New Movie! Sanju Movie Review By Former Bollywood Journalist Sumeer Walia

Sanju Movie Review

While watching two back to back late shows of SANJU yesterday evening, I was reminded of my days as a photojournalist in the Tinsel town covering Bollywood news and Stars, writing special features and review on film screenings. On the way back home, I thought of writing again a small review on Sanju, the film, a well-made cinema by the experienced team of RKH and some creative geniuses. 

The vacuum of love and lack of continued attention and companionship from parents in early childhood, left the handsome young man to take on his own misguided journey, make some wild decisions and build a life on a cliff with some wrong influences, that led to weaken him down and be vulnerable to drug addiction. Fears and insecurities led to one mistake after the another culminating in jail stints, public outrage, thus hampering his personal and professional life. 

The movie SANJU, narrates successfully the journey of a celebrity child, an emotional individual, and an actor struggling to gain focus at work, due to early influences from opportunistic conniving companions, for whom the celebrity young adult, was an easy prey for making money. The role played by Ranbir Kapoor as Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) is a powerful delivery of impeccable acting talent. Ranbir has effortlessly slipped into the shoes of Sanjay Dutt adopting his mannerism, walk, diction and even the signature hairstyle and not to miss the body language, especially the typical Sanjay Dutt’s rugged tapori accent. 

The film gives an insider’s view of a Father son’s relationship through various trials and tribulations, Paresh Rawal has excelled in his role portrayal of Sunil Dutt as the patriarchal, conservative and traditional Punjabi father. At the same time as a soft-hearted emotional parent, who wants the best for his child. 

While the first half builds on a gripping storyline, spellbound music, and sorted humor, the second half is more emotional which will force even most of the viewers to shed a tear or two. The film has just 3 songs, that will leave a lasting impact, especially a surprise rap of Super Stars at the end. 

A special act by Vicky Kaushal of Raazi fame will leave you wanting to have one such friend in your life. He comes across as a powerful talent, with a promising career in Indian Cinema. His brilliant rendition as a selfless friend of Sanju will move you to tears, especially when he confronts Paresh Rawal (Sanju’s father) on Sanju’s habit of drug addiction and imminent death. 

The movie reveals the true persona behind the multitalented superstar, his own fight and victory against his personal demons, his mistakes, financial struggles, social ostracization and media sensationalism. The film is about the rise of the Phoenix for whom the sky is the limit. Raj Kumar Hirani has again proved that he is a maverick magician, who can weave the golden tales on celluloid.