Shamshera, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Vaani Kapoor, Ronit Roy, and Saurabh Shukla, among others, is now out in theatres. Directed by Karan Malhotra, the story is penned by Khila Bisht and Neelesh Misra. Karan penned the screenplay with Ekta Pathak Malhotra. Piyush Mishra has written the dialogues. The runtime is 159 minutes.

Mithoon has composed the music for Shamshera. The cinematography is by Anay Goswamy. Produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), the synopsis reads, “A father’s legacy. A son’s destiny.”

Shamshera Review: Plot Summary

In the movie, set in the 1800s, the Khamera community are considered unworthy and unacceptable within the upper caste communities. When no one accepts them, they build their own world while fighting anyone who tries to destroy them. Shamshera (Ranbir Kapoor) is their fierce fighter and leader who would go to any extent to save his community.

When the upper caste bribed the Britishers to get rid of the Khameras, the vicious police officer Daroga Shuddh Singh (Sanjay Dutt) comes into the picture. Shuddh Singh manipulates Shamshera, leading to the entire community being captured and confined amid the four walls. The officers treat the Khameras inhumanly.

Shamshera’s tragic death takes away the hope of freedom. His own people believe that Shamshera betrayed them. Twenty-five years later, his son has to fight the same battle. But will anyone stand by his side? With Daroga Shuddh Singh and the Britishmen, the fight for freedom is not a cakewalk.

Shamshera Review: Discussion and Performances

The movie has an intriguing first half with some scenes that are not for the fainthearted. The pace is fast when Ranbir plays Shamshera, the father. His body language is aggressive, and he’s ready to fight anyone trying to harm his people. He’s not the one to show emotions.

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When the 25 years time leap happens, Ranbir plays Balli. Balli dreams of becoming an officer; he can smoothly steal anyone’s belongings and doesn’t care about all the taunts coming his way because of his father. But when he witnesses and experiences the cruel treatment towards his community, he finds his father, the Shamshera, within him.

Balli’s father’s mission of freedom becomes his mission too. His father’s friend Peer Baba (Ronit Roy) trains him perfectly to face any big obstacle that might come his way. However, when Kapoor’s Balli heads on to the mission of finding ways to free his people, the screenplay slows down.

The addition of several impactful sequences is a good idea. But doing too much of it takes away the joy of watching them. That happens a lot before the interval. It reminded me of how Jack Snyder added too many slow-motion scenes in Justice League: The Snyder Cut.

The second half is where both Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt are utilised in the best manner. Even with some dragged moments, the second half packs some hair-raising scenes. The story gets intense and meatier when the bad and the good guys come face to face. Balli loses a lot in the second half and fully unleashes the Shamshera in him. But I liked that Ranbir kept Balli’s emotional and vulnerable side intact.

The climax sequence is lengthy, and some might find it exhausting. But it keeps you glued to the screen. The third act packs too much action, violence, emotions and drama. The showdown between Ranbir and Sanjay keeps you on the edge of your seat.

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In a story of extreme conflict and discomfort, some light and romantic moments manage to cut the grave tension. Ranbir and Vaani have sensuous chemistry on screen. Saurabh Shukla comes with good humour and more masala to the story.

The movie also wins you with its spectacular, full-blooded, high-octane action/fight sequences. Karan has used the slow-motion style to elevate some action scenes featuring Kapoor. The background score and the title track composed by Mithoon also heighten the intensity of the distressing tale of revenge and freedom.

Shamshera is a full-on Ranbir Kapoor show where he proves again why he’s one of the best actors in the film industry. The distinctiveness he brings to similarly written characters is commendable. Sanjay Dutt is phenomenal as a mad and ruthless villain against a powerful fighter. There’s no limit to his cruelty. Vaani Kapoor not only shows her ravishing side but performs some emotional scenes quite well. Saurabh Shukla does an amazing job, as one expects from an actor like him.

Shamshera Review: Final Thoughts

Overall, Shamshera is a visual treat as it presents some major moments magnificently and impactfully on screen. Ranbir Kapoor delivers an impressive act in an emotionally and physically challenging character. The movie would’ve been a bit better with a short and crisp first half.

Book your tickets here.

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