PopCorn Entertainment Rating – 3.5/5

Sirf ek Banda Kaafi Hai is inspired from true events – based on the real life trial and eventual conviction of self styled Godman called Asaram Bapu – a revered figure among his plethora of followers, who was sentenced life imprisonment for molestation and rape of young women .

Nu (Adrija) and her parents (Jaihind Kumar and Durga Sharma, as the father and mother respectively) arrive at the doorstep of P.C Solanki ( Manoj Bajpayee), a spirited Rajasthani lawyer who is demure yet stern, and takes up Nu’s case who alleges mishandling and rape by the Godmen. Solanki knows the sensitivity of the matter, and the helplessness of the family who are running out of strength and money to fight for justice. Garnering all his courage , Solanki takes up the cudgels to render justice to the minor girl under the POCSO act.

A biopic on Advocate Solanki, who is credited to single handedly get justice to the minor girl in Jodhpur, the Film hits the right notes in many aspects. The makers (Apoorv Singh Karki) keep the film grounded in reality, and there is not even an iota of sensationalism in the relentless court room battle. Even when the defense lawyer ( a brilliant Vipin Sharma) is questioning Nu, there is a solid dignity wrapped around it. Advocate Solanki is shown as a simple man who stays with his mother and son in Jodhpur. His diligence is exceptional, especially when he is rattling out rules and regulations to the more seasoned lawyers. But his innocence too comes out when he is completely awestruck when meeting colossal lawyers – Bajpayee nails these moments with precision .

But where the film becomes placid is that its sole focus is on Solanki, and not on the victim. There is minimal focus on Nu’s trauma and her parents helplessness. Even the interaction between the victim and lawyer is inadequate, which is surprising considering the case was stretched to five long years, thanks to the tardy legal system of India. The film deals with its strengths firmly though – proceedings are pacy, cinematography is top notch. Special mention to the tense chase sequence in the bylanes of Jodhpur, between Solanki on his ramshackled scooter and the goons on the bike. Some scenes will bring a lump to your throat, especially in the initial portions where we see Nu registering her complaint and being taken to the medical examination. Also, the first interaction between Solanki and Nu’s family is really poignant.

What holds the entire film altogether is the man – Manoj Bajpayee. He speaks through his eyes, fumbles and is vulnerable, but his grit and gumption against all odds is praise worthy. Manoj is brilliant and gets everything right here. He exhibits a gamut of emotions with such honesty that he elevates the film to another level.

Sirf Ek Bandaa hai is already creating waves all over – and rightly so. The loopholes in the script are overtly compensated by the brilliant cast , and sensitive portrayal of the narrative. Watch this film to admire the story telling and of course, the man, Manoj Bajpayee. I am going with 3.5 out of 5 .

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