Vicky Kaushal dominates Sam Bahadur, while supporting characters largely remain in shadows

In the biopic Sam Bahadur, portraying the life of Sam Manekshaw, the spotlight unequivocally belongs to Vicky Kaushal. Meghna Gulzar, known for her nuanced filmmaking, takes a backseat as Kaushal commands the narrative.

Kaushal, acclaimed for his stellar performances in films like Masaan, Raazi, Udham Singh, and Uri, once again proves his mettle. Portraying Sam Manekshaw, Kaushal's performance is both powerful and intricate, a testament to the perfect casting by Gulzar.

Sam Manekshaw's character, penned by Gulzar, Bhavani Iyer, and Shantanu Srivastava, reflects a unique blend of bravery, charm, and kindness. Gulzar's feminine touch in the writing brings forth a protagonist who embodies courage yet exudes a humane quality.

The narrative unfolds with Sam Manekshaw's early army days in pre-Independence India, revealing a rule-breaker with charisma and confidence. His relationship with Siloo (played by Sanya Malhotra) and friendship with Yahya Khan (played by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) adds depth to his character.

As the story progresses, Manekshaw's pivotal role in historical events, from securing the accession treaty to handling insurgencies and assisting Bangladesh in its liberation, takes center stage. Yet, the film's most significant achievements lie not in battlefield exploits but in Manekshaw's kindness and respect for junior soldiers.

While Kaushal shines, the supporting characters, with the exception of Siloo (Malhotra) and Indira Gandhi (played by Fatima Sana Shaikh), lack detailed development. The film's writing, although meticulous in shaping Manekshaw, leaves other characters feeling like mere props, diminishing their impact.

Malhotra and Shaikh, given limited screen time and dialogues, make the most of their roles. However, the casting of Shaikh as Indira Gandhi appears mismatched, revealing moments of inexperience.

In essence, Sam Bahadur offers an engaging portrayal of Sam Manekshaw's life, propelled by Vicky Kaushal's magnetic performance. Yet, the film falls short in extending the same level of attention and craft to its supporting characters, leaving them overshadowed in Kaushal's formidable presence.