Just can?t ignore a Amitabh Movie showing in the nearby theatres. And the caption ?The Greatest Escape Ever? seemed to be as interesting as the cast of the movie. Enough reasons for me and my hubby to rush to the theatres. & here we were comfortably settled in our seats for some power packed performances :
By the time that I write and submit this review, I know almost all of us are aware of the theme. ?Lets bring our heroes home? tells the story of the movie. To be more precise, the story revolves around some number of Prisoners of War (was it 31 or 33, cant recall) that took place in the year 1971 and are unfortunately in some unknown Pakistani Jail. Their struggle to get free from the clutches of the enemy bears no result and nobody is aware of their state in Pakistan.
One such attempt hits the bulls eye and letter stating their plight invites some serious arguments with the relatives of these POW?s and senior army officials. This letter is also an eye opener for the son of the main protagonist of the movie, Major Ranvir Kaul. This sends the son packing to Pakistan to bring his father back. From here the story takes some interesting turns which one needs to see to believe the unbelievable.
Amitabh Bachchan : As Major Ranvir Kaul, He is the epitome of courage and patience. Each time when their attempts fail and their chances of returning to their beloved ones fade, the major?s words come in as a ray of hope to his fellow soldiers. Their fear of death is overcomed by the courageous words by their Major. Nobody as the Big B would have made this character as strong as it is portrayed in the movie. The moments when the major was on the screen were immensely enjoyed by the audience. Amitabh shone in the shabbiest of clothes and state. Just look at his eyes and expressions, and one would get carried away. The scene where he embraces his son was so touching that it could make you teary.
Sanjay Dutt : As Khan. Here comes the most interesting character of the film. He is shown as an opportunist and nobody is aware as of is he a Pakistani or an Indian. A fearless personality with no emotional attachments and follows his heart. The changes that the character undergoes after he meets Gaurav, son of Major Ranvir Kaul gives this character a direction and also the scenes thereafter perfectly blends with the story.
After Munnabhai, this is the one character that Sanju baba has won the hearts of the audiences all over. He?s got a very small role but he?s come out beautifully. And his dialogue ?Marenge Saale Sab Ke Sab? comes at the right time and makes for the lighter moments of the movie. Watch out for the scene where he sends the herd of camels across and this is amazingly shot. His is the character which is zara hatke and the most enjoyable.
Akshaye Khanna : As Gaurav, son of Major Ranvir Kaul. He is a normal son who believes that his father is dead and wants his mother to believe him. He has to change his belief after he reads the letter sent by his father. His confrontation & frustrations to his mother that he is coward son to a brave father was praiseworthy. The letter of his father changes his life drastically and a more determined Gaurav takes on the journey to Pakistan to get back his father. I would have loved to see Abhishek in his role but Akshaye did not let me down. He has played this perfect son to Amitabh. Not a single moment did he let go the grip from his hands. His determination leads to this great escape.
In my view :
It was a sheer entertainer and loved the plot of the movie. More than it, the cast was interesting. To get on a serious note, this movie makes you aware of how these POW?s are treated and tortured. And above all when your country turns a deaf ear and does nothing to get them back. Maybe it would not be easier as writing a sentence but certainly there should be some actions taken in the course which would make them feel that their life was not wasted at all. Now Lets break the ice and Deewar..once and for all..