Thackeray

When we talk of Sanju, we say it to be deviated a lot from reality but a good film, Thackeray is not that deviated but somewhat, it surely is. As a movie it is nice.

When we talk about the politics followed by him, the question arises was it right? There was a time when I use to think for our people if it has to be this way than let it be. Today I feel rather than doing that I would retract myself. The one who came below the car brought tears to my eyes. A better way is given in the movie Mee Shivaji Raje Bhosale boltoye.

Another question raised is to choose between Democracy and Dictatorship. Well I watched a show dance plus even if every member put up to a total the leader can still change it.

Tone, Script & Story: It portrays a biopic of Bala Saheb Thackeray. Direction, Screenplay, Cinematography: Justified. Music: Average. Acting: Good (specially nawaaz).

Final Verdict: Bala Saheb carries an Aura, I myself love to be in that aura, and well did the movie make me feel it? Somewhat: Yes.

I can't believe producers did such a horrible job. Worthless movie. I have respect for Bal Thackeray but movie was pathetic.

Let me add my review for the first thing that everyone else is criticizing:

SCRIPT: The script was well written. It is a heavy and serious movie because the topic itself is a heavy one. The dialogues are strong and punchy. No scenes are shown with over-emotion or too much focus. For example, if there's a blast happening then the blast is shown in slow motion and the story moves on. This is a very unique and great way of showing stories!

ACTING: Nawazuddin has carried this role fantastically! He stands with poise, he delivers dialogues coolly, and the best aspects I liked were his pauses. Nawazuddin has this way of carrying out pauses naturally and his natural cool persona suits the script very well. Great job done!

CAMERA SHOTS/SCENES: The movie is quite visually pleasing. The first half was shot in black and white while the second half was in color. The sets were beautifully created and it takes you to a different era successfully.

THE MAIN CHARACTER: This is the part where I didn't like the film. Whenever Thackeray commits an atrocity, it is shown in just a single scene. There have been thousands brutally murdered by him and that is shown in a flash.

Marathis deserve respect, as does any other race or religion. No race should be made fun of in the common media. According to this movie, Marathis weren't respected because they weren't doing much more than setting up tea stalls while "outsiders" were creating companies, and doing a lot of big work. This led to a bunch of jokes on Marathis.

Bal took this to heart and tried to get Marathis the respect that they deserve - by killing off other religions and races. He polarized the whole mass of Marathas against "outsiders". Although he verbally says "I have my nation first and my Maharashtra second" his actions show the exact opposite.

In the process of murdering people who were just doing their jobs and forcing them to create reservation for Marathis, in the process of using his goons to kill off other religions, to force them to celebrate Marathi festivals, Bal Thackeray became the very monster that he started the fight with. In his process of "winning respect for Marathas", he crumpled over several fundamental rights of several other races.

The only reason that I wouldn't give this movie a 10 star, is because it portrays Thackeray in a neutral aspect rather than monster that he was. Even today, the the racial divide that he did in Maharashtra still polarizes the masses and non-Marathas face disrespect, harassment and bullying in their day-to-day lives.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui pulls of one of the best performances of his career. He's fabulous! His body language, composure, magnetism & mannerism is at a different level all together. We don't come across actors like him often. If nothing else, watch the movie just for him.

Overall, depending on your political inclination, the values you carry, the principles you have, you may hate or like the film, as it is based on a political personality and the choices he makes. Personally, I must admit that the 150 mins did alter my opinion about Balasaheb Thackerey. That by itself shows that the film & the performance of its casts is good enough to have an impact (good or bad) on your opinion about the protagonist.

However, the film is very slow & if you can't read Hindi you might find it difficult to keep up. Dialogues at times are great but most often very confusing.

Bottom line is, if you are looking for a typical bollywood entertainer, you might like to skip this one. Else it is a good watch!

Director: Abhijit Panse Producer and Writer: Sanjay Raut, MP (Rajya Sabha) Shiv Sena

Story: Thackrey revolves around the life of late Bal Keshav Thackrey, as he goes from being a cartoonist to founding a political party, Shivsena for the Maharashtrians and how he became the most influential person of Maharashtra.

Review: Thackrey movie shows the famous and not so popular life incidences of the Bala Saheb Thackrey, going through the crucial moments which made him, one of the most influential people ever born in the state of Maharashtra.

However, the movie fails at capturing the attention of the viewers and one will find it very hard to concentrate at the film throughout the 2 hours and 19 minutes. With a poorly written script, one finds it difficult to connect with the movies when movies go ahead showing the life of Bala Saheb Thackrey.

It is more like different new pieces reporting the incidence rather than being a movie.

If you are looking for a nicely written script with amazing shots, the movie is not for you.

One must only go if you would want to know about the life of Bala Saheb Thackrey.

Verdict: 2/5