'Sanju' Review: Ranbir Kapoor's Sanjay Dutt biopic is an emotional roller coaster that plays out like a bestseller!

Film: Sanju

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Vicky Kaushal, Manisha Koirala, Sonam Kapoor

Director: Rajkumar Hirani

Genre: Biopic

Duration: 2 hours 42 miutes

Language: Hindi (U/A)

Story:

The narrative explores the life and times of Sanjay Dutt, a superstar son, drug addict, TADA convict and a superstar himself. The story attempts to be an autobiographical account (for the most part) of a rich, weak boy who chastened to become a sober, strong man, courtesy the tough hand that destiny dealt him with. This film shows how Sanju was supported ably on that arduous journey by his actor-politician father, Sunil Dutt.

Review:

For those of us who have known Sanjay for four decades, watching this film is like having a catharsis. We probably know of more twists and turns in this actor’s life than this 162-minute film shows, but the repressed emotions, which flow watching the goings-on on screen, is hard to share. There’s a sense of despair and even defeat that many of us could only watch as his life spiraled from fame to darkness. 

Rajkumar Hirani (Munnabhai franchise, 3 Idiots and PK), the master storyteller, doesn’t hold his punches as he gives us the tale of a persecuted boy who just needed an excuse to blow up his life. The Sanju shown here is always running scared of his disciplinarian, Gandhian dad, of losing his mother to a terminal illness, of the toxic climate that the Babri Masjid blasts brought, of just about everything. And, yet there was an Alpha Male trapped within him - someone who wanted to protect his family, his friendship and his own reputation. The intent behind him keeping an AK-56, his drug addiction, his alcoholism and his caddish ways is not glorified and told faultlessly. 

On many levels, it’s treated as a piece of fiction. The script gives you fabulous glimpses of deep friendship and above all, it shows you the indefatigable spirit of a righteous father, who fought with his back to the wall to bring his erring, condemned son from notoriety to fame. The only chapter that has a hagiographic tint is the one, which states that Sanjay is not a terrorist. A lot of us who were well-acquainted with him believe that. But to say that he was a victim of a headline-hungry media which devoured him, spat him out and left him scarred for life, is an exaggeration. 

Frankly, you don’t need to be a fan, a friend or a member of Sanjay Dutt’s family to invest emotionally in this film. Even if you have a vicarious bent of mind (which most of us have), you will take away a lot from Sanju. 

For those who don’t know Dutt, this movie works as the story of a wayward child who puts his father through hell without realising it. It shows you the callous side of a spoilt brat who indulged his excesses. It’s a tale of repentance and is in equal measure a story of valour and strength. All battles are not fought at the border; some need to overcome their inner demons on a daily basis to emerge victorious. 

Ranbir Kapoor’s performance as Sanju is the stuff Academy Award nominations are made of. It’s a pitch-perfect act that could bring him laurels for life. Vicky Kaushal as his friend, Kamlesh, should also pick up awards for his supporting act.

But for most people, the hero here is Paresh Rawal who plays Sunil Dutt so flawlessly. If I were Hirani, I would quickly announce a biopic on Senior Dutt next with Rawal playing the part and story inputs from Sanjay.

Manisha Koirala is also impressive in her cameo as Nargis Dutt. Other special appearances by Sonam Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Dia Mirza, Anushka Sharma, Mahesh Manjrekar are interesting. As for music, except for Kar Har Maidaan Fateh, nothing else worked for me. 

Verdict:

Watch Sanju – it’s an emotional roller coaster ride that will give you the satisfaction of having read a bestseller.

Critic's Rating: 4.5/5