2 December 2023, Mumbai: Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Sam Bahadur’ embarked on its cinematic journey amidst the fierce competition posed by Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film managed to accumulate a modest ₹5.50 crore on its opening day in India, facing a considerable difference from ‘Animal’, which soared at ₹60 crore on Day 1. The Hindi version of ‘Sam Bahadur’ maintained an overall occupancy of 29.18% on Friday, as per reports from sacnilk.com.
‘Sam Bahadur’ faces Tough Competition
The clash between ‘Animal’ and ‘Sam Bahadur’, both releasing on December 1, intensified the battle at the box office. Despite Vicky Kaushal’s stellar portrayal as Sam Manekshaw, ‘Sam Bahadur’ faced an uphill struggle against the overwhelming performance of ‘Animal’, significantly lagging behind in the opening day collections. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh’s tweet highlighted the film’s earnings at ₹3.40 crore in select national chains by 7 pm on its debut day.
The Filmy Charcha Review Of Sam Bahadur:
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half
Review: In the world of war epics, Sam Bahadur emerges as a distinctive thread, reopening the untold chapters of Sam Manekshaw’s life. The film artfully peels back layers, revealing the enigmatic rapport between Manekshaw and General YahyaKhan, offering a nuanced exploration of the challenges he faced, including the unsettling brush with accusations of being anti-national. Yet, amidst the gravity of war, the narrative unveils lighter shades—Sam’s camaraderie with Gurkha soldiers, his banter with a cantankerous cook, and the playful exchanges with Indira Gandhi, adding an unexpected yet delightful flavor to the overarching story.
The film’s strength lies in capturing the synergy between Sam and Indira Gandhi, showcasing a rare understanding that transcends the battlefield. The initial scenes, set against the backdrop of Mussoorie and Firozpur, serve as crucial brushstrokes in shaping Sam’s character i.e. a soldier with an unwavering commitment to serve his nation, even at the cost of societal labels.
Plot and Cast of ‘Sam Bahadur’
‘Sam Bahadur’ revolves around the life of the first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw, with Vicky Kaushal portraying the titular role. The film features Sanya Malhotra as his wife and Fatima Sana Shaikh in the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, presenting a compelling narrative focusing on historical events and pivotal personalities.
Audience Reception and Expectations from ‘Sam Bahadur’
While ‘Sam Bahadur’ received acclaim from audiences, garnering positive responses from users, it encountered mixed reviews from critics. Vicky Kaushal’s performance was particularly lauded by many, raising curiosity about the film’s future trajectory at the box office in direct competition with ‘Animal’.
Box Office Clash with Animal
The clash between ‘Animal’ and ‘Sam Bahadur’ showcases a compelling showdown in the cinematic landscape. As ‘Sam Bahadur’ grapples to find its footing against the monumental success of ‘Animal’, the box office journey for both films continues, leaving audiences and industry enthusiasts on the edge to witness how these contrasting narratives
By Yashika Desai