The movie could have been outstandingly appealing had it been well executed. Sarbjit is an opportunity missed. A worth telling story is sabotaged by over-the-top dialogues and melodrama. The only driving force of the movie are its hear touching lachrymose tale, a remarkable performance by Randeep Hooda, and a melancholic playlist. Notwithstanding its direction, the movie is capable of evoking emotional reactions. The manifestation of painful life in the movie will leave you teary-eyed. You can feel the trauma of the characters. Their agony will haunt you. I couldn't stop my tears at some sequences. Despite such a moving appeal, the clumsy execution of the project gets the best of it.
The movie tells the poignant tale of an Indian man who, for more than 2 decades, was incarcerated in Pakistan prison after he mistakenly crossed the border in a drunken state. It was shown that he was brutally tormented to confess to being involved in a terrorist act. The torture sequence would make you blanch with shock and pain. The unfortunate events would send his whole family in throes. Her sister Dalbir Kaur, played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, however, pursues the dream of her brother's acquittal with an indomitable spirit who is supported by Sarbjit's wife Sukhpreet Kaur, played by Richa Chadha, whose pain and suffering are mostly articulated by her hushed sorrows. Dalbir confronts a callous administration and finds herself trapped in the convoluted relationship between the two neighboring countries. The case for Sarbjit's exoneration and his sister struggle is played out against the background of the major events in the turbulent Indo-Pak historical relations. It tells a parable about the barbarous consequences of the enmity between two states- the suffering of innocent common men as a result of the reluctance of two states to mend their ties. It is shown at the end of the movie that hundreds of people like Sarbjit might be kept in prison in each other state. Amid this animosity, there are also moments of bonding and sharing which may hold hope for the future- a Pakistani lawyer Awais Sheikh, played by Darshan Kumar, who stands with Dalbir to defend Sarbjit risking his own life and career, holding a strong belief that two countries can co-exist peacefully.
Speaking of acting performances, Randip Hooda's portrayal of Sarbjit stands out. He did complete justice to his role. His performance is driven by pure talent and commitment. His physical transformation is striking. It is overshadowed by Dalbir though. Critics believe casting Rai Bachan was not a wise decision as they argue she doesn't have the look, accent, and the body of a Punjabi. The character of Richa Chada has not been utilized properly.
Despite the powerful real-life story as it was, the movie fails to elicit the response that it should have otherwise. The director could have avoided the temptation to commercialize the project by adding jingoism and high pitched over-the-top dialogues. I did not lead to disappointment only because of the performances of actors and the highly emotional screenplay.
The movie tells the poignant tale of an Indian man who, for more than 2 decades, was incarcerated in Pakistan prison after he mistakenly crossed the border in a drunken state. It was shown that he was brutally tormented to confess to being involved in a terrorist act. The torture sequence would make you blanch with shock and pain. The unfortunate events would send his whole family in throes. Her sister Dalbir Kaur, played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, however, pursues the dream of her brother's acquittal with an indomitable spirit who is supported by Sarbjit's wife Sukhpreet Kaur, played by Richa Chadha, whose pain and suffering are mostly articulated by her hushed sorrows. Dalbir confronts a callous administration and finds herself trapped in the convoluted relationship between the two neighboring countries. The case for Sarbjit's exoneration and his sister struggle is played out against the background of the major events in the turbulent Indo-Pak historical relations. It tells a parable about the barbarous consequences of the enmity between two states- the suffering of innocent common men as a result of the reluctance of two states to mend their ties. It is shown at the end of the movie that hundreds of people like Sarbjit might be kept in prison in each other state. Amid this animosity, there are also moments of bonding and sharing which may hold hope for the future- a Pakistani lawyer Awais Sheikh, played by Darshan Kumar, who stands with Dalbir to defend Sarbjit risking his own life and career, holding a strong belief that two countries can co-exist peacefully.
Speaking of acting performances, Randip Hooda's portrayal of Sarbjit stands out. He did complete justice to his role. His performance is driven by pure talent and commitment. His physical transformation is striking. It is overshadowed by Dalbir though. Critics believe casting Rai Bachan was not a wise decision as they argue she doesn't have the look, accent, and the body of a Punjabi. The character of Richa Chada has not been utilized properly.
Despite the powerful real-life story as it was, the movie fails to elicit the response that it should have otherwise. The director could have avoided the temptation to commercialize the project by adding jingoism and high pitched over-the-top dialogues. I did not lead to disappointment only because of the performances of actors and the highly emotional screenplay.