"Sanju" is a 2018 Indian biographical film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, which portrays the life of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt. The movie stars Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role, along with an ensemble cast that includes Paresh Rawal, Vicky Kaushal, Manisha Koirala, Dia Mirza, and Anushka Sharma, among others.
The film covers various phases of Sanjay Dutt's life, including his early struggles, his relationship with his father, his drug addiction, his involvement in the 1993 Bombay bombings, and his time in jail. The movie attempts to humanize the actor by showcasing his vulnerabilities and personal struggles while also highlighting the support of his friends and family.
The film was a commercial success, grossing over 586 crore INR worldwide. It was praised for Ranbir Kapoor's performance, which was considered one of the best of his career, as well as for the supporting performances of Vicky Kaushal and Paresh Rawal. However, it also faced criticism for its selective portrayal of events and for whitewashing some of the controversial aspects of Sanjay Dutt's life.
"Sanju" also faced criticism for its portrayal of women characters, who were seen as underdeveloped and not given enough agency in the story. The film also faced accusations of glorifying a convicted criminal and for being a propaganda tool for the actor's image rehabilitation.
Despite the criticism, "Sanju" was widely appreciated for its entertaining and engaging narrative style, which seamlessly blended humor, drama, and emotion. The film also received several awards and nominations, including the Best Actor award for Ranbir Kapoor at the 64th Filmfare Awards.
"Sanju" was a commercial and critical success, showcasing the life of one of Bollywood's most controversial and popular actors. However, it also raised questions about the portrayal of real-life events in films and the ethical responsibility of filmmakers in presenting an unbiased and accurate picture of historical figures.
The controversy surrounding "Sanju" and its portrayal of Sanjay Dutt's life has sparked a wider debate in India about the role of biopics and their responsibility towards historical accuracy. Some critics argue that films should not be used as tools for image rehabilitation or propaganda, and that they should present a balanced and factual account of events.
On the other hand, defenders of the film argue that biopics are works of fiction and that they have the creative liberty to interpret and present events as they see fit. They argue that biopics are meant to be a representation of the filmmaker's vision and that they do not have the same obligations as historians or journalists.
Despite the controversy, "Sanju" remains one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, cementing its place in Bollywood history. The film also sparked a renewed interest in Sanjay Dutt's life, and the actor himself has praised the film for its portrayal of his struggles and personal demons.
"Sanju" is a biographical film that has sparked a wider debate about the role of biopics in society. While it was a commercial and critical success, it has also faced criticism for its selective portrayal of events and for its perceived role as a tool for image rehabilitation. Ultimately, the film remains a powerful and engaging story about the life of one of Bollywood's most iconic actors.
"Sanju" has also brought attention to the issue of drug abuse and addiction, which is a major problem in India. The film depicts the destructive effects of addiction on Sanjay Dutt's life and highlights the need for greater awareness and support for those struggling with substance abuse.
Furthermore, the film has been praised for its performances, particularly that of Ranbir Kapoor, who underwent a significant transformation to play the role of Sanjay Dutt. His portrayal of the troubled actor was widely appreciated for its sensitivity and depth, earning him numerous awards and critical acclaim.
"Sanju" is a thought-provoking and entertaining film that brings to life the story of one of Bollywood's most controversial figures. Despite the criticisms it has faced, the film has sparked important discussions about the role of biopics in society and the need for greater awareness and support for those struggling with addiction.
Additionally, "Sanju" is also significant for its portrayal of the father-son relationship between Sanjay Dutt and his father, Sunil Dutt. The film portrays the complex relationship between the two, highlighting the love and support Sunil Dutt had for his son, despite his flaws and mistakes. This aspect of the film was widely appreciated and showcased the emotional depth and complexity of the characters.
"Sanju" has also been praised for its direction, screenplay, and music. Rajkumar Hirani's direction was widely appreciated for its seamless integration of humor and drama, while the screenplay was noted for its engaging narrative style and character development. The music, composed by A. R. Rahman and Rohan-Rohan, was also well-received, with songs like "Kar Har Maidaan Fateh" and "Ruby Ruby" becoming popular.
In summary, "Sanju" is a biographical film that has been widely debated and discussed for its portrayal of real-life events and its responsibility towards historical accuracy. While the film has faced criticism, it has also brought attention to important issues like addiction and the father-son relationship. Ultimately, "Sanju" is an entertaining and thought-provoking film that has left a lasting impact on Bollywood and its audience.