Filmy Gallery

**Review Summary: *Sanju***

*Sanju* is a bold, humorous, and deeply human exploration of actor Sanjay Dutt's tumultuous life, directed by Rajkumar Hirani. From the highs of stardom to the depths of addiction, legal battles, and personal tragedy, the film doesn't shy away from the controversial aspects of Dutt's life. Yet, Hirani's signature touch ensures the narrative balances drama and humor, transforming what could have been a somber recounting into an engaging cinematic experience.

The film focuses on pivotal moments in Dutt’s life, depicting his struggle with drug addiction following the death of his mother, Nargis (a heartfelt cameo by Manisha Koirala), and the legal turmoil surrounding his alleged involvement in the 1993 Mumbai blasts. Hirani uses fictional characters to enrich the story: Kamlesh (Vicky Kaushal), a friend who represents virtue and steadfast support, and Zubin (Jim Sarbh), a friend who leads him astray. The father-son dynamic between Sanjay (Ranbir Kapoor) and Sunil Dutt (Paresh Rawal) is central, exploring the burden of living up to a legendary parent's expectations.

The writing masterfully condenses Dutt’s multifaceted life into a coherent narrative. Instead of dwelling on his vast network of real-life industry connections or romantic escapades, the film crafts composite characters like Sonam Kapoor's role, which encapsulates Dutt’s tumultuous love life with humor and poignancy.

Ranbir Kapoor delivers a transformative performance, convincingly embodying Dutt’s physicality, voice, and emotional vulnerability. His portrayal captures both Dutt’s inner turmoil and his charisma, making it a career-defining act. Paresh Rawal as the supportive yet stern father and Vicky Kaushal as the nerdy, loyal friend Kamlesh shine in their roles, grounding the story in heartfelt relationships.

While *Sanju* doesn’t attempt to dissect Dutt’s career or delve deeply into the moral questions surrounding his life choices, it succeeds in portraying the human behind the headlines. The emotional authenticity and humor ensure the film remains entertaining without veering into melodrama.

**Verdict:**
*Sanju* is a compelling blend of humor, drama, and introspection, powered by stellar performances and Hirani's deft storytelling. It reminds viewers that even superstars are fallible humans, grappling with their demons while striving for redemption. A must-watch for its sheer entertainment value and nuanced storytelling.