Aditya Kumar Singh

"Sam Bahadur," a biopic chronicling the life of India's legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, boasts impressive visuals, a captivating performance by Vicky Kaushal, and a grand-scale production that brings historical events to life. Kaushal delivers a remarkable portrayal of Manekshaw's stoicism, wit, and unwavering dedication, immersing viewers in the heart of the battlefield and the intensity of war. However, the film struggles to balance its patriotic fervor with a nuanced exploration of Manekshaw's life. While glorifying his military achievements, it neglects to delve deeper into his personal struggles and complexities, creating an overly idealized image. The narrative structure also adheres to a predictable biopic format, lacking the depth and complexity that could elevate the storytelling. While the film excels in its technical aspects and Kaushal's captivating performance, it could have benefited from a deeper exploration of its subject and the complex historical context. Nevertheless, it remains a worthy watch for anyone interested in Indian history and the inspiring legacy of its military heroes.

"Animal" is a film with two faces. Ranbir Kapoor delivers a powerful performance as Vijay, a young man consumed by rage and a thirst for vengeance. The film masterfully paints a dark and gritty portrait of Vijay's upbringing, showcasing the traumatic events that shaped his twisted psyche. The action sequences are adrenaline-pumping and visually stunning which draws viewers into the chaos. The first half is a captivating and gritty exploration of a troubled character, but the film's promising trajectory takes a sharp turn for the worse in the second half. The second half devolves into a glorification of toxic masculinity, leaving a disappointing and ethically questionable experience. The narrative introduces a sudden twist that feels contrived and undermines the character development established earlier. Moreover, the film begins to glorify Vijay's toxic masculinity, portraying his violent and abusive behavior as somehow justified or even romanticized. This toxic portrayal is reminiscent of Vanga's previous work, "Kabir Singh," which faced similar criticism for its problematic depiction of male aggression. In "Animal," the same pattern emerges, ultimately having a bad experience for viewers. While the first half of "Animal" undeniably holds promise, the film's second-half descent into glorifying toxic behavior ultimately renders the experience disappointing and ethically questionable. The film had the potential to be a powerful and nuanced exploration of violence and trauma, but instead, it succumbs to the same pitfalls that plagued Vanga's previous work.