Thackeray

6/10 - Coming back after seeing this biopic of the larger-than-life Marathi politician, I am quite disappointed at how they have not done justice to this movie.

Acting: First of all, Nawazuddin is the only major role in this film and others remain bystanders throughout the movie. Nawaz is probably one of the better actors in today's era and he proves it with another great performance. However, he seems uncomfortable with Marathi and falls short at the fiery roar that Balasaheb possessed. For example, when I saw Sanju, I didn't realize that it was not Sanjay Dutt acting. Such actor-character sync was missing.

Yet, he was perhaps the best choice for this complex role (but would've preferred Nana Patekar or Manoj Bajpai if they were younger). Amrita Rao, while being the other major character, is non-existent and missable.

Screenplay: The story, while doing a good job of taking us through Thackeray's life, did feel over the top at times (Remember that this movie was produced by Sanjay Raut, who is a part of the Shiv Sena so it excessively glorifies the character). I also hated the fact that the first half is in black&white. I mean, what's the point?

However, it was really interesting to see some politically-unrelated moments of Balasaheb's life that I wasn't aware of. Some dialogues are pearls.

Direction: This was the biggest let down for me. Abhijit Panse, who had previously made his debut with Rege (2014) - an absolute gem of a movie - seemed sloppy in his second (though I am not sure how much he could control things). It appeared as if he let Nawaz get away at times, but could've aimed at perfection.

He also tries to tell too many things in 2 hours. I would've preferred less things but in more detail.

Music: While there are no songs in this movie, background effects were really good and gave me goosebumps many times, inspiring me to pay attention to every scene.

Editing: Like I mentioned, there are too many scenes, and the movie seems very fast. They should've fixed it.

All in all, worth a watch, but don't have high hopes like Sanju or Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. 6/10 stars.

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.

1 star for movie ,script and director 10 🌟 for Nawazuddin acting

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

Had high expectations from this film considering the charismatic persona of the protagonist . The narrative unfortunately is not gripping enough to hold the audience in rapt attention .

The film has its moments but seems disjointed, with punch lines that are laboriously inserted without having any impact on the narrative.

Navaz fits the bill perfectly and gets into the character with ease . But as they say no one can rise above the script . Could have been better .

5 out of 10 stars from me for this biographical docudrama.