One of the most fascinating lessons in science for me was the idea of symbiotic relationship. Ask.com sums it well: “A symbiotic relationship occurs when two organisms, individuals or groups of people work together by helping one another with the intent of getting help in return. In a symbiotic relationship, the two people or groups of people live together to provide the greatest benefits to one another.” Shamitabh rests on this idea and has a very novel and unique premise that could have made for an engaging and one of its kind film. Very unfortunately, the direction is not consistent and worse of all, the film goes downhill completely in the finale. A good idea gone haywire!
The story of the movie: Daanish(Dhanush) lives in Igatpuri and is a crazy movie buff. He aspires to be a Bollywood hero despite being mute. One day he reaches Mumbai and tries his best to meet top directors but fails to do so. Akshara(Akshara Haasan), an assistant director realizes that Daanish has the potential but thanks to his handicap, she doesn’t feel that he can make it big. However, she chances upon a new, revolutionizing technology that can help Daanish get a voice. Amitabh Sinha(Amitabh Bachchan), a reclusive alcoholic, becomes Daanish’s voice. However, the challenges are not done yet.
There’s no denying that Shamitabh is trying to say something different. The beginning is terrific and Daanish’s childhood portion is hilarious and very well thought of. Same goes for Piddly – there’s more to the song than just Amitabh singing in the bathroom! And it’s bloody awesome! And the entire idea of a mute hero being voiced by someone else is innovative and it results in some great moments. Also, the film doesn’t bore at all and keeps one engaged. However, the direction is great at places and not-so-good otherwise. Amitabh’s conversations with himself don’t make the desired impact. Also, the film has lot of cinematic liberties which are convincing to an extent but after a point, it becomes too much. And lastly, the finale is very disappointing and unjustified and looks out of place in a film that is quite happy and positive.
However, there’s no denying that both Amitabh Bachchan and Dhanush have performed exceptionally. Amitabh Bachchan as always delivers an impactful performance and plays the difficult role with ease. He compliments Dhanush very well and looks quite dashing in the shabby, disheveled look. As expected, R Balki once again extracts the best out of Big B! Dhanush however leaves an even bigger mark. He not only performs but also adjusts to Big B’s voice and it all comes out very well. Also, there are scenes when he expresses just through his eyes and expressions and he is just amazing. Akshara Haasan looks cute and gives a nice performance. Also, she holds on to her own in front of two big stars like Big B and Dhanush. Master Shubham Tukaram Param is terrific as the young Daanish. Ajay Jadhav(the guy in the graveyard) raises laughs at places. Asif Ali Beg(doctor) and Uday Tikekar(Akshara’s father) are quite good. Rajeev Ravindranathan(journalist; the Mutravisarjan guy in 3 Idiots) is decent. Sonamoni Jayant Gadekar(Daanish’s mother) is fine. The film has lots of special appearances and the ones who stand out are Javed Akhtar, Mahesh Bhatt, Rekha, Ekta Kapoor, Prahlad Kakar and Swanand Kirkire.
Ilaiyaraaja’s music is quite nice, though it hasn’t topped the chartbusters. Piddly is interesting but the best is Ishq E Fillum. Sha Sha Mi Mi is quite catchy. Background score is quite impressive as well. P C Sreeram’s cinematography is topnotch. Urvi Ashar and Shipra Rawal’s production designing is great and the idea of a house with a ‘Now Showing’ board is too good. R Balki comes up with a great story, although climax should have been different. Screenplay is effective but could have been a tighter at places and devoid of few cinematic liberties. Dialogues, like in any R Balki film, are sharp and witty. Direction is fine but it could have been better. Big B’s monlogues could have been shorter or better executed. Also, few things are left unexplained. Why does Akshara love and wear only black clothes? Why does she say that Daanish is a dangerous driver? R Balki has given gems in the past in the form of Cheeni Kum and Paa and Shamitabh surely nowhere near these films.
On the whole, Shamitabh rests on a unique and interesting premise and is laced with some outstanding performances by Amitabh Bachchan and Dhanush. But the film has lot of cinematic liberties and worse of all, the climax totally fails in making the desired impact. Just like in a symbiotic relationship that the film is apparently sourced from, there has to be a symbiotic relationship between the first and second half of a film as well! A bad second half in a film that has a great first half is not done. This one is only for die-hard fans of the principle actors!
My rating - 2.5/5