Shaurya

The inspiration is obvious as the outline of the story in 'Shaurya' is largely taken from Rob Reiner's 'A Few Good Men'. Of course some scenes might trigger memories of other military thrillers like the entertaining but predictable Morgan Freeman- Ashley Judd starred 'High Crimes' or even the awful 'Rules of Engagement' (thankfully this film isn't as bad). Yet, there are many differences that make 'Shaurya' in some way its own movie. However, the makers could have at least acknowledged their source of inspiration just to avoid the accusation of plagiarism.

The themes handled in 'Shaurya' are very different from that of 'A Few Good Men'. The characters too are dissimilar, although during the courtroom sequences Javed Jaffrey reminds us of Kevin Bacon. The courtroom scenes lift off the original source but most of the rest is something else. Critics have praised 'Shaurya' for being a brave film and in spite of being an inspiration, it 'Indianizes' the film very well. But, does that excuse the film for plagiarizing? The intention isn't to mislead people into thinking this is a complete scene-by-scene copy of 'A Few Good Men' (it isn't) but the resemblance is very noticeable.

Khan and Malhotra's writing is somewhat good in that they create different characters that are well-developed and they tell an interesting story (in spite of the flaws mentioned). However the movie drags during the entire first half. It picks up rapidly in the second half once Bose's Siddhant gets serious about the case and this only somewhat makes up for the lethargic first hour.

Most of the performances are noteworthy. Rahul Bose really gives a too laidback performance in the beginning. It gets a little annoying until in the second half his portrayal of his character's transformation reflect his maturity as an actor. Minisha Lamba is very good, as she shares a warm chemistry with Bose and adds charm and determination to her character. But, what's with the excessive makeup? Deepak Dobiyal downplays his part well in most parts. However, in a few scenes it almost borders on wooden. In briefer roles, Seema Biswas is superb and Amrita Rao impresses. Javed Jaffrey is alright. Finally, it is Kay Kay Menon who steals the show in his special appearance. Though his character reminds one of Jack Nicholson in 'A Few Good Men', the actor completely makes the part his own and stands out.

Some of the songs are nice and pleasant to the ears but a few of them really slow down the pace. Also, some of the themes were presented in a clichéd way, like suspecting Javed Khan of being a terrorist because he's a Muslim. Come on people, there could be other motivations behind his alleged killing rather than him being part of a Jihad group. After all, isn't the military supposed to thoroughly research people's background, especially that of an accused? Such clichés should have been avoided.

On the whole, 'Shaurya' isn't exactly a bad film but I would have appreciated it much more had it credited the original source and avoided religious clichés. Also tighter editing especially in the first half could have made it more engaging. Nonetheless, it's one of the very few watchable films among Indian cinema this year and it brilliantly ends with Shahrukh Khan's powerful recital of a haunting poem.

Okay here's a thing - army doesn't operate like that. Yes I admit that there have been some human rights violations in J&k. But i still think that it was a complete propaganda to defame our Army. They clearly have played the victim card here. In the movie there's a scene - When the lead actor and actress go to Rathore's house and meet his wife, his wife says few things which in the movie are shown as every army officer who is loyal, dedicated and tries up to his limits to save our country consists those qualities. And just not about propaganda the cast doesn't look great except KK Menon, the lead actress is too annoying and does cringy things. Rahul Bose's character doesn't fit the characteristics which are required in an "Army Officer" and he is shown in the movie an officer of a major rank. In the I just want to say that if you're related to Army Or have some sympathy for our army, this movie tries everything to turn that respect or sympathy into hatred.

One of the few movies made on the subject on Indian army and perhaps a reality check. The subject is sensitive and handled quite well. Even if it's a copy of "A Few Good Men", the premise is fitted aptly.

Rahul Bose characterisation in an attempt to be "kewl" is over-cool (read that as uncool!). Why was it reminding me of Raj of DDLJ?

Minisha Lamba bubbly character is nothing new, repetitive!

Seema Biswas delivers as usual a good performance.

Amrita Rao:: Resilient performance – a revelation indeed.

Deepak Dobriyal does a fantastic job with his silence in the role of Javed Khan

Javed Jaafery: Yet again, it shows that Jaaved Jaaffery is under-utilised by the industry.

Kay Kay Menon:: The way he rules the roost at the border is akin to Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now. The characters motivation is partially drawn from Sunil Shetty in Main Hoon Na. Playing devils advocate, why should the ideology be a resultant of a personal tragedy? Simply it could have been a natural transformation owing to personal beliefs and gradually cemented by the circumstances. In terms of performance it should be written in bold - Kay Kay reigns supreme with his towering performance, especially in the climax which is bound to leave you spellbound. Lots spoken, but if you have to watch Shaurya, make sure the reason is Kay Kay.

Samar Khan shows a lot of promise. He portrays the borders, army lifestyle, attitude of army men quite well. Hope this movie gives him the recognition he deserves.

Give it a go!!

Except the stellar performer Kay Kay Menon everyone else is wrongly casted. What an awful performance by the lead cast And Kay Kay , take a bow..watched this movie till last only for his roaring performance ! And need to ask the director one thing.. how dare you make such an awful ripped-off version of a legendary movie "A Few Good Men" ?

Bollywood has an uncanny ability to Indianize the remake. Given that a large majority of our cinema, the songs and perhaps even the dialogue is rehashed from dated Hollywood, Tollywood and whatever wood European, Chinese and Korean cinema comes from, its astounding how Indian each remake looks.

You would almost believe its supposed "inspired tag" Shaurya is different and watchable because for most parts, it retains the flow, feel and texture of A Few Good Men with the Indian confused state of existence in Kashmir as the backdrop.

Rahul Bose, plays Tom Cruise (who played Jerry McGuire in AFGM) in a controlled fashion and brings his own personality into the character of an Army Lawyer. Kay Kay Menon is convincing. The plot is reasonably tight but tends to bore you in bits.

*What's good Kashmir. Breathtaking! Good controlled acting and decent dialogues. A believable and realistic plot and some good court sequences.

*What's not The pangs of boredom you feel. The plot is flat and familiar. You've seen AFGM and you know how things will end.

Watching the movie with Army folk. They rant about breach of protocol or whatever that means to us 'bloody civilians'