Film: Bhuj: The Pride Of India
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Mahesh Shetty, Nora Fatehi, Sharad Kelker, Ammy Virk & Pranitha Subhash
Director: Abhishek Dudhaiya
OTT: Disney + Hotstar
Rating: 3.5 Moons
What better time to release a patriotic film like Abhishek Dudhaiya’s Bhuj: The Pride Of India than Independence Day weekend. As the name suggests, the film takes a slice out of the 1971 India-Pakistan war and follows the journey of IAF Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik (Ajay Devgn) who ensured India’s victory by re-constructing the Bhuj airbase along with the help of 300 women from a local village in Madhapar. Joining Ajay for the war drama are Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Mahesh Shetty, Nora Fatehi, Sharad Kelker, Ammy Virk, Pranitha Subhash and Ihana Dhillon.
The film takes us back to the Indo-Pak War of 1971 and how the IAF airstrip at Bhuj was destroyed in combat. Subsequently, 300 local women, led by IAF squadron leader Vijay Karnik (Ajay Devgn), heroically toiled day and night to reconstruct the airstrip. This act of resilience, with the help of Sunderben Jetha Madharparya (Sonakshi Sinha), becomes a pivotal moment that not only boosts the morale of the country but also helps India win the war.
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Indian Army Scout Ranchordas Svabhai Ravari aka Pagi (Sanjay Dutt), Spy Heena Rahman (Nora Fatehi), General Vinod Karnik (Mahesh Shetty), Military Officer Ram Karan ‘RK’ Nair (Sharad Kelkar) and Flight Lieutenant Vikram Singh Baj Jethaaz (Ammy Virk) also join hands as they take up the responsibility to protect the country.
Overall, Bhuj: The Pride Of India is an engaging watch but for a film that’s based majorly on war sequences peppered with blasts, combat, hostility, aerial strikes, and destruction in general, the VFX is not so impressive. It looks made up. Having said that, the makers have tried their best to do full justice to almost all the scenes as they are created both sensitively and sensibly, barring a few ones that include the typical Bollywood dramatic touch.
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The performances are the backbone of Bhuj: The Pride Of India and what else can one expect when a stellar cast like this one comes on board. Ajay Devgn as IAF Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik fills everyone’s heart with pride with his performance. He is suitable for the role and looks like a perfect fit in every frame. His on-screen brother Mahesh Shetty is impressive as well. He makes sure to lend effortless support to Ajay.
Sonakshi Sinha as Sunderben Jetha Madharparya is in an avatar we have never seen before and does full justice to her role. Sanjay Dutt stands strong and acts with full power for his inspiring role. Nora stuns everyone as she turns spy for the film and leaves an impact like no other. Sharad Kelkar owns each and every frame he is a part of and makes the film an even better watch. Hats off to Ammy Virk, Pranitha Subhash and Ihana Dhillon for carrying their roles with full conviction.
Abhishek Dudhaiya’s writing and direction could not have been better. Cinematographer Aseem Bajaj captures the war sequences beautifully, however, it falls short once combined with the poor VFX. The editing by Dharmendra Sharma is to the point and not exaggerated. Songs by Tanishk Bagchi, Gourov Dasgupta, Lijo George-Dj Chetas & Arko are not groundbreaking either. The adrenaline rush one needs to get through the music for such films is somewhere missing.
Instilled with bravery, pride and patriotism, Ajay’s Bhuj: The Pride Of India is an apt Independence Day release for those who love war dramas.
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PeepingMoon gives Bhuj: The Pride Of India 3.5 Moons!
