Sherni

Sherni is about a forest team that is on a hunt to capture a tiger named "T-12" that is killing villagers in the forest. They face trouble from local politicians and from the people of the village who constantly criticize the team's poor efforts in capturing the tiger.

Sherni is not everyone's cup of tea. Knowing that it is directed by "Newton" director Amit Masurkar , you should not expect it to be a spine chilling animal hunt. However, this film aims at promoting animal conservation rather than killing them. There are so many who get affected by tigers and want them to be dead, but should they really be killed? That one emotional scene from the climax will prove it that tigers too have a life. You may not be able to train tigers to respect humans by not killing but that doesn't mean we dont respect them, that would leave no difference between us and the tigers.

The film does have some interesting points especially when Vidya and her team are out for capturing the tiger, rest every part relies on conversations and tribal rage.

The tribal cast like Sampa Mandal deserve special applause especially for their stellar natural performance. Their performances make sure you get the feeling of being in a forest tribal region. Vidya Balan roars! She doesn't shout too much but her dialogues do the roaring. Vijay Raaz, Sharat Saxena (he's the one that the film aims to be against), Neeraj Kabi etc all have done a good job as well.

Negatives - Mukul Chadda is wasted here and his parts could have been avoided. Some scenes of politics could have been avoided.

Overall, a must watch film for those interested in knowing what happens in the jungles and the tribal people and since it has a message, you definitely should watch it.

Story: A tiger has turned aadamkhor (man eater), what will be its fate. It also shows the politics surrounding. To be precise, the people from gram, the authorities, the illegal poacher and the politicians along with opposition.

Cinematography: Justified. The jungle's, the farms, the plantation environment, the animals, the dry water holder, the thin river, etc. Stand worth a watch. The only thing that made me chuckle were the tiger paws, I mean so clear (appear obviously constructed), but then I might be a noob.

Direction: Above average. The story is not that complicated or politics ridden. It has been nicely directed with all its elements. By not that complicated I mean you can understand it by skipping half of the content. I would not recommend that but it's what so is.

Acting (& music): Average. The casting done is what is to be appreciated like most of the movies, TV series released in recent times.

Final Verdict: You should definitely give the movie a try if you have free time. You won't be disappointed.

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.

Respect others opinion but personally I loved the movie. I know its not a movie with lots of drama, twists and turns as we are fed to expect. However its very realistic and makes you feel sad for the few sincere officers and our national treasures i.e., wildlife and forest. Thanks Vidya and the makers of the movie. Loved Brijendra kala, Vijay Raaz and Sharat. Excellent cast and performances and took me back to the forest. Love love it. Ignore the negativity and watch for yourselves!!

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".