’’Koi insaan mahan nahi hota, mahan hoti hi chunautiyan....’’
Viruddh (Versus or against), is a story of middle class retired Air India official - Vidhyadhar Patwardhan, who along with his retired principal - Sumi Patwardhan; enjoy little things in life. Both of them are leading a peaceful, fun filled life; till the destiny thinks of hitting Tsunami.
Their only son comes back home from London, with a Firang girlfriend in tow (which both of them, take in their stride) and well, is taken away from them.
And, then begins a battle. Battle which heralds with faith in the system, goes on to diappointments yet the fight is on, till they loose the battle; only to get on extreme means, to prove their son innocent. The only thing, the old couple pine for.
The grief of loosing a young son, having to let the young duaghter-in-law go away lest she too is victimised, and then keep up the fight inspite of draining money and getting no results; all these things and more have been accurately played by Big B.
Seems, he is only getting better with each performance. there isnt an iota of lack of commitment to the character.
This year definitely has seen the best of him with Black, Sarkar and now Viruddh.
Sharmila Tagore’s come back vehicle is good enough. John Abraham, as a narrator and an underdog presence, has done a good job. Is getting better with each of his movies.
Anusha Dandekar as Brit Daughter-in-law (with an american accent??) is okay. Sanjay Dutt hasnt got much to do, but is quite cool.
Sachin Khedekar as a police officer, is quite commendable. This Marathi actor could well be tapped more for his skills.
The screenplay does drag a bit all through and the direction too doesnt hold water at some places. There also is a stage like melodrama.
However, all in all, if you are Big B fan, this is worth a dekko.