indian landscape. The music is stirring and evocative, perfectly complementing the film's emotional highs and lows.

"Sam Bahadur" is not just a very good movie; it's a must-watch for every Indian. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you with a renewed sense of appreciation for the heroes who fought for our freedom. It's a film that will inspire you, move you, and make you proud to be an Indian.

Here's why you should watch "Sam Bahadur":

Vicky Kaushal's electrifying performance as Sam Bahadur.

A thrilling and historically accurate depiction of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.

A story of leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering courage.

Breathtaking cinematography and a stirring soundtrack.

A film that will leave you with goosebumps and a renewed sense of pride in your country.

So, don't miss out on this cinematic masterpiece. Go watch "Sam Bahadur" and experience the thrill of Indian history come alive on the big screen.

Amazing, excellent, brilliant, these are the only things that you will gasp after seeing Vicky Kaushal in this awesome epic.

If you did not get a chance to know Sam Manekshaw, this film will do the job for you!! My Soldiers want to win, we want to WIN!! The dialogue delivery is emaculate, the conduct is worthy of being a field marshal, no words to explain the kind of work Vicky has done, this is a true blockbuster and not the one to miss, best watched in 2D and on IMAX/big screen if you can. The film is about personality so 3D is not what you want. Go for it, don't miss this performance or you will regret having not watched it on bif screen.

This is one of those movies where a great story has been directed very poorly, Sam Manekshaw who was the first Field Marshall of the Indian Army has a very long and decorated career and this movie tried to cover all of that with a half baked script, it would have been better if they just focused on the Bangaldesh Libration War, either way the direction was really poor and the movie lacked the pace and felt dragged in some parts. It could have been a great movie had it been directed by a more capable person, it did have its moments but the movie did not do the justice to the Great personality and the decorated career of Field Marshell Manekshaw also known as Sam Bahadur.

Awesome portrayal of character of real life war hero by Vicky Kaushal. Outstanding performance and perfect storytelling by the writer. Let me tell you guys Vicky Kaushal didn't act in this movie because the way he walked, the way he talked, his eye movement, body movement, etc etc list is endless, it seemed that Manekshaw sir himself, was acting on the screen. Fantastic Vicky Kaushal and thank you for making us the proud Indian once again and for making us feel lucky to be born in a country which has bred bravehearts like Manekshaw sir. He was a real hero and you portrayed that character and done 1000000% justice to that. Kudos to real hero as well as reel hero.

It is difficult to fit in five decades of laurels in 150minutes. No wonder sambahdur seems to be in a rush to the finish.

If not for vicky kaushal's finesse in acting the movie would have been average. He not only captures the nuances that sam manekshaw is known for but plays him to perfection.

The first half is fast paced and keeps you glued to your seat. Intermission comes in a jiffy. Meghna gulzar!s direction concentrates on sam, is for sam and only for sam. Rest of the characters have little to do.

The film belongs to vicky kaushal. It's sam and not him on the screen. He is a marvel in every frame, acting with eyes and expressions.

The only other character that shines is fatima sana shaik's take on indra gandhi. Frames that feature both vicky and her are the backbone of the film.

Zeeshan too is good, as is neeraj kabi as nehru but their screen time is minimal. Sanya malhotra has nothing much to do.

The war scenes are aptly conducted. The writing could have been better.

Sambahdur is a movie, the icon in some of the most important wars in india's history, deserves.

Go for it.

Sam Bahadur is the best Indian film of the year, a masterclass biopic drama of one of India's most important personality. This can also be seen as a historical war film and does have documentary elements. Vicky Kaushal is sensational in the lead role of Sam Manekshaw, he completely embodied the personality and body language of him, the hardwork of his preparation for the role shows on big screen. Meghna Gulzar's direction and screenplay is top notch, cinematography is beautiful, soundtrack blends well with the movie. I hate to say that Indian critics have no respect for this kind of cinema they heavily underrate it and ignore it, all they want is popcorn entertainment, ignore them.

They should have just focused on 1971 war a lot of time was wasted and in the end they just played recordings of the war

There were a lot of factual inaccuracies in the movie nehru was whitewashed and all of the blame was on British when in reality it was nehru who took the issue on un for no reason

There were a lot of missed opportunities in Burma war there was no mention of Subhash Chandra Bose which could have been a huge factor.

Overall the movie was a mashup of history like a documentary there were no climax. A lot of time was wasted on sam personal life.

This movie had huge opportunities which it sadly missed as the life of Sam manik shah was connected to major world events.

I was eagerly waiting for this movie. I am an admirer of Meghna Gulzar's direction and Vicky Kaushal's acting. The movie had both of them. For me it was a perfect combination and a sure win.

Well, my expectations were smashed from starting of the movie, specifically the moment Vicky Kaushal appeared. Vicky's acting was nowhere, he was trying to talk and walk like Sam, thats it. For me the whole movie is a mimicry and actually a pathetic mimicry.

Sam Manekshaw had a charismatic character (have a look into the available online videos of the old fella !), it was all natural about him. Vicky totally lacked that charisma and for me that was basically the nail in the coffin.

Supporting actors were pathetic, specially, Indira Gandhi, she was terrible, She had a long screen time and the performance was sub standard, again have a look into the online videos of the real person and compare.

Overall, Megha has miserably failed to deliver. I could not have imagined, she could have gone this wrong. I think the casting was not right. I very much like and admire Vicky, but I firmly believe, he is not fit for this character. Basically Sam Manekshaw had a high society pedigree and was born with a golden spoon in his mouth during the British period, which Vicky probably have very little idea about.

I am very upset with the film, but again its my personal feedback. I basically liked nothing about this movie. Could be only few scenes which was comparatively better.

In the days of cinema with adrenalin rushing over the top action sequences & violence, this movie brings a sense of nuance that let's you leave the theatre with a sense of pride about the country. This movie must be watched by every youth in the country and imbibe skills such as discipline, ethics & unity that the Indian armed forces exude. Overall this is a very feel good movie. Vicky Kaushal as Sam Bahadurji & Fatima Sana Sheikh as Indiraji are stand out performers to remember. Vicky Kaushal especially has done a remarkable job to imitate the character he plays and I won't be surprised if he gets the National award for his role.

"Sam Bahadur" unfolds as a riveting tribute to India's first Field Marshal, Sam HFJ Manekshaw, MC, brilliantly showcasing the legendary Army General's remarkable journey. The plot gracefully weaves through crucial historical chapters, from World War II to the Sino-Indian War, culminating in the pivotal 1971 Indo-Pakistan conflict that led to the creation of Bangladesh. The film pays commendable attention to detail, meticulously depicting Manekshaw's illustrious career, which played a pivotal role in shaping India's borders. With a focus on authenticity, the narrative captures the essence of the no-nonsense Army Commander, affectionately known as 'Sam Bahadur' by the soldiers he led. The dynamic life of this military luminary is presented with finesse, offering audiences a compelling cinematic experience that celebrates a true hero and his indelible impact on India's history.

It was a treat to Watch Vicky as Sam. I am the individual who didn't personally saw Sam before the movie but after the movie i checked his interviews and videos and i was like through this movie i have lived with Sam. In every Single frame i didn't feel at all that i was watching vicky at all it was like i am watching the great Sam Manekshaw. Vicky's dialogue delivery, body language, acting everything was at point. For me, when i close my eyes and think about Sam and it is Vicky who comes to mind. Other then some videos of Sam there was nothing on internet but through this movie i have felt every moment of Sam's Life and get to know more about how he was as a human being. He was a great man and this movie portrayed his character very beautifully. Everything from proper uniforms the authenticity of some war scenes were beautifully portrayed throughout the movie. The timing of the songs give you goosebumps and you don't feel bored at all throughout the movie. I watched it without interval but not a single moment i felt it is stretched or boring. It was engaging and gives me good vibes throughout the movie. The storyline gripped me throughout till the end and at i felt happy, emotional, and proud at the same time. I recommend this movie if you want to know about a real hero who was not just only a great officer but a great human being. Go and watch because Sam is here.

It was long overdue that someone told the story of India's first Field Marshal- the incredible Sam Manekshaw. Meghna Gulzar has done a fantastic job portraying the ever so dynamic & steadfast soldier who lead India's army during challenging times. Not for 1 second did this biopic stray form it's focus of telling the story of the soldier who joined the Army when india was under British Rule.

I fall short of words while describing the brilliance and excellence of Vicky Kaushal's acting. He has aced the walk, the accented, the persona, the character, the emotion of the great Sam Manekshaw . Every moment on screen is as if Vicky is living and breathing the soldier he is paying for to.

The screenplay is smooth and crisp. Important historic moments are shown as much as possible without blowing the context of the biopic.

Fatima Sana Sheikh has done an amazing job in the little screen time she got playing as Indira Gandhi.

Ever INDIAN who can, should watch this movie. Every Indian owes this much to the great 'Sam Bahadur' .

Real life heroes makes story everyday. That we dare capture in one movie-Connectivity Issues from scenes after scene and I blame it fully to story writer and Director. U can start the movie anywhere U want and close it where U want. This will cover one full episode.

What's is fun in covering preindependce actions and I thank director not starting from Birth of Sam. Now Daughter and son-Law photo selection 10min Why.. Sam's Transfer chronicle is also have lots wasteful and confusion for audiance from main Topic. Indira role is well played and charming to make an Impact. I felt Vicky tried to pull the story more with his acting skills on wasteful script and I rate Sir Manikshah real life and Vicky acting is only positive rating here.

If U want to know Sam history and tell to ur family this Braveman and true Indian. This is the Movie. If U want this as action or strategy of this hero. It's far

Go ahead and watch with full family. Very less movies on real life heroes of India

Not to be missed.

This movie is truly an inspiration for this generation. The storytelling, attention to detail, wittiness and sense of humour of Sam Bahadur has been captured by Meghna Gulzar so well and adapted by Vicky Kaushal with such class, he's definitely the chosen one!

What I loved the most about the movie is Sam's personality and sense of humour, there was something endearingly real about it, the man stood strong on his principles and his army. He was a true leader & most importantly, a gentleman and it doesn't surprise me that till date, the Indian army looks upto Sam Bahadur.

This movie will evoke all the emotions of patriotism - I had goosebumps watching it and this is by far the best tribute given to an Indian army officer.

Makers of this movie in 2 hours and 30 minutes have tried to cover every aspect of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw's life by showing short 5-10 segment of each event which literally fails to do the justice to the persona that Sam Manekshaw carried. From birth till retirement that should have shown in 10 episodes of a web series to aptly showcase the character and that would have been a far better way to give tribute to the legend of Sam Manekshaw.

This looks more like a documentary than a movie and probably the movie makers could have focused more on one event probably 1971 war that would have made story a whole lot better.

Sam Manekshaw, an Indian army officer with a legacy spanning over four decades and participation in five wars, achieved the prestigious rank of Field Marshal-a historic milestone in military history.

In the world of cinema, Vicky Kaushal undertakes the daunting task of portraying this legendary figure in "Sam Bahadur." While Kaushal's performance garners commendation, the film as a whole falls short of delivering a cohesive cinematic experience. Instead, it offers fragmented moments of enjoyment.

"Sam Bahadur," a 2023 Indian Hindi-language biographical war drama, meticulously chronicles the remarkable life of India's inaugural Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw. Released on December 1, 2023, the film spans a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

In summation, "Sam Bahadur" provides a window into the life of a true hero, yet its narrative struggles with consistency and storytelling finesse, hindering a complete capture of Sam Manekshaw's grandeur.

Sam Bahadur stands as a significant film that demands the attention of every youth in the country. It offers a compelling narrative with impressive cinematography and well-crafted dialogues that are sure to leave an impact. Director Meghna Gulzar takes viewers on a historical journey, shedding light on pivotal events through the eyes of its central character, Sam Manekshaw.

The film, although captivating in many aspects, seems to offer enjoyment only in fragmented segments. This could be attributed to the occasional inconsistencies in the narrative flow or pacing, preventing the audience from fully immersing themselves in the story. However, the screenplay, though engaging in bits and pieces, lacks the consistent flow needed for a seamless cinematic journey. The moments of engagement are strong, but they are not sustained throughout, leaving the audience wanting more coherence in the storytelling.

Vicky Kaushal's superlative performance injects life into the character, delivering a depiction that resonates with authenticity. His excellent performance brings the character to life, providing a portrayal that feels remarkably authentic. The noteworthy characters, including Ayub's General Yahya Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh as Indira Gandhi, Neeraj Kabi as Jawaharlal Nehru, and Govind Namdev as Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel enhance the overall storytelling and contribute to the historical authenticity portrayed on screen.

Direction 3/5 Acting 3.5/5 Dialogues 3/5 Story 3/5 Screenplay 2.5/5.

Summary: For me while this movie was charming, it did not hit the right notes that it could have when exploring a figure as historically important as Sam Manekshaw. The film seemed more intent on making audiences feel good about the Indian army and patriotic for the country that it did not delve too deeply into the character of Manekshaw. What were the factors that drove him? What was his decision-making process like? All of this was ignored, and all we learned about Sam Manekshaw was that he loved the army and a few of his favorite sayings.

Plot: The story covers the entire military career of Sam Manekshaw, but as mentioned earlier does not delve too deeply into any aspects. It is more of a rough summary then a deep dive into the person.

Acting: The casting for this film could have been a lot better. I was interested to see if Vicky Kaushal could lead a movie in a non-comedic role and the verdict is that he can't. He was not terrible but lacked any screen presence or natural charisma in the role. Sanya Malhotra, who I usually rate highly, delivers her lines with all the gusto of a block of wood. Of the leads only Fatima Sana Shaikh does justice to her character.

Script: The script for want of a better word is quite lame. It's all just sayings with the express purpose of making Indian audiences feel good. The dialogue lacks any sort of real gravitas. Even the serious moments when they are going to war feels like a bit of a joke.

Music: Background music was ok, but the actual numbers were quite poor and took away from the enormity of war.

Conclusion: Overall, the movie is not terrible, it is pleasant enough to watch. However, it really does leave you wishing they had tackled this subject in a different way.

"Sam Bahadur" is an exciting and inspiring film experience that pays heartfelt tribute to our country's unsung heroes. Meghna Gulzar directed the film with precision and flair, which not only captivates the viewer with its fascinating plot but also celebrates the exceptional life of Sam Manekshaw, who is brilliantly portrayed by Vicky Kaushal.

Kaushal's performance is nothing short of phenomenal, as he effortlessly embodies the persona of the legendary Sam Manekshaw. His nuanced portrayal captures the essence of the military icon, bringing depth and authenticity to the character. Kaushal's dedication to the role is apparent, and he succeeds in immersing the audience into the world of the celebrated army officer.

The film's narrative unfolds seamlessly, providing a gripping account of Manekshaw's life, his leadership during critical moments in Indian history, and the challenges he faced. The screenplay is both informative and emotional, hitting the appropriate mix between historical accuracy and captivating storytelling. Every frame reflects the director's painstaking attention to detail, producing a compelling cinematic trip.

While "Sam Bahadur" shines as a beacon of hope, it's impossible to ignore the stark contrast with filmmakers like Sandeep Reddy Vanga, whose films, such as "Kabir Singh" and "Animal," frequently perpetuate toxic narratives. Vanga's penchant for clichéd storytelling and mindless extravagance not only lacks substance but also contributes to the proliferation of negativity in society. "Animal" and similar productions prioritise sensationalism over meaningful content, feeding into a culture of gratuitous violence and shallow narratives.

In an industry where cinema has the potential to shape societal norms, the responsibility lies on filmmakers and actors to tread carefully. Unfortunately, some people continue to put shock value ahead of substance, propagating negative stereotypes and toxic narratives. While "Sam Bahadur" uplifts the spirit with its celebration of real-life heroes, it's disheartening to see the impact of films that glorify mindless aggression.

When deciding what to watch, people are encouraged to support films like "Sam Bahadur" that inspire and enlighten rather than those that contribute to a negative culture. It's high time for filmmakers to recognise their role in shaping societal perspectives and opt for narratives that elevate rather than degrade our collective consciousness.

Moreover, given the rich tapestry of Sam Manekshaw's life, a web series delving into the various facets of his journey would be a welcomed addition. A serialized format could provide the audience with an in-depth exploration of his experiences, leadership, and the historical context that shaped him. Such a venture would not only entertain but also educate, offering a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the legend. The vast canvas of Manekshaw's life deserves a more extended narrative, allowing viewers to appreciate the complexities that defined this remarkable figure in our military history.