Thackeray: Movie Trailer Review#2019#25th January#Hrudaysamrat

The trailer opens with a scenario of panic-stricken Mumbaikars shutting their shops and running for cover. We are also shown fire all around and a mob of people brandishing knives and swords running to fulfill their ominous intentions. As a pool of blood is shown passing between an orange-colored cloth and a green-colored cloth, a voice in the background says that he wants Mumbai to become shaant (normal) again. The background music then welcomes that one man whom the officials believe to be the only person who can calm down the storm of riots in Mumbai. The camera angle pans to give a glimpse of that charismatic leader who is shown to be folding his upstretched hands before a huge mass of people. This man is none other than Balasaheb Thackeray (Nawazuddin Siddique).

Directed by Abhijit Panse and written by Sanjay Raut, this biopic claims to be a true story based on the personal, professional, and political life of Balasaheb Thackeray (Full marks have to be given to the makeup artists of the film who have worked so stunningly on Nawazuddin Siddique that he bears a startling resemblance to Saheb). The trailer even claims that few portions of the movie could be sensitive and controversial (This means that there is a possibility that the censor board might ask for deletion of a few scenes from the movie).

As the trailer proceeds, we are shown an ordinary-appearing Balasaheb saying that “If the welfare of the people was to be achieved then being a part of them was essential. An organization needs to be formed for the welfare of the people (Every single entity of Maharashtra is aware which organization is being referred to in this context).” The organization took inspiration from the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was named as “Shiv Sena.” Here we could also see Amrita Rao (who has returned to Bollywood after brief abstinence) play the role of Balasaheb’s wife Meena Tai Thackeray. The trailer shows references to controversial issues pertaining to Belgaum, Babri Masjid demolition, and the Hindu-Muslim riots of 1993.

The Sena Supremo’s fiery and inspirational speeches are shown to have such a deep impact on his followers that few of them were even ready to lay down their lives for his sake. In another scene, Thackeray brings down a poster of a Hindi film (outside a theatre) and replace it with a Marathi film stating that the people of the state should have the first right to display their movies. Another interesting scene in the trailer depicts a discussion between Indira Gandhi and Thackeray Saheb in which Mrs. Gandhi is shown commenting that Balasaheb is supporting Maharashtra more than the country. Balasaheb is shown answering that he always says Jai Hind followed by Jai Maharashtra which means that country is always first for him and then the state.

Another scene depicts a session in the court wherein a lawyer is trying to question Balasaheb over the alleged involvement of Shiv Sainiks in the Babri Masjid demolition. Balasaheb is shown commenting that the Masjid was actually the place where Ram was born (Mumbai went through a very tough phase during the year 1993. The scars of the wounds that people received during this period both physically and psychologically are still fresh for several people even after so many years).

Thackeray’s self-belief is depicted via a dialogue wherein he says that even if I am left alone I have the power to bring together lakhs of people by the grace of Goddess Jagadama (The same Goddess whom Shivaji Maharaj also used to pray). In another interesting scene, Balasaheb (in a meeting with Dilip Vengsarkar and Javed Miandad) tells Miandad that his batting was not so great enough that Balasaheb can forget the tears of the family members of the soldiers who laid down their lives on the border. Toward the end of the trailer, Balasaheb is shown addressing a huge crowd saying that his thoughts will flow like blood in the body of every Shiv Sainik and Bal Keshav Thackeray will be alive in every drop of their blood.

Our take on the trailer

The trailer looks promising and has been successful in raising huge expectations from the movie. As we say this, the movie trailer is already trending at No. 1 position on Youtube. The background score of the movie gives you goosebumps for sure. Nawazuddin Siddique seems to have got under the skin of Balasaheb and has nailed his mannerisms to perfection. The star cast of the movie also seems to be chosen with precision.

Most Maharashtrians won’t miss watching this movie. However, there is a heavy possibility that some sections of the society may consider this movie as an exaggerated glorification of Balasaheb and might skip watching it altogether. It would also be interesting to see whether the Censor Board allows the film to pass through without any cuts. What Balasaheb has achieved in his life is monumental and a biopic on his life was due since long. By the way, did anyone notice that the role of Balasaheb is played by an actor who is not only a Muslim but a North Indian as well? It is still unclear whether the motive behind this step was to gain political mileage or whether Nawaz was chosen because he fitted the bill. Only time will let us know.

Our verdict for the trailer is a 3.5/5.0.

The verdict for the movie will be posted once it gets released.