Sonchiriya

This film deserves an 8 cos of the solid direction, script n acting but I am generous with 10 so that more indie films like these r made in India n the reels of the awful ones like Simbba, Race 3, Padmavat, Kesari, etc, shud be flushed down the toilet.

Also I am a sucker for Western films n it's rare to come across a Western film from Bollywood.

Coming back to this film, it is n underrated directorial effort by Abhishek Chaubey whose earlier films were mostly shot in the dusty countrysides. It has shades of Outlaw Josey Wales n the film's twist is harrowing like the one from Incendies. It has awesome cinematography, stunning landscapes of rugged, ravine-streaked hills and calm rivers contrasted with bloody brutal gun fight sequences. The cinematography brings the bleakest of environments to frightening life, aided by the fact that the locations were every bit as bleak as they appeared on screen. The film is a juxtaposition of brutal reality and rustic serenity.

The story is about outlaws living in the ravines. We have outlaws based on the caste system but the most neglected n persecuted ones r the poor dalits.

My only two cribs. They shud have shown some crocodile violence n they shud have shown the lead cop's heading busting like a watermelon.

I always thought, a dacoit means a thief who robs, rapes n kills. But thank u, director #abhishekchaubey, for opening my eyes n for revealing the correct picture. Everything about #Sonchiriya seems real. The men, the women, the politics, the guns, the bullets, the violence, the locations, the music, the language r all authentic. The performances will amaze u. Running time should be reduced by 15 minutes. Watch it. Rating 3.5/5.

SONCHIRIYA is a well-made and a well shot movie with a strong narrative and brilliant performances as its USP.

Sonchiriya Story: Set in the ravines of 1970's Chambal, the film follows a bunch of dacoits led by Man Singh (Manoj Bajpayee) as they battle with the cops and their own conscience.

Abhishek Chaubey has done it again. Sonchiriya is gritty, engaging, haunting, disturbing and highly entertaining n captures the soul of Chambal quite beautifully.

Abhishek Chaubey's direction is taut and I loved how unlike other films in the same genre the tension starts right from scene one. He doesn't waste much time and movie stays on point from start to finish.

At times it might be too disturbing and heavy for the viewers but, Abhishek makes sure to add the right amount of dark humour in it.

On the downside, the movie drags a bit in the initial portion post interval. After a great first act and the pace dips in the second act but is lifted again in the final act.

Overall, Sonchiriya is another masterpiece from Abhishek Chaubey. Some might find it too disturbing and heavy but nothing is forced. With top-notch acting performances by each and every cast member, Sonchiriya is recommended.

This is one of those few films after watching which, you feel like the urge to watch the movie again. The screenplay, cinematography, direction and acting all deserve an standing ovation. The storyline is captivating with twists at the right moment. This movie would definitely make many laugh and cry within a span of a short time. Must watch and deserves due credit.

Sonchiriya is not for the ones who look for pure Bollywood entertainment. The movie is dark and violent. Abhishek Chaubey is proving that he can cook something different but delicious. He could have gone for some commercial movie after the electrifying Udta Punjab. But he choose to make a high quality movie with no commercial element but pure class. Manoj Bajpai, Ranveer Shorey was excellent and Sushant Singh Rajput gave the best performance of his career. We know what Bhumi Padnekar is capable of and she proves yet again that she is one of the best actress in Bollywood. The Chambal Vallet visuals were beautiful and horrifying. DoP deserves a big applause. The movie may bore majority but it will glorify a good movie watcher.