Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata Trailer Review: I have seen many films and documentaries and series about the horrific 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai and in all of them, there has been a focus on iconic locations like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST). These locations are rightly the symbol of that sad night. But, seeing the trailer of Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, I remembered there were many other crazy feats of courage happening across Mumbai that night that haven’t been mainstreamed into the film.
I had been immediately captivated by the film’s setting. I have always been fascinated with stories that develop in a single night or over a short period of time. These films like 140 Last Local, Shaitaan, NH10, Stolen, A Wednesday! and the series The Railway Men has demonstrated the efficacy of this form of storytelling when tension and urgency are the driving force behind each of the scenes. As the trailer shows, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata seems to be equally as intense, reenacting that night when it was all or nothing.
The film is based on true incidents that took place in Cama Hospital during the 26/11 attacks when doctors, nurses and caregivers allegedly risked their lives to save patients and children from unparalleled peril. The interesting feature of this is that it takes the emphasis off the terrorists and focuses it squarely on the ordinary individuals who showed extraordinary courage. The film is already refreshing and feeling emotional from that perspective itself.
The trailer is successful because it recognizes that heroism doesn’t always go in uniform or with a pistol in hand. Heroism can be found in the hospital corridors, among nurses, ward staff and those who care for the sick, who dedicate their life to others without seeking recognition. One particular conversation stuck with me, after the trailer had ended, “Who we are is not important, what we do is important.”
This quote hits the nail on the head with the film’s essence. It’s resonating because it speaks to a truth that we’ve all had in our lives. As we go into hospital our mind focuses on the doctor, but the nurse or other support staff will be by our side through the long nights, caring, comforting and reassuring. The trailer does seem to want to pay homage to those people who aren’t always acknowledged, and I think emotional is one of the things that could make this film really great.
Kangana Ranaut impresses in the middle role. Throughout the years, she has played some of her best roles in movies that demand a heroic response of resilience and determination from the protagonist defined by the character. The role would seem to be a perfect fit for her screen presence, based on the trailer. The supporting cast also looks to be golden. I spotted seasoned actors like Smita Tambe and Girija Oak, who have the knack of portraying emotionally driven characters in a believable manner. This inclusion lends credibility to a story, which is very much part of Mumbai’s social and cultural scenario.
Manoj Tapadia is the writer and director of the film. Although he is not quite an established name yet as a director, the trailer shows that he aims to be a filmmaker who emphasizes humanity and not sensationalize violence. I liked that one. Video features more than just images of terror and destruction, it highlights compassion, courage and the responsibilities of all people. I’m sure the movie will have some heart wrenching scenes as well as suspenseful ones.
Overall, the trailer was very successful. It has a significant narrative, has interesting characters and is emotionally engaging, even in such a short film. Whether this momentum can be maintained throughout the film with its narration and performance will decide the eventual success of Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, of course. Yet I’ll take the trailer and the trailer alone on the merits of it, I was impressed and can’t wait to see the movie when it comes out on June 12.
