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!

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.

What a film . Just came back from the theatre and I am still in awe. I am glad the story tellers covered the entire life of Atal right from his youth days. The focus was more on early life of Atal and that is a very good decision by the makers because everyone knows a lot about later part of his life. But his early life has so many interesting anecdotes. We see Atal traverse through so many hardships and ultimately become the stateman we all know. The editing is top notch and you won't feel bored at any point. I feel a few of the scenes do not leave the desired impact and were rushed, especially in the second half. Could have been a little better in my opinion.

Pankaj Tripathi has done a marvelous job and the Producers leave the audience asking for more! Origin of RSS and founding of BJP shown nicely. The film depicts Shri Vajpayeeji had excellent rapport with the Opposition during his tenure as a Politician, witty at Parliament with his poetry, a great Statesman to hear his speeches, people would travel several miles. Very limited role of Smt Indira Gandhis in the film. Speeches at Rama Lila Maidan and at Parliament are shot beautifully. Great acting by Pankaj Tripathi, who is a cool actor and seems to have done his homework. Is there going to be a Part 2?