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.

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.

When the movie was announced, I was a little skeptical mainly because Bollywood always ruin movies with unnecessary songs and romance. But after seeing the trailer I got super excited.

I was very impressed with the movie and its pacing as well as how close it is to reality. The direction, acting, story, locations are on point.

Sushant Singh Rajput delivers his career best performance here. He was outstanding in every aspect and he seemed totally natural in his character. Manoj Bajpayee as usual nailed his role as the leader of the gang. He was able to portray the notoriety that the bandits of Chambal possess. Bhumi Pednekar was fantastic as the woman on the run. Ranvir Shorey was absolutely mind blowing as the second in command. The intensity he portrayed was perfect. His character was brilliantly written. Ashutosh Rana was an absolute treat to watch as the police captain trying to hunt down the gang.

The director has done his job very well. It clearly shows how much research he did before making this film since everything was so natural including the language spoken throughout the movie and how birds react to dead bodies. The story was very well paced and high on intensity. The scenery was bound to be good since the film was shot on location. The action sequences were very well choreographed and very enjoyable.

This movie kept me hooked from the start to the end. It has a very deep meaning that a lot of people will fail to understand. This is not the typical Bollywood film with songs and romance. This is a film based on true events and carries a deep meaning and message. The pacing was good and those who appreciate pure cinema will love it given the fact that it's very close to reality and perfectly portrayed the harshness that was present in Chambal back in those days.

Overall it's a wonderful movie and a pure cinematic experience. If Red Dead Redemption 2 was made in India, this is exactly how it would be. If you're someone who enjoys reality based action films, then I strongly recommend this one.

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.

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.