Character Development:

The film begins with a young Sam Manekshaw and his naming ceremony, setting the stage for a life marked by determination and a taste for victory. Manekshaw’s assertiveness is evident from the start, as he confidently declares his intention to marry Silloo, played by Sanya Malhotra, upon their first meeting.

Relationship Dynamics:

One of the noteworthy aspects of the movie is the portrayal of Sam Manekshaw’s relationship with General Yayha Khan, the Pakistani military leader. Khan is depicted as a vulnerable character who can feel but not fully understand his emotions, while Manekshaw remains emotionally detached. This contrast adds depth to their characters and provides insight into the emotional toll of war.

Vicky Kaushal’s Performance:

Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Sam Manekshaw is nothing short of remarkable. He embodies the character with precision, capturing Manekshaw’s self-possessed gaze and posture. Despite the reverence the film holds for its protagonist, Kaushal’s performance shines through, making him a luminous and elegant presence on screen.

The Film’s Approach:

While “Sam Bahadur” is a well-executed biographical film, it has some limitations. The movie tends to present Manekshaw as an almost flawless figure, capable of negotiating any situation with ease. It glosses over potential conflicts and does not delve deep into moments of vulnerability or weakness in Manekshaw’s life. As a result, the film feels more like a tribute than a critical examination of the man behind the legend.

Lack of Nuance:

The film, despite its entertainment value, lacks nuance in its portrayal of history. It leans towards portraying Manekshaw as a heroic figure without exploring his complexities or moments of doubt. This approach may leave viewers with a one-dimensional view of this iconic military leader.

In conclusion, “Sam Bahadur” is a well-acted and visually captivating film that pays tribute to the legendary Sam Manekshaw. Vicky Kaushal’s performance is a highlight, and the film successfully captures the essence of Manekshaw’s confidence and conviction. However, it falls short in providing a nuanced exploration of the man behind the larger-than-life personality, making it more of a celebratory biopic than a comprehensive character study.

First of all, can we talk about Ranbir Kapoor? He’s, like, a total heartthrob, and in this movie, he’s on another level of hotness! His acting skills, like, slayed it. But, like, the character he played had some major issues, and I couldn’t help but be a little conflicted about it.

The movie’s opening was, like, off the charts! Box office-wise, it’s a total beast, and that’s, like, impressive. But here’s the thing, the reviews were kinda mixed. Some peeps were calling it misogynistic, and I get where they’re coming from. Some moments had me like, “Seriously? ”

Regional Occupancy Rates:

The film’s occupancy rates in different regions provide insights into its audience reception. In the Delhi NCR region, “Animal” had 1318 shows with an occupancy rate exceeding 79%. Mumbai hosted 1040 shows with an occupancy rate of over 55%. In Hyderabad, the film had 316 shows, and the occupancy soared past 82%. However, in Chennai, the Tamil version of the film had 88 shows, but the occupancy remained relatively low at 30%.

Comparison to Other Bollywood Openers:

Comparing “Animal” to other Bollywood openers, it’s important to note that it falls short of Shah Rukh Khan’s “Jawan,” which earned a remarkable Rs 75 crore across India on its opening day this year. However, it has surpassed “Pathaan,” which made Rs 57 crore on its first day. “Tiger 3” is the next in line, collecting Rs 44.50 crore on its opening day. “Animal” has firmly secured its place among the top Bollywood openers of the year.

Competition and Polarized Response:

“Animal” faced competition from Vicky Kaushal-starrer “Sam Bahadur,” which managed to bring in Rs 5.5 crore nett in India. The polarized response towards “Animal,” with some criticizing it as misogynistic, might work in favor of Vicky Kaushal’s film, offering viewers an alternative choice.

But, hey, it’s Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the same director as “Kabir Singh,” which was also, like, a rollercoaster of emotions. That movie, despite its controversies, did hella well, and “Animal” seems to be following in those footsteps. So, maybe it’s just his style?

One thing’s for sure, “Animal” got people talking, and it’s all over the box office charts. But if you’re looking for a feel-good movie, this might not be it. It’s, like, intense and dark at times.