The Vicky Kaushal biopic Sam Bahadur is a treat for cinema connoisseurs, impressing with extraordinary insight into the inspiring life of India’s first Field Marshal and 1971 war veteran Sam Manekshaw. Powered by convincing dialogues and resplendent cinematography, the film leaves no stone unturned in celebrating his incisiveness and dynamic leadership qualities which motivated him to confront his enemies. Having read Salman Rushdie’s critically-acclaimed novel, Midnight’s Children, I vividly remember the conversation between commanders Sam and Amir Niazi amidst the war where both rekindled their old friendship as well as reminisced their early stint in the British Army. In Sam Bahadur, Vicky embodies the remarkable traits of our hero adding more radiance to Manekshaw’s uniform and the shining decorations pinned on it. As a director, Meghna Gulzar has proved her knack for creating whistle-worthy war dramas which not only celebrates our real-life heroes but also emphasises the true meaning of patriotism in every frame. She effortlessly took us back in time and unravelled an epic tale. (Did you like/not like Sam Bahadur?... December 2)

Aayman Anwar Ali

I liked Sam Bahadur because it is a biopic on India’s first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, one of India’s greatest heroes. Vicky Kaushal has played the titular role to perfection. He has given a mature performance. On the whole, Sam Bahadur is a decent one-time watch.

Rahul V Krishnan

Sam Manekshaw was a big personality, as big as the initials of his name (SHFJM). From the time we heard a biopic was being attempted on this ‘Sweetie’ (he once called Indira Gandhi by this nickname) and that Vicky Kaushal would play Manekshaw, we were full of anticipation. Our expectations of a stellar performance have been surpassed by Vicky! His posture, delivery, looking soldiers in their eyes and compassion for his men, have all been portrayed brilliantly. He always gets under the skin of his characters!

His tete-a-tete with another larger-than-life personality, Indira Gandhi, were a treat, though I felt that Fatima Sana Shaikh’s performance dimmed in front of Vicky’s Sam. In fact, Vicky overshadowed every other character in spite of good performances by all. The military milieu has been captured authentically and so are the war scenes. Meghna Gulzar has maintained a tight leash over the plot which doesn’t sag. Music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is appropriate, especially the pep-up song Badhte chalo which plays during the Indo-Pakistan war. All in all, an engrossing film. Vicky has now become his own competitor.

Amit Brahmo

To start with, Meghna Gulzar has chosen the right actor to recreate the life of the remarkable Field Marshal Sam HFJ Manekshaw. Sam was trained by British army officers and made a fine armyman who was very strict and capable of leading from the front. Being a patriotic Indian, after Independence, he had to sway with the winds of Indian political maneuvers, yet was a firm and strong personality who led the Indian military with elan and with utmost responsibility. Making a biopic on such a great personality was challenging but was portrayed by Vicky Kaushal brilliantly. Hats off to both the director and her choice of cast. The movie gave us another chance to pay tribute to our war hero, Sam. He was rigid from outside but soft at heart! A born soldier and a great person.

Bhola Nath Das

The movie was very informative for me as I did not know much about Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Vicky Kaushal as ‘Sam Bahadur’ is mesmerising and outstanding. I strongly feel that he has become a master at biopics and patriotic roles. The on-screen chemistry between Vicky and Sanya Malhotra is mind-blowing. I just loved the way Sam proposed marriage to Silloo at a party and his vibe of a family man. Sanya was alluring as Silloo Manekshaw. Her look, her body language spoke to us. Fatima Sana Shaikh left no stone unturned to portray the character of Indira Gandhi. There’s minimal use of music in the movie but it is perfect and crisp. Overall, a very simple, sweet, refreshing movie. It’s an underrated movie yet beautiful.

Sinjita Barman

Sam Bahadur is a very well-made biopic. The life-story of our country’s legendary army officer Sam Manekshaw was told by the ace film-maker Meghna Gulzar very nicely. Vicky Kaushal delivered a superlative and spirited performance as the titular character. Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh gave good performances too in their respective key roles. My sincere thanks to the film-maker for paying tribute to our beloved war hero by making this wonderful film on him. This film, according to me, is one of the finest biopics released in Bollywood to date and surely a must-watch for all Indians.

Sourish Misra