A historical is probably the toughest kind of film to make. One has to not only educate the viewer but also enlighten and entertain the audience. T.L.O.B.S scores in may fields but it works mainly because it tells a simple story of a complicated man with extreme sincerity. Story? Well if you're Indian and you don't know the story of Bhagat Singh - then you're probably not worth telling it to. If you're not Indian and you don't know the story - I strongly recommend you watch this one instead of reading my mediocre narration. T.L.O.B.S. takes us to the world of Bhagat Singh and a country under British Rule. That's another plus of the movie. It feels so real yet magnificent. I've always been a fan of Raj Kumar Santoshi and I feel the reason he stands out is because nobody can make a better hard hitting drama than him. In T.L.O.B.S. as well, he gives us some shocking scenes and clap-worthy dialogue. Bhagat Singh's transition into a fearless freedom fighter is shown with brilliance. Also, the courtroom scenes are gripping due to powerful direction.
There are some minor flaws here and there. The main problem I have with the film is in the narrative. Santoshi has packed a lot into the picture but he forgot to insert a few things that I felt were important since you're making a film on his life. First, how did Bhagat feel when he cut his hair? What about his parents? Also, Bhagat Singh's atheism is not explained well enough. I felt those things needed to be added in the film. There is also a point in the second half when one feels the narrative starts to stretch and nothing is happening. Editing is not crisp enough.
The writing is terrific for the most part. The screenplay is straightforward and has only one objective – to tell a story of a legend.
Another thing, the film is not afraid to express itself but it also does not jump to conclusions. Note the scenes that feature Mahatma Gandhi. Those are some significant portions and they depict truth more than opinion.
A.R. Rahman's music is underrated. In fact, I liked most of the songs and I felt that they were not given enough appreciation, but then again, neither was this film. The technical aspects are all brilliant from cinematography to sound. I would like to point out another thing here – the background score is just out of this world.
Santoshi always extracts the best performances from his actors and this film is no exception. The film belongs to Ajay Devgan and there should be no doubt. Before watching this, I did not really see Ajay as a Bhagat Singh because despite him being a Sikh, it did not suit him – but boy was I surprised. He puts even more life into an already powerful character. Just Amazing.
Another performance I'd like to mention is of Sushant Singh – who I felt was another surprise. He's terrific. The guy who plays Rajguru is also efficient. Raj Babbar is a delight to watch and Farida Jalal is as always, wonderful. Amrita Rao is okay.
The hero her is Raj Kumar Santoshi over anybody else. A brilliant director who back to form after giving a few average to below average films in China Gate, Pukar and Lajja. This is Santoshi at his best.
Overall – A brilliant take on a freedom fighter that many have not justified. Ultimately, the film motivates you to also tell the story of a legend named Bhagat Singh. 4.5/5
There are some minor flaws here and there. The main problem I have with the film is in the narrative. Santoshi has packed a lot into the picture but he forgot to insert a few things that I felt were important since you're making a film on his life. First, how did Bhagat feel when he cut his hair? What about his parents? Also, Bhagat Singh's atheism is not explained well enough. I felt those things needed to be added in the film. There is also a point in the second half when one feels the narrative starts to stretch and nothing is happening. Editing is not crisp enough.
The writing is terrific for the most part. The screenplay is straightforward and has only one objective – to tell a story of a legend.
Another thing, the film is not afraid to express itself but it also does not jump to conclusions. Note the scenes that feature Mahatma Gandhi. Those are some significant portions and they depict truth more than opinion.
A.R. Rahman's music is underrated. In fact, I liked most of the songs and I felt that they were not given enough appreciation, but then again, neither was this film. The technical aspects are all brilliant from cinematography to sound. I would like to point out another thing here – the background score is just out of this world.
Santoshi always extracts the best performances from his actors and this film is no exception. The film belongs to Ajay Devgan and there should be no doubt. Before watching this, I did not really see Ajay as a Bhagat Singh because despite him being a Sikh, it did not suit him – but boy was I surprised. He puts even more life into an already powerful character. Just Amazing.
Another performance I'd like to mention is of Sushant Singh – who I felt was another surprise. He's terrific. The guy who plays Rajguru is also efficient. Raj Babbar is a delight to watch and Farida Jalal is as always, wonderful. Amrita Rao is okay.
The hero her is Raj Kumar Santoshi over anybody else. A brilliant director who back to form after giving a few average to below average films in China Gate, Pukar and Lajja. This is Santoshi at his best.
Overall – A brilliant take on a freedom fighter that many have not justified. Ultimately, the film motivates you to also tell the story of a legend named Bhagat Singh. 4.5/5