Vaastav: The Reality

The talented Mahesh Manjrekar directs his second feature which centres around the character of a simple guy whose attempts to lead a normal life fail and as a result he becomes a merciless underworld don. Manjrekar's direction is excellent and he successfully depicts the dark tone of the crime world. He offers a grim look at the underworld and not even once does he try to glorify it or show it in a positive light. On the contrary, through the main character he shows how restless those who get involved in it are. The film, though a bit unevenly executed at places, generally remains steadily focused, and the proceedings are raw and serious, without useless attempts at comedy and unnecessary subplots one gets to see so much in Hindi films. Many of the film's scenes are extremely moving.

For the demanding role of Raghunath, Manjrekar casts Sanjay Dutt, one of the industry's most respected and loved stars, yet one of its most underrated actors. Dutt is simply exceptional, portraying every shade of his character with sheer conviction. He actually becomes Raghunath and manages to create a real new screen persona with his line delivery, body language and his often frighteningly serene attitude. This is one of his absolute best. Other cast members do a very good job, with Reema Lagoo delivering the most memorable performance of the lot as Raghu's tormented yet loving mother. Sanjay Narvekar is quite effective as his best friend, while Namrata Shirodkar does a fine job as Sonu, a young prostitute with whom he falls in love.

Vaastav is not without its flaws. I, for one, found Raghunath's transformation far too quick to be completely believable. The film, though generally gritty, intense and matter-of-fact, gets at times a bit too emotional and consequently the level of its authenticity is thus reduced by a iota. Nonetheless, the film's final scenes are powerful and riveting and the very last scene is fantastic. Do watch Vaastav, mainly to see Sanjay Dutt's performance.

Though almost everyone is just bragging about Sanjay Dutt's acting performance, the storyline itself made him important one. all actresses & actors did their role perfectly. beyond that, why it is mirror of the Reality ? That is important part of this movie. let it, Raghu's forced start in crime world to the ending words of wisdom through his Mother about 'having a choice' are grim reality unveiled by script. the direction was influencing in such a way that, it pushes us to really look for other side common people don't want to see. though it affects all. Also the way it approached issues of sex workers, sold out police at the same time vulnerable police in front of politicians. All in all a milestone in Indian cinemas. the ending was quite disturbing but sensible & insightful where mother herself shoots the son from all distress of being tired. Truly, Hats off.

One of the best Indian movies in that genre. This Movie depicts the reality and cruelty of the Streets in such countries.

Well played by the entire cast. And the lead role was nothing less then brilliant. He managed to convince the audience about he was a Young slacker, with a Hint of a sociopath the Way he boss and threathens everyone around him in da first running time. Towards the incident that changes his life. And later on he turns on the level a notch, he troughout the Movie keeps a steady level right untill the end. Were we as the audience Can Tell the difference apart from a sociopath or a psychopath. Well done.

Vaastav is probably the best movie ever created in Indian Cinema if not the best It should be in top 5 of every list . This movie proves that bollywood is not just about crappy "masala" movies, there is more than that in bollywood . Vaastav is the "Undisputed" king of gangster genre in bollywood .

Sure its not flawless but still the way the story moves , the direction , characterization , transition from scene to scene and most importantly Acting . Sanjay Dutt proves why he is one of the best "ACTORS" who stepped in bollywood and not many can claim that . This movie is definitely his best .

Watch this movie at least 3 times . 1st time for story, 2nd for Sanjay acting and 3rd for overall experience . Watch out for the last scene , one of the greatest scene in bollywood history . Sanjay dutt's facial expressions are enough to tell the story .

Direction could've been a little bit better because the movie gets a "bit(and that's a very small bit)" slow in some parts in the second half.

Ratings

Story 9.5/10 acting 10/10 direction 8.5/10 background score 9/10

Overall -- 9.8/ 10

verdict : if you haven't watched it, CLOSE THIS PAGE NOW and go buy a DVD, Watch it illegally on internet ;), borrow it from a friend but JUST WATCH IT .

Im not your average bollywood fan, in fact quite the opposite, i despise most productions that come out of the Indian film industry. However, this movie is compelling from the first scene to the last, and although it has elements of the stereotypical bollywood film, the film itself illustrates a story that is gripping and intriguing. Sanjay Dutt takes the lead role of Raghunat Namdev Shivalkar, and fulfills it to a frighteningly captivating effect. Dutt who has had a life of controversy and turbulence himself, was perhaps best equipped to play this role like nobody else could. The film traces the life of a young, exuberant man, who is struggling to find direction in his life. The transformation from this depiction, to the character of 'Raghu Bhai' is achieved with pure brilliance, by both the script and performers. Essentially Vaastav is an intelligent movie, revealing the infamously corrupt nature of the Indian political system, as well as the functioning of society itself. These factors are shown to work simultaneously to create a character that is forever embedded in the history of Indian cinema. This is bollywood at its rare finest, and it will not fail in living up to the trademark of the movie itself 'The Reality'. Sanjay Dutt at his pure deadliest.