Agreed it is inspired from a Hollywood blockbuster, also agreed that it has nothing to do with jingoistic and even agreed that it is nothing like a typical slapstick movie, but it is the first movie of the year that in spite of being nothing extravagant or thunderous takes your heart away. Those, who have seen ‘A few good Men’, an Oscar nominated movie of the early 1990s, would not only notice the points which makes Shaurya look copied from it, but they would also notice what makes the movie so different from it. Shaurya’s first misconception is that it is nothing about patriotism or fighting wars with neighboring countries or even racism. Samar Khan can never deny the fact that he has been inspired by ‘A Few Good Men’ (I mean literally inspired!), but he somehow hits the nail at the right place. Shaurya is what it means and what it stands for, honor, faith, integrity, justice and righteousness, above all bravery, as the tagline suggests.
Rating: 3.5/5
Samar Khan (of Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye fame, though you would end up doubting that it is the same guy!) plays his cards pretty safe this time with not so common actors and the choice of a theme that is sure to catch attention, even if not for the masses the movie in a way appeals to all. The sensitivity of the plot depends heavily on the way it has been given a so-Indianized tone, the plot is not without its loopholes but still hangs on to the key issue. Samar Khan excels in developing the characters according to the plot, mean while not letting go of the realistic attitude. The offbeat plot revolves around the military courtroom drama to unfold the truth beneath the silence of a man that takes the valor of another to bring to surface. With the army set in the background it becomes extremely difficult not to show the action, and to stick to drama through out. This is the chief reason why Shaurya appeals as an out of the box movie not a run-of-the-mill production.
During a terrorist search operation, Javed Sheikh (newcomer Deepak Dobriyal), an introvert and sensitive soldier, shoots his senior officer killing him. He faces house arrest following the immediate action by the court to appoint two lawyers who would fight out the case at a military court. While the verdict of court martial is more than unequivocal, the stony formidable silence prevailing Javed’s face is sure to blacken his life forever. Nobody seems to know or tell the incidents of the fateful night while a much decorated determined and respectable Brigadier Rudra Pratap Singh, played by Kay Kay Menon, who also happens to be the bereaved father of the killed, is hell bent on convicting Javed of the crime. To this scenario, a pair of best pals dives in without knowing what is in store for them. Major Aakash Kapoor, an army lawyer, played accurately by the underrated Javed Jaffery, tries to rope in his best friend and fellow army attorney, Major Siddhant Chaudhry, played immaculately by Rahul Bose, to go to Srinagar to take the charge of the case. Aakash believes in the scripture and rules, while Sid is a lucky-go-merry kind of a fellow who wishes to escape every scrap of reality possible. While both of them spend time in squash games, Aakash is happy for a convenient win in the case. Sid on the other hand is also happy with the adventure sports which seem to please him more than the law books of courtroom proceedings. Without having any knowledge on what the case is about, by mistake Sid gives some forbidden statements to Kaavya Shahstri (Minissha Lamba), a small time investigative journalist. This leads to the reconciliation Sid has with his faith and the cause that he has to fight for. The confrontations of reality and truth placed opposite fake honor, weave a most amazing tale that is sure to keep you stuck to the seat through out the movie.
The first half of the movie lingers a bit while the director seems to concentrate on the character of Sid but the second half rushes in and get ready to see the courtroom drama presented as never before. The movie has only a handful of actors and none of them seem to be out of place. Rahul Bose is extraordinarily good and his expressions are accurate. Key Key Menon is the other actor who steals the show along with Rahul Bose. He show much promise with each film he is in. The final scene where he explodes to guard his faith fighting against every qualm of humanity is simply awe-inspiring. Javed Jaffery breaks every notion of his trademarked comedy and gives a powerful performance which proves his potential as a top-notch actor once again. Minissha Lamba is surprising most suited to the character she plays, though nothing like the gorgeous Demi Moore. Seema Biswas is natural as ever and Amrita Rao is merely tolerable to append to the feminine factor in the movie.
This two hour long movie has very limited scope for music and only two songs get place in the whole narrative. While the first one is and item number without which the movie could have been better off, the other one is again so-so. The movie’s writers Samar Khan, Jaydeep Sarkarand Aparnaa Malhotra take away all the standoffish praise. The cinematography by Carlos Catalan gives you plenty of beautiful backdrops. Editing however is loose at certain places and it could have done the movie no harm in tightening it a bit.
The movie is a good watch. Going to a theater will not be wastage on money when you see such power-packed performance by the most unconventional actors. I would say a loud paisa vasool for this one!
Rating: 3.5/5
— Mahua Ray for Hamara Photos
