SHAMITABH MOVIE REVIEW

Which one gives you a kick; Whiskey or Water? What is the plus of an actor; performance or dialogue delivery? Be it a glass of drink or an actor, the perfect combination of the two options is very essential to attain success. Written and directed by R Balki and with music composed by Ilaiyaraja, Shamitabh is all about how the two lead characters clash with a single intention of attaining success. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dhanush and Akshara Haasan in the lead roles, the movie is about the combination of Amitabh’s voice and Dhanush’s performance as an actor. The journey of the two lead characters out to make a mark with their god-gifted talent is showcased at par excellence by Balki.  

 

High energy ego clashes

 

The story is about how the two meet and make successful ventures. Well, it doesn’t seem as easy as it is told. Since it is Balki’s script, he entwines ego clashes, sensitive dialogues, metaphorical expressions, non-verbal communication, attention to symbolic details in every frame along with complex characterization. The whole film deals with two characters fighting to show who is better. The collision is shown in a very beautiful manner and the two actors give a tough fight to each other. From the cinematography standpoint, the depiction of the fight was shown brilliantly by DoP P.C.Sreeram. The symbolism is incorporated technically in shot divisions and camera angles for scenes that consist important dialogues.

 

Is whiskey greater than water?

 

The two star actors, Amitabh and Dhanush represent whiskey and water respectively. In the film, it is proven that both the liquids are essential for a good mix. As an actor, Dhanush being just one film old in Bollywood, has given one of his best performances. To stand next to a legend like Amitabh Bachchan and give an equal performance, is no mean feat. Dhanush has showcased the best of his acting abilities in scenes where the two have face-to-face outbursts. The emotional moments and lip-sync with Amitabh’s voice were perfectly aligned.

 

The long-known Balki-Ilaiyaraja-Amitabh affair

 

This is the third film for the trio together and their deliverance to the script was nothing less than top notch. The first twenty minutes of the movie (featuring a masterly cameo performance by a child actor) is stolen by Ilaiyaraja’s background music. That sequence moves you into the frame and gives an outline as to what to expect out of the film. Though there are many BGM soundtracks that we have heard in his older movies, the freshness and uniqueness in integrating them into this film was the Maestro's magical touch. Songs like Shamitabh, Pidley Pidley and Sannata would keep ringing in your ears even after you come out of the theater. He has done an awesome work at re-recording and BGM as they are the soul of the film. Amitabh’s character without a doubt stands out and he has pulled off ‘Amitabh Sinha’ very convincingly. Look out for some power-packed continuous long monologues delivered by him with ease. He effortlessly portrays a complex character; a combination of a tall rugged drunkard and an egoistic old man.

 

Balki’s touch

 

As an experienced ad filmmaker, he has used a lot of ad concepts in the songs and few areas of the screenplay. He has proved that an idea is all it takes to make something as unique as Shamitabh. But just when you applaud him for his efforts, the second half of the film's screenplay starts dragging. The long monologues would have created a better impact had the last half hour been more taut and crisp. Had it not been for Amitabh’s screen presence overlaid with Ilaiyaraja’s brilliance, the second half would have been dull and boring. Yet, it is a daring effort to make a movie with such an out-of-the-box subject and the novelty in the topic is something to be appreciated.