Bhonsle

SonyLiv

*ing:  Manoj Bajpai, Santosh Juvekar

Rated: 8/10

If one wanted to see an actor do two contrasting roles, then the latest movie to release on the OTT platform—  Bhonsle starring Manoj Bajpai — would be the perfect film to watch this weekend. It would make you wonder how an actor who can be part of such an intense film like this go and do a role of a psychopath doctor in Mrs. Serial Killer. But the truth is that the transformation that one sees of this versatile actor is a treat.

Directed by Devashish Makhija and co-produced by Manoj Bajpai, the story revolves around insider versus outsider — Maratha Manus versus those who are from North India. While the subject has been a burning issue in Maharashtra, what really stands out here is the absolutely awesome performance by Bajpai.

Despite the fact that the movie is dead slow — nothing much moves forward but the whole idea to keep the North Indians away, there are very little dialogues. One can actually count the number of words that he has said in the entire film. It is his sheer stance, presence, expressions and the way he moves, an old retired Mumbai cop, will keep one captivated till the very end.

The last time we saw such brilliance from the actor was Aligarh.

 The movie goes on to show that one doesn’t need to give an actor heavy dialogues that he needs to shout for him to leave an impact in a film.

Those looking for masala here, there is none. So this is not your typical commercial film that is set to entertain but it makes one internalise as does the movie through its characters as it unfolds. A film that one must watch for Bajpai’s brilliance.