Sam Bahadur - Central News Hub

Sam Bahadur: A Riveting Tale of India’s Military Legend Comes to UK Cinemas

The much-anticipated Bollywood film “Sam Bahadur” has made its grand debut worldwide in cinemas on Friday, 1 December. This cinematic masterpiece pays homage to Field Marshal Sam HFJ, Manekshaw, MC, a name synonymous with valour and strategic brilliance in Indian military history. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Starring in this monumental film is Vicky Kaushal, who vividly brings to life the title role of Sam Bahadur with his power-packed and unique performance. Alongside him are the very talented Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Neeraj Kabi, Edward Sonnenblick, and Zeeshan Ayyub, each contributing to the film’s rich tapestry of characters.
Directed by the acclaimed Meghna Gulzar, known for her impactful storytelling in films like “Raazi” and “Talvar,” and produced by the visionary Ronnie Screwvala, “Sam Bahadur” is more than just a biopic – it’s a tribute to a man whose life shaped the geopolitical contours of South Asia.

India’s first Field Marshal, Manekshaw, led an extraordinary life. His career spanned from the tumultuous times of World War II to his pivotal role as the Chief of Army Staff during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. This conflict not only altered the course of history but also led to the creation of Bangladesh.

Vicky Kaushal as Sam Manekshaw

“Sam Bahadur” delves deep into Manekshaw’s dynamic personality, showcasing his unyielding spirit and strategic genius. The film is crafted with a narrative that intertwines personal triumphs and professional milestones, bringing to light the essence of a no-nonsense army commander affectionately known as “Sam Bahadur” by those he led.

The screenplay, penned by Bhavani Iyer, Shantanu Srivastava, and Meghna Gulzar, take the audience on a journey through the life of a legendary leader, a man of principle and valour. The musical score of “Sam Bahadur” is crafted by the renowned trio Shankar Ehsan Loy, with soul-stirring lyrics by the legendary Gulzar, adding depth and emotion to this epic narrative.

“Sam Bahadur” isn’t just a film; it’s a slice of history, a story of leadership, and a tribute to a man who became a legend.

“Sam Bahadur” has released nationwide in cinemas through Bakrania Media on Friday, 1 December.

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Directed by Meghna Gulzar, ‘Sam Bahadur’ meticulously captures historical authenticity, promising a biopic that transcends the ordinary. The film is set to release in theatres on December 1, 2023…reports Asian Lite News

In a poignant tribute to the legendary Sam Manekshaw and the gallant soldiers of the Indian Army, Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal’s much-anticipated biopic, ‘Sam Bahadur,’ has unveiled a soul-stirring song titled ‘Banda.’ Sung by musical maestro Shankar Mahadevan, this musical gem seamlessly blends the spirit of military honor with the flair of Bollywood finesse.

The musical prowess of Shankar Mahadevan needs little introduction, resonating with echoes of his brilliant performance in the title track of ‘Lakshya,’ a similarity shared with the evocative ‘Banda.’ The song, exuding a rock signature, embraces a traditional Bollywood style, while surprisingly infusing elements of military decorum, creating a truly original composition.

Crafted by the dynamic and acclaimed trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the music impeccably complements Shankar Mahadevan’s vocals, striking a delicate balance in production. The distinctiveness of the soundtrack lies in its departure from the booming and stylistically pop-infused sounds prevalent in contemporary Bollywood productions. Instead, ‘Banda’ boasts a harmonious equilibrium, allowing the sound design to do justice to the song’s emotive depth.

Penned by the legendary Gulzar, the music video of ‘Banda’ unfolds as a poignant visual narrative, offering glimpses into the remarkable life of Sam Manekshaw. From his days in the Indian Military Academy and service during World War II to his tenure as Chief of Staff of the Indian Army and eventual Field Marshal, the video encapsulates the journey of a man whose legacy looms large.

Directed by Meghna Gulzar, ‘Sam Bahadur’ meticulously captures historical authenticity, promising a biopic that transcends the ordinary. The film is set to release in theaters on December 1, 2023.

Recreating an Iconic Moment

Director Meghna Gulzar, known for her meticulous attention to detail, goes the extra mile in ‘Sam Bahadur.’ Recreating an iconic photograph of Sam Manekshaw standing alongside Gorkha soldiers during the third India-Pakistan war (Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971), she spared no effort to achieve historical accuracy, a moment that left her teary-eyed upon its successful recreation.

This iconic image, captured during a pivotal moment in Indian history, symbolizes the triumph of the Indian Armed Forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Belonging to the Gorkha regiment, Sam Manekshaw, in the photograph, is believed to be issuing orders to prevent the harassment of Bangladeshi refugees, showcasing both leadership and empathy.

Meghna Gulzar shares her emotional journey behind recreating this historic photograph: “This is one of the most iconic photos of Sam Manekshaw, where he is seen meeting a Gorkha soldier amidst tall grass. I have had this picture as my wallpaper on my laptop for over 4-5 years, so suddenly when I had to recreate this exact scene, it was something very personal for me.”

She further adds, “On the second last day, I had picked the location to shoot, and it was very overwhelming to recreate that very image which you’ve had in front of you for so many years. We found the location, we found the grass, but there was always this doubt about how it will go. To suddenly see that shot on the monitor in front of me was very emotional. I think we came pretty close.”

‘Sam Bahadur’ is not merely a biopic on the legendary Field Marshal but a meticulous exploration of his life, upbringing, and military career. Spanning crucial historical events from the 1948 India-Pakistan war to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the film promises an immersive experience, starring Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra, Fatima Sana Sheikh, and others.

As the release date draws near, ‘Sam Bahadur’ stands poised to offer audiences a cinematic journey that transcends the boundaries of time, providing a profound insight into the life of one of India’s most celebrated military leaders.

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