CAST: Adivi Sesh, Sobhita Dhulipala, Saiee Manjrekar, Prakash Raj
DIRECTED BY: Sashi Kiran Tikka
BLUF:
Inspired by true events, the film portrays how real-life hero Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan (Adivi Sesh) saved the lives of numerous hostages before being martyred by terrorists in the Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai on November 26, 2008 during the infamous attack on the heritage hotel.
The film was shot similtaneously in Telgu and Hindi, and later dubbed in Malayalam.
THE MEAT AND THE POTATOES
As a child, Sandeep Unnikrishnan (Adivi Sesh) has only one dream and that is to wear the forces uniform (Navy or army). Initially, his parents (Prakash Raj and Revathi) are disappointed by his career choices, but they allow him to pursue this dream when they realize that he is serious about serving his nation.
After joining the army, he becomes a NSG commander and gets promoted to the trainer of commandos. He romances and then marries his childhood sweetheart Isha (Saiee Manjrekar).in the parallel romance track.
It is when terrorists attack Mumbai in 2008, Sandeep’s bravery levitates his persona to lead the mission to defend against the attackers despite the fact that trainers don’t involve in operations. The rest of the film is the elucidation of his bravery.
As a hero of the 2008 Mumbai hotel siege Sandeep gets a relentlessly entertaining biopic, going all-out with the hagiographic bells and whistles.
IN THE KNOW
Sandeep was killed in the 2008, when a few terrorists backed by terrorist organizations carried out bombings and shootings in Mumbai on 26th November
If you have watched Dev Patel’s Mumbai Hotel on Hulu, this is about the same incident. Amazon Prime’s Series Mumbai Diaries also is a story about that same night when tragedy hit Mumbai. Known as 26/11, “Major” deals with the same topic, albeit differently by equally focusing on the life and progression of Sandeep’s career and his actual bravery during the 26/11 operation.
The makers (directed by Sashi Kiran Thikka with the script by Adivi Sesh) have divided the film into two parts – his life from childhood to his army career forms one part. The first half of the film is all about this. The later part of the movie is devoted to the actual operation of defending against the attackers.
The writer and directors have linked every incident in his growing up years life to his decisions as a soldier creating a very deliberate character arc.
At one stage of his life, Sandeep faces a question – What does it mean to be a soldier? He doesn’t have the right answer. Sandeep promises the commander that he would live his life as an answer to this question. This scene reverberates in the line of battle when he leads the Mumbai operation.
The final moments of the movie and quite well concluded.The action, the performances, the dialogues, the patriotism feel are super synched without going overboard. Prakash Raj’s gets the monologue in this movie.But he does justice to the scene.
The production design and the cinematography are really well done.Backed by big production houses Sony and superstar Mahesh Babu, Major has been well funded and it shows in its entire quaiity.Adivi Sesh delivers a fine performance.Revathi’s breakdown towards the end is heartwrenching. Saiee Manjrekar holds her own. Sobhita Dhulipala and Murali Sharma are effective in their short roles.
On the whole, a watchable patriotic biopic.
Fun Fact: Adiiv Sesh was raised in Berkeley, California, United States, where he attended Berkeley High School and did his undergraduate studies at San Francisco State University. So, hey he is a Bay boy.
