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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