Sarbjit

I watch Indian movies for several reasons. Usually I watch one lighter one, followed by a more serious one. I'm not terribly qualified to make in-depth comments about Indian cinema, but let me recommend this movie to all viewers, Indian, Pakistani, and everyone else. I'm getting misty just recalling the movie as I write this review. I don't want to include a spoiler, but there was a surprise in this film, at least for me. I thought the acting and the tension were superb. Even the aging of the characters over the years was well done. And there are many lessons to be learned. Do not under any circumstances skip the credits. The real-life photos are included. And yes, even within this sad story there is time to sing and dance. Where would we be without at least that?

Best work of Randeep hooda.. He done class work in this film..

Bollywood cinemas has definitely undergone a drastic change and it has gone for good. 2016 itself saw biopics like "Neerja", "Azhar" and now "Sarabjit". Coming few months will again witness like "Dhoni" and "Sachin". The good part of watching "Sarabjit" is to understand the events which changed his life while the sad part is the political pressure between India and Pakistan which has led many Indian prisoners suffers in Pakistan and Pakistani prisoners rot in Indian jail. "Sarabjit" tells the story from Dalbir Kaur's(played by Aishwarya Rai) perspective who goes above and beyond her capabilities to rescue her brother,Sarabjit (played by Randeep Hooda), from Pakistani prison wrongly accused as RAW agent detained for bombing in Lahore in 1990. There is certainly an improvement in the screenplay of "Sarabjit"( written by Utkarshini Vashistha and Rajesh Beri) when compared to Omung Kumar's last disappointing film "Mary Kom". Omung cleverly swipes the past and present scenes woven together to tell the story before taking it forward. The film opens with rescue mission for Sarabjit in the field of Bhikhiwind,Punjab. The search goes on until Dalbir receives a letter from Pakistan written by Sarabjit about his current status. From here onwards, the main drama unfold and will keep you engaged throughout the first half of the film. The second half loses the track with frequent interruptions in form of songs and unwanted scenes like caller from Canada trying to help Dalbir was never explained, the main accused Ranjit Singh's trial was never shown properly and the climax scene where the minister comes over to Dalbir's house to convey the message of Sarabjit's demise which could have been well-executed. Nevertheless, the film boast off some brilliant scenes I have not witnessed on Indian screen recently. The depressing condition of Sarabjit in the Pakistani prison will haunt you after the film gets over, the family meet at the prison between Sarabjit and his family is mind-blowing and will move you to tears. The scene outside the hospital where Dalbir screams at the Pakistanis that Indian do not do back-stabbing like them is electrifying. The art direction is nice along with good cinematography. Dialogues are punching. Music is tuneful which generally runs in the background. Editing could have been crispier and smart. Direction wise, Omung Kumar has certainly improved over his previous film "Mary Kom". He keeps you on your toes till the last scene which is appreciating. The main attraction of the film is performances. "Sarabjit" belongs to two actors - Randeep Hooda and Aishwarya Rai. Randeep Hooda goes deep diving into the character of Sarabjit. he completely transforms himself from a wrestler into a skeleton-prison look and gives the best performance of his life. Watch for him when he reunites with his family at the prison. Aishwarya Rai surprises you with a powerful performance as Dalbir Kaur. She proves that she is more than a eye-candy and does a good comeback after debacle of "Jazbaa". A talent like Richa Chaddha is wasted as Sarabjit's wife.

Overall. "Sarabjit" is hard-hitting and splendid film with solid and riveting performances by Randeep Hooda and Aishwarya Rai. Good 3/5

• Ketan Gupta

Excellent Movie. Great Story, and executed nicely. 2 mistakes: - Aish Rai: Poor acting. If they could have switched Richa Chadda and Aish, Richa would have done a must better acting. It was an excellent role, and good acting would have raised this role to another level. - Too Long. They could have cut it short to 1.5 hours.

2 great things: - Randeep Hooda - Amazing Acting. - Execution of Story to be told.

Songs were not needed, Aish acting as a leader not needed. Richa should have given more time in the movie. She is a good actress. Randeep Hooda could have spent more time on screen. Movie was more about Aish then Sarabjit.

It's an era for Biographies in India, followed by Neerja and Azhar, Sarbjit is a very sensitive topic for a film. Some brilliant performances by Randeep Hooda, Aishwarya Rai and Richa Chadha. Omung Kumar has beautifully directed the film with all small intricacies. A tragic real-life story. A perfect cast for for Sarabjit- Randeep Hooda has lived more than the expectations. His grief, accent and looks complete the ensemble. His performance is overall quite praise- worthy, just falling short of a little longer screen time. Aishwarya Rai tries to quite live up to the character but there are areas that could have been improved. At some places her walking styles, her lip-twisting and chest-thumping are too posh for a character like Dalbir Kaur. Some of us hark back to her purple lips at Cannes. Although her voice tone impresses you. She has been quite successful to exhibit anger, unstaggering devotion,helplessness and trauma in each and every frame. Richa- Chadha's 3 minute monologue in a closed room with Aishwarya is exemplary. The screenplay, locations and overall-efforts are outstanding, though at a time the Anti-Pakistani Sentiments are a bit too much. Long-stressed empathy is remarkable and will find a place in every person-Be it a Hindustani or Pakistani or any other human. Dialogues are well- written and impactful. Personally, the movie has more songs than it would require. Some are just unnecessary. The first 15 minutes are too fast- showing many happy, emotional and traumatic scenes at a go. This leaves the movie dipping in the post-interval period. But overall I would suggest it's a must-watch to evoke the humanity, empathy and awareness in us. I give it a 8/10.