Sherni

"Sherni" is released today on Amazon Prime. The movie is directed by Amit Masurkar.

Vidya Balan is in the lead role. Vijay Raaz, Brijendra Kala, Sharat Saxena and Neeraj Kabi are also there. Each and everyone is talented. The movie plot highlights many social issues of Modern India. It tells about conservation of animals and nature, it portraits male domination, corrupt bureaucrats, yellow journalism etc.

The story is about a tigress, which attacks the cattles and the people of the nearby villages of the forest. The forest department tries to find the tigress and transfer it to a national park. And then the complexities come in. Local politicians made this issue political and tried to create vote banks for themselves. The corrupt bureaucrats are only concerned about their promotions.

Most probably, the film is shot in the forests of Madhya Pradesh. Cinematography is amazing. Most of the shots were taken in natural light. There's a breathtaking 360 degree aerial shot. Direction and screenplay are brilliant. Vidya Balan's performance is marvelous. Though each and everyone performed really well. If I'm not wrong, the last shots were taken at Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad. You'll feel the pain if you look carefully at the eyes of those animals.

Why we have to always disturb the balance between animals and nature for economical development? Is the term "man-eaters" really necessary for predators? Aren't they just hungry? Isn't it normal for them? If we keep constructing mining facilities, if we keep making highways in between forests and national parks then where would the animals go? Are the officials taking sufficient necessary actions against poachers? Who are the real animals here? Yes! "Sherni" is questioning about these all.

Honestly speaking, I was in doubt because nobody tries to make any film on this issues before "Sherni". This concept is totally untouched in Bollywood. But this film will not disappoint you. If you're a nature lover or not, you should not miss this movie.

According to me, "Sherni" is a must watch movie.

Do watch "Sherni" and have a happy weekend!

After Newton director Amit Masurkar delivers another gem which gives us a never seen before peek into lives of brave men and women of forest officers. And he succeeds with flying colors.

Vidya Vincent, a newly appointed DFO struggles to find her place and solution to crisis in jungle amongst the villagers, politicians and is on a mission to save tigress which everyone wants a piece of.

Vidya Balan plays her role with finesse. It's evident that she is capable of captivating you not just with her acting skills alone. She doesn't need to be a standardized bollywood heroine for you to appreciate every scene she is in. You feel her frustration, helplessness, anger and sheer will from the screen. Vijay Raaz is as always marvellous to watch, he and Vidya are not just partners in the mission but also on screen. This unconventional duo is amazing.

But the big surprise and one of the best part is Sharat Saxena. Glad to see him get a role that fits him. He looks the part he's playing which is a hunter under guise of conservationists and makes your blood boil effectively.

Other co actors including extras as villagers do a fine job. Ila Arun was wasted in her small role.

The movie is also very well shot. CGI in some places was shabby but for the most part acceptable. Background score is great. Dialogues are expertly written, some dark jokes scattered wherever needed.

The director tries to shed a light on various other issues apart from the main plot, like arm chair activists vs real activists but it doesn't always work. Some media clichés I felt could've been avoided. But one thing he does very well i.e. Saluting the hard working officers in field of our forest department.

I doubt this movie will win awards but it should. Sherni is an important movie that everyone should watch. Perhaps it will inspire young minds to take the challenging career in our forest department.

Review By Kamal K

It really shows the true situation of the forest department and how politics influence or rather interfere with it, Vidya shines as always Vijay Raaz is the perfect, overall team has done well. Sherni has almost everything but lacks what a good film must have - moments of "cinematic" brilliance where you feel emotionally moved & stirred but cannot explain why. That's the beauty of any good art work. Newton did that so well but not this one.

Extremely detailed, well acted, realistic camera movements - all were there but the poetry and poignancy was missing which made this film maybe a good documentation of our forest , wildlife, people , government procedures etc but failed to make it a good "CINEMA".

Very engaging, realistic ,good movie. Acting, camera , script and Direction super.

What works : Jungles, Satire and Vidya of course.

What doesn't : Story gets slow at times but does keep us hooked.

First off, it's not a thriller considering the concept of catching a tiger. It's a battle between 2 thought process.

One, who wants to save the tiger.

Second, who wants to add 1 more kill to his list.

And in between, there is corruption, politics, egoes and a hard hitting message of Wildlife conservation and environmental balance.

Jungles are shot beautifully. The local dialect would be loved.

A good break from watching movies based on urban India with actors flaunting 6 Packs.

Vidya is amazing as always. She is the real Sherni here with her facial expressions speaking more than she does.

Vijay Raaj would be as much loved as Sharat Saxena would be hated.

Rest of the crew does good too.

A decent 1 time watch.