Shamitabh Review:You’d be high on cinema with SH-AMITABH
When Shamitabh was conceptualized, R. Balki knew that he had to bring to the platter something really different with the heavy-weight film which has brilliant stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Dhanush. While we all know the finesse with which Amitabh Bachchan acts, and you are bound to be floored completely by him; surprisingly Dhanush, without uttering a word on screen in his own voice, impresses with his act. It requires great guts to stand in front of Shehenshah of Bollywood, Big B, and make an impact by mere use of expressions. Kudos to Dhanush for that! And AMITABH Bachchan is truly the powerhouse of acting!
R. Balki, who has given us such elegant films like Cheeni Kum and Paa; delivers yet again with Shamitabh . It is a great story, told in a great way, with greater acting to binge upon, which enriches your movie watching experience by ten-folds. The story about how ego comes in between two successful people; who share almost a parasitic relationship, as one draws from another and vice-versa; is told beautifully.
The first half takes them on a high and shows how differences seep in between the two and they are masked by the vision of success and the idea that one can do without the other. While in the second half, we see their individual failures and patching up for the good. But the end will leave you dumbfounded. It masterfully shows how fate reverses in a matter of seconds!
Star Performances:
To begin with Amitabh Bachchan, how can anybody possibly sum up Amitji’s prodigiousness in mere words? He is that plentitude of talent one can never ever be bored of! That baritone voice, intense gaze, magnetic charm, and striking body language all packaged in one great film. Amitabh Bachchan is sheer brilliance when he is on screen. Be it in terms of dialogue delivery, or powerful expressions with the haggard look, you’d be in his awe for the whole film. And in the end, he moves you with his scintillating display of emotions. Hats off!
Dhanush in the role of a Superstar, whose voice is Amitabh Sinha, as he is dumb by birth, is simply gleaming. He has the mettle and the time and again he has proved himself. Dhanush is a living example that if you have the talent, physical appearance doesn’t matter. While Dhanush is attractive in a different manner, in terms of acting, he is mind-blowing. The story required him to not utter a word and just act. And that he did efficaciously. He was fluid with his acting and as I have already put, it really requires great guts to stand in front of Amitabh Bachchan and get noticed and applauded for the performance.
Akshara Haasan who debuts with the film and plays the role of an Assistant Director, which she has been in her real life too, is done up well. She is not just a pretty face, but can act too. Though at times you’d spot struggled dialogue delivery, but over the time Akshara will ease out it seems! She has done her part well and acts as the perfect link between the Daanish and Amitabh.
Technicalities:
The film has a really nice plot and storyline that intrigues the audiences. Balki, as both director and writer of the film, has done a wondrous job. He has that vision, not many in the Film Fraternity have. His unique way of seeing simple things is worth the applause. The story he pinpoints is based upon a common human tendency, but is told so differently that you’d absolutely love it. It is high on cinema value, entertainment, emotions and has some dazzling performances. Just if the length of the film could have been cut down a bit, the film wouldn’t have seemed stretched which it appeared briefly.
A special mention here would be to the cinematographer of the film, P.C Sreeram. The cinematography is fluid-like. It adds more to the film. The music of the film and the background score is by one of best in the Industry and that is Ilaiyarajaa. Tracks are in sync with the film and there are no unnecessary dance numbers or extra effort for a forced song.
Watch or Not:
A must watch for the ones who love Amitabh Bachchan and Dhanush, and who really want a cinematic experience that they’d wanna applaud for. The film will make you go high on cinema. And there is no sh(AMITABH) or (SH)amitabh, the film belongs to SH-AMITABH i.e to Dhanush and Amitabh equally.
Thumbs up: Amitabh Bachchan, Dhanush, great acting, gripping story
Thumbs Down: Length of the film.
Yawns: Not really!
