Review- Bhuj: The Pride of India; an untold history

The Independence Day weekend release, starring Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Sharad Kelkar, and Ammy Virk, takes a tale of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

Ajay Devgn-starrer Bhuj: The Pride of India premiered today on Disney Plus Hotstar.

The Independence Day weekend release, also starring Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Sharad Kelkar, and Ammy Virk, takes a tale of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

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The First 5 minutes explain the context through a montage and also with the scene of Pakistani officials discussing their evil plan with striking action sequences and a fascinating storyline that gives you a perfect watch.

Storyline

Image courtesy -: News18

The movie tells the story of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. India gets involved in the persecution of East Pakistan residents by the state military conflict and deploys a majority of its troops on the Eastern border. In revenge, Pakistan conspires to destroy Bhuj Airstrip so that they can negotiate with India regarding Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). On December 8, 1971, the Pakistani troops destroyed the Bhuj airstrip and also all the bridges connecting Kutch to India. This left Kutch with no contact with other parts of India.

They intend to capture Bhuj Airbase. Pakistan deploys 100 tanks with 1800 soldiers to seize it. Sharad Kelkar, who played military officer RK Nair along with his team of 120 soldiers tries to stop them midway near Harami Nala. They moreover have Ranchordas Pagi played by Sanjay Dutt, who is an Indian Army scout. Nora Fatehi is seen playing spy Heena Rehman in Pakistan.

The squadron leader Vijay Karnik is played by Ajay Devgn is a commanding officer at Bhuj Air Base. His work is to repair the runway so that India can combat back. Vijay Karnik got aid from nearby villagers led by Sunderben played by Sonakshi Sinha. Ammy Virk, who plays Flight Lieutenant, decides to land the airforce plane at the Bhuj runway. Will the runaway complete within time? How will India stop Pakistan? Watch the movie to find out.

Direction, dialogue, screenplay

Image courtesy -: Cinetales

The story is captivating and also unique to most people. Abhishek Dudhaiya, Raman Kumar, Ritesh Shah, and Pooja Bhavoria’s screenplay is a mixed bag and hence a little confusing with a lot of things happening simultaneously. The first half doesn’t have much development in the story but introduces you to a lot of things. But it’s in the second half where the writers show their brilliance. The climax is very well thought of and keeps you enchanted. Dialogues are intended to generate claps. Ajay’s monologue while convincing the villagers is heartful.

Certain dramatic and action scenes are well-executed and this also enhances the impact. Also, certain one-take action scenes add to the entertainment quotient. In many action scenes, you can aside logic. The scene of Ranchod in the trench, in the end, will be tickling but it’s hard to digest.

Acting and Music 

Image courtesy -: Cinetales

Bhuj The Pride Of India works in pieces. It has a running time of 1 hour and 54 minutes. The movie is fast-paced. The actress does not have enough work in the movie. Pranitha Subhash has played the role of Ajay Devgn’s wife Usha and doesn’t have much to do. Nora Fatehi with a mere 8 to 10 minutes of role, stands out. She is terrific with her actions, expression, and dialogues. Sonakshi looks well in her role. Aj ay Devgn, Ammy Virk, Sanjay Dutt performed their roles well and look decent and fit in their characters.

Sharad Kelkar deserves more as he doesn’t have any shining moments. Navni Parihar (Indira Gandhi) is fair. Mahesh Shetty gets scope. The actors playing General Yahya Khan, Heena Rehmani’s husband Md Hussain Omani, Wing Commander A A Sahu, Mukhtar Baig, and Taimoor Rizvi are okay.

Music does not have much scope. A few songs like ‘Rammo Rammo’, ‘Bhai Bhai’ and even the famous ‘Zaalima Coca Cola’ tracks are missing. ‘Hanjugam’ is passy but ‘Desh Mere’ is touching. The devotional song of Sonakshi Sinha (‘He Ishwar Maalik He Daata’) is powerful but looks a bit out of place.

Final word

Bhuj The Pride Of India is directed by Abhishek Dudhaiya. It has incredible visuals and remarkable aerial warfare. The aerial warfare scenes are outstanding and will mesmerize you. The story works fast and in patches. The second half is fascinating. The climax is terrific. Overall, Bhuj The Pride Of India is a mass entertainer and keeps you intrigued.