Review of the film Thackeray: The film stands on the shoulders of Nawazuddin, but what hinders it is the bias

A personality like Bal Thackeray can not be contained in a single film – it requires a sequel. This is what the authors of Thackeray refer to, because the film ends on a footnote "to be continued …". This is a story of the life of Shiv Sena supremo, produced by the party deputy, Sanjay Raut, so that you have a good idea of ​​what to expect.
<! –

->

Thackeray is a superhero who has the status of demi-god that his supporters have attributed to him. His lyrics are frequently punctuated by the roar of the tiger. It's a laudatory tribute, with no gray for its protagonist. In the end, this translates into a unilateral, distorted, saffron-like stance of Thackeray's political rise and influence over Maharashtra.
To be honest, the film, directed by Abhijit Panse, has roles to play, mainly because it is fueled by a carefully calibrated performance of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, which infuses life and fire with the controversial figure of the Hindutva leader. The irony of watching Nawaz embody Thackeray's inflammatory speeches against Muslims and against foreigners taking jobs at Marathi manoos will not be lost.

The film begins with the appearance before the court of the Srikrishna Commission, accused of inciting violence against Muslims during the 1992-1993 riots in Bombay. This sets the tone for this hagiography – Thackeray's career, which was a caricaturist of the 1960s, has become an iconic political figure. It is frequently interspersed with scenes of this kind in which he expresses his extremist views and reveals his razor-sharp wit.

Biopic of the hour depicts Shiv Sena's history of violence, but it is still defended by Thackeray's fiery rhetoric. It is the "eye for one eye", the "reaction to action" that justifies the tactics of the armed arm, the violence and even the murder that make this film difficult to bear. We often see the politico make fun of the very idea of ​​democracy. At one point, imprisoned Thackeray explains to George Fernandes how much the country needs a Hitler. Fernandes remarked ironically: "There is a dictator born in you." impenetrable at times, walking without fear in situations capturing the magnetism and manners of Thackeray, from his love for cricket, his character of beer syrup, cigar smoking, satin-kurta, to man indulgent family. It's a captivating performance and the film rests on his shoulders. Amrita Rao plays his wife Meenatai with all her heart, especially in a scene where she collapses while reading her prison letter.

What hinders the film, it is naturally the bias. Here is a man without flaws, which gives rise to a propaganda project of a note. It's a shame because there are real art objects on the screen. The film is cleverly shot by Sudeep Chatterjee, and Thackeray's first cartoon scenes springing from the page are well done. But everything is at the service of biased narration.

I leave with two out of five for Thackeray . If there is to be a sequel, it requires more honesty, less halo.

Rating: 2/5

Add your opinion here:

[19659004] Catch the biggest news producers and the biggest news on CNN-News18 , your favorite news channel in English. Keep watching CNN-News18 at only 50 Paise per month. Contact your cable / DTH operator now!
* Rental / capacity charge of Rs.130 / – charged by cable / DTH operators may apply. ** GST extra.