“Sam Bahadur,” directed by Meghna Gulzar and starring Vicky Kaushal, follows the remarkable life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, a legendary soldier who survived being shot nine times during WWII. The film builds on Gulzar’s successes with “Talvar” (2015) and “Raazi” (2018), while Kaushal, known for portraying patriotic figures in films like “Uri: The Surgical Strike” (2019) and “Sardar Udham” (2021), takes on the role of the iconic military leader.

“Despite Expectations, ‘Sam Bahadur’ Leaves Audiences Wanting More” – The collaboration between writer Bhavani Iyer and director Meghna Gulzar in “Sam Bahadur” attempts to blend humor and depth, but the film’s ultimate message remains elusive. The portrayal of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, known for his iconic mustache and impactful aphorisms, feels akin to a familiar online narrative. The movie leaves viewers pondering for more substance upon exiting the theater.

“The Challenge of Biographical Films: ‘Sam Bahadur’ and Narrative Choices” – Biopics often face limitations due to their episodic nature and the struggle with balancing truth, length, and engagement. In contrast to films like ‘Oppenheimer,’ where the central conflict drives the narrative, ‘Sam Bahadur’ focuses on the celebrated protagonist without elaborate storytelling techniques or a critical exploration of the recent portrayal of the figure as the ultimate ‘sigma male.’ The film tends to glorify Field Marshal Manekshaw’s life, resulting in a hagiographic portrayal. Interestingly, ‘Sam Bahadur’ offers more nuanced characterization of Manekshaw’s Pakistani counterpart, Yahya Khan (portrayed by Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub), albeit with noticeable makeup and prosthetics.