Main Atal Hoon

This is a movie that I would call a "safe" movie and intentionally so. It nicely portrays India's political history of 60-65 years through the lens and life of Atalji, while carefully avoiding any controversial analysis or in-depth commentary. For eg, it'll tell you about Emergency and Rath Yatra, but without taking a firm stance on either. It tells the events almost like an erstwhile Doordarshan reporter would - without any judgment. And this is what makes the movie a "safe" movie.

There is nothing to hate in the movie and nothing in the movie is phenomenal either. The acting is above average - most actors casted in the movie are quite sub-par and one-dimensional - but they all punch above their weight. For eg., in my view Pankaj Tripathi is indeed an incredible talent as a character actor in supporting roles, but he's not the lead actor material who can carry an entire movie through all its depths of emotions and narratives (he even has a short romance sequence as a 20 year old in college - needless to say, it feels very odd to watch!). The actors in the roles of Advani, Sushma, MM Joshi, Mahajan, Atalji's dad, Rajkumari, Indira Gandhi, Kalam etc. Are all believable, but not exceptional and sometimes also caricaturish (esp Kalam!).

The storytelling is fast paced and grippy and it keeps you on your toes. Dialogues and speeches are true to original in many cases, without unnecessary dramatization - giving the movie an authentic feel. Cinematography is decent and takes you back into the scenes from history, although some obvious elements of modern trends are visible (for eg. Meetings with 100s of large BJP flags in the crowd is a more recent phenomenon - hardly anyone had so much money to waste 30-40 years ago). Character arcs are well developed, but sometimes are cutoff abruptly (for eg Atalji's family, Arun Jaitley). Songs are not fun!

Overall the movie is "safe" - if you have nothing better to do, and no other better choice, watch this movie. You may or may not go and recommend it in your whatsapp groups later, but you'll definitely not regret it and it might actually be time well spent. In fact, more likely than not, you'll probably also enjoy it!

Pankaj Tripathi shines in ATAL'S character throughout the film and plus with bgm it looks amazing to watch him on the screen.

Talking about the storyline first 15 mins was great as director describes the journey of great Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

From his family to his struggle all was greatly adapted with perfect screenplay and bgm. But when the politics side of the story starts there director has just adapted the one side content of the parties rather than showing both side with dignity.

We can clearly see that director just wanted to show the Atal side of the story and without even describing or showing their side of the story declared the negative side.

Rest of the time dialogues are great, cinematography is good with some old footage make the film more engaged.

All n all definitely one time watch biopic for life of great PM with amazing performance by Pankaj Tripathi and engaging screenplay but if you are going for the facts then this will definitely disappoint because not all matter has been cleared or shown indefinitely....

Before going into movie aspects, I would like to go for story.

Comment:

This movie worth your time and money. If you are into History and political drama, This movie will entertain you as well as spark a thought for Bharat (India). Definetly go for this movie. Even I took long time to watch it but now I'm so impressed that I'm writing a review.

There are many people giving it 2/10 or less because they see nothing but a political party ie BJP and a leader who made it so huge that, It's rulling Bharat (India) since 2014 and hopefully go for another fine next 5 years. If you go through their review or rating, you'll find the hate they have been shown for movies like Taskent File, Article 370, The Accidental Prime Minister, Kerala Files, Vaccine War etc.

Review:

Story is based on life of formar PM "Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee" but mainly focused on His Life Style, His Straggle, His Vision and Works and Major Events in Bharat which he faced or dealt.

So, For me it's an fine craft to touch his life aspacts and showed his personality that what made him this great and worthy of highest civilian honour. Plot and Screenplay deserves a solid 9/10.

Rating:

Acting - 8/10 (overall everyone did a good job.)

Direction- 7/10 (It was impressive but simple. )

Songs and BGM- 8/10 (songs will be remembered for a long time as It's sentimental.)

Cinematography or post production - regarding the budget and box office that such type of movie are making, 8/10. Satisfactory not impressive.

Story - 9/10. Highly impressive.

Over all 8/10.

Conclusion:

This movie has been one of finest biography I have ever seen. Either It can be my interest towards Bharat and It's history or my appriciation for them who comes for noting and make themselves high enough to reach moon. Whatever It is I really loved this movie, and you should definitely go for it.

In any worse condition, view or perception It's impossible to give it lesser than 6/10. Hence It really worth time and money.

Amazing performance by Pankaj Tripathi as usual tried to imitate Vajpayee Ji perfectly but feels more could be done to make it further natural but can't complain as i could really connect with the character.

Love it every bit, movie moves at a decent pace doesn't feel dull at all. Many scenes gives you goosebumps.

What I could have liked more?

1. Deeper research into Vajpayee Ji's life, what is depicted is already known to the public. I finished movie with a craving to know more about him which remained unsatisfied.

2. Few instances of his life could have been elaborated further to leave a lasting impact on audience specially new generation to allow them to connect with his persona.

3. His political career spanned half a century and 2 hour movie can't do justice to his contributions.

4. Movie may be was not promoted well to create awareness.

5. It could have been an inspiration for new generation to connect and look for political landscape as aspiring field to serve nation. This was missed due to missing connect with generation who has not seen him action.

Overall liked it but thrust to know him better remained!!

This movie deserves all the attention and respect coming it's way. Stellar acting by Pankaj Tripathi, great screenplay moulded from the life of our former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee makes for an excellent cinematic experience. This movie emphatically displays the importance of perseverance, knowledge, courage and calmness of a great man in poetic (pun intended) fashion.

This movie showcases important events of our country through the lens of important men and women responsible in building this great nation and Atal ji's immense contribution to it. It's important to celebrate great leaders of our country to motivate the people of our country into action. And this movie executes that to perfection.