Shamitabh

Shamitabh...Instantly you think of two legends - Shammi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachan. Obviously there is no link to Shammi Kapoor in this film but you have to admit it's a great title.

Shamitabh isn't quite what I expected it to be when seeing the trailers and reading the synopsis. Amitabh and Dhanush are both nothing short of brilliant in their respective roles, but i think the story is flawed in many areas and just doesn't grab your attention. I'm not sure how big Dhanush will be in Bollywood, but he clearly has created a niche for himself. Without a single dialogue, he matches Big B in terms of his screen presence so well. He is full of expression and very energetic. Amitabh, as always is the soul of the film. Not only is his acting just top notch but when you watch Dhanush, but hear Amitabh's voice you remember just how amazing his voice actually is. Akshara wasn't as a bad as I thought, but she does not have the looks to go far in Bollywood. Perhaps if we could merge the two sisters (her acting and Shruti's looks) and you'd have something pretty decent!

I didn't like the music. Piddly is no doubt the most catchy and what most people will remember the film for.

On the whole Shamitabh is an okay film - a must watch for both Dhanush and Amitabh, but considering the work Balki did with Paa and English Vinglish it's a disappointment.

This movie is not using it's full potential. Where there are almost endless chances for major cluster comedy and hilarious screwball scenarios it stays timid. A little out of sync here, a little tension when a journalist finds out the truth there, a little conflict but it ends there. Beautiful concepts that did not follow through. The storyline contains many forceful unnatural conflicts. It would have been so much more fun to have Shamitabh team up together whole heartily to make this voice double thing work.Instead Bachchan's character is forced to sabotage his own chance of success. However the worst is the abrupt, over dramatic misplaced ending of this film. How have they missed a brilliant comedic ending? If Danush lacks charisma or if the storyline didn't provide the opportunity is hard to tell but he fails to be convincing in his role as new mega movie star. Obviously Bachchan is a god and even in this uneventful script he does nothing less then a great performance.

I expected more from Amitabh's movie. It was great to watch Amitabh and Dhanush. However other characters were not visible enough to be judged.

There were a few odd points I found.

1] The technology shown was odd but great, but it can be taken for granted as it is just fantasizing the idea. Dhanush was able to speak what Amitabh was speaking. But this effort takes lip sync, and air movements from lungs, which cannot be expected of a microprocessor chip. Although, I should not comment on this technology, but I saw this as far fetched idea.

2] Hero Dhanush was buried ??? It sounds odd with Hindu name.

3] He was buried at the same place what was reserved for Amitabh. If the place was reserved, why he was buried at that place without Amitabh's permission.

However, I saw a great humor in the movie, which was a fun to watch.

One thing that helps Shamitabh in making it a decent watch is a new story line. The concept itself is not yet tried in Bollywood. The trailer pretty much speaks about the story yet watching it unfolding on screen can be interesting.

The second great thing about Shamitabh is the performances of Amitabh and Dhanush. Dhanush just nails it again and manages to get noticed even when he shares the frame with Indian legend Amitabh Bachchan. Kudos!

On the flip side you might have wanted the screenplay of the movie to be more tight as there are few dull moments in the movie which at times hamper the narrative.

Nevertheless, Shamitabh is a one time watch owing to fresh new story and decent performances by its lead protagonists.

"Shamitabh," directed by R. Balki, is a satire that brings together an unusual yet captivating collaboration of talent, starring Dhanush and Amitabh Bachchan. Released in 2015, this film dared to tread a path few would have imagined, especially during a time when patriotic films, action dramas, and biopics were dominating the Indian cinema landscape. This unique narrative features a South Indian actor from the Tamil industry, Dhanush, in his second Hindi film, working alongside the legendary Amitabh Bachchan in a film that stands out for its originality and unconventional storytelling.

The film follows Danish (played by Dhanush), a small-town boy with a dream of becoming an actor, despite having no voice, no connections, and an unassuming appearance. Danish's character defies the typical Bollywood hero archetype, which usually demands good looks, height, and a commanding screen presence. Danish's journey is filled with obstacles, not only due to his lack of voice but also because of societal expectations.

Enter Akshara Pandey (played by Akshara Haasan), who becomes the catalyst for Danish's transformation. With the help of her father's technological prowess, Danish is equipped with a voice modulator. The search for the perfect voice leads them to Amitabh Sinha (played by Amitabh Bachchan), whose deep, resonant voice becomes Danish's own. This unlikely partnership between a mute aspiring actor and a disillusioned, alcoholic voice artist forms the crux of "Shamitabh."

Dhanush delivers an impressive performance as Danish, capturing the character's vulnerability and determination with finesse. His portrayal of a man battling physical limitations and societal prejudices is both poignant and inspiring. Amitabh Bachchan, as always, is exceptional. His portrayal of Amitabh Sinha, a man grappling with his own demons, adds depth to the film. The dynamic between Dhanush and Bachchan is electrifying, creating a compelling narrative that keeps the audience engaged.

Akshara Haasan, in her debut role, adds a refreshing presence to the film. Her character, Akshara Pandey, is pivotal in bridging the gap between Danish and Amitabh, and she handles the role with grace and confidence.

R. Balki's direction is commendable, as he successfully navigates the film's unique premise, blending satire with drama seamlessly. The screenplay is sharp, with moments of humor and introspection that resonate deeply. The film's music, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, complements the narrative beautifully, enhancing the emotional depth of the story.

However, "Shamitabh" is not without its flaws. The pacing of the film, especially in the second half, could have been tighter. Some subplots feel underdeveloped, and the climax, while emotionally charged, might not satisfy everyone.

In conclusion, "Shamitabh" is a bold and innovative film that explores themes of identity, ambition, and the power of voice. It stands out for its originality and the stellar performances of its lead actors. While it may not have achieved commercial blockbuster status, it remains a significant film for its daring narrative and the memorable collaboration between Dhanush and Amitabh Bachchan. It's a must-watch for those seeking a break from conventional storytelling and looking for a film that challenges norms and expectations.