CAST: FARHAN AKTHAR, SONAM KAPOOR, DIVYA DUTTA, PRAKASH RAJ
MUSIC: SHANKAR -EHSAAN-LOY
DIRECTION: RAKEYSH OMPRAKASH MEHRA.
More often than not biopics tend to be too preachy without establishing an emotional connect with the audience but Bhaag Milkha Bhaag strikes the right chord. It is one those numerous stories which needed to be told. It is more a celebration of human spirit than a biopic. Thankfully it has been conceived when Milkha Singhis alive rather than being a late tribute.
The plot – A sprinter’s trials and how he overcomes them to emerge a winner. There are numerous subplots within – The India – Pakistan partition- Milkha Singh’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. Each of the subplots have their own significance in taking the story forward.
Farhaan Aktharas Milkha Singh does an extraordinarily good job of portraying the determined Sikh. It is one of those once in a lifetime role and Farhaan has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. His hardwork is evident throughout the film. Kudos for a near perfect performance. With Ranbir barely a mark with respect to acting this year numerous acting honours await Farhaan in the upcoming awards season.
SONAM KAPOOR – Her role is restricted to merely being a selling point for the film. To me her episode could have been avoided since it is an out and out hero centric film. Maybe the director wanted to show how Milkha Singh coped with the loss of his one true love. Nevertheless a blink and miss appearance for SONAM.
DIVYA DUTTA is a revelation as Milkha Singh’s elder sister. There’s a whole lot of depth in the way her character has been shaped. The brother – sister relationship is beautifully conveyed and gives a whole new meaning to Milkha Singh’s own journey. The scene where Farhaan meets Divya Dutta in Indian colours is one of the best scenes in the movie. Both the actors try to outdo one another and give a near flawless performance. A noteworthy role for Divya Dutta. Prakash Raj and Yograj Singh give dignified performances.
Shankar -Eshaan-Loy‘s music blends quite beautifully with the film and helps add colour to some thought provoking scenes.
The real hero of the film though is Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Kudos to him for making a film sans the normal commercial elements. Though the film does take some cinematic liberties it is inspirational and uplifting.I liked the way the numerous plots were inter-linked to to tell a story of courage and hope. A honest attempt. Hats off.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag – Uplifting!
Rating 4.5/5
Athenas Take
Truly a nice movie to watch and learn a lot from. The way his life has been covered is great. The characters which really show strength are Farhans and his sisters.
Salesh Dipak Fernando
Yup.. Thanks for the comment..It is indeed a great movie