BOTTOM LINE
Mix of Family Drama and Patriotism
PLATFORM
JioHotstar
Runtime
137 minutes
What Is Sarzameen About?
An upright army officer Vijay Menon, while being a caring husband to Meher, struggles to raise his son, Harman with the same compassion. When Vijay nabs two suspects in his pursuit of a terrorist, Mohsin, his son Harman is kidnapped. Torn between his motherland and blood, a conflicted Vijay is forced to make a tough choice, one that’s bound to have serious repercussions many years later.
Performances
Prithviraj Sukumaran, in the shoes of Vijay Menon, is excellent as the stoic, tough father, hardened by circumstances. He infuses life and sincerity into the father-son drama with a tour de force act. The star receives ample support from Kajol, who returns to form in style with a memorable, crucial role, in what is like an antithesis to her part in Fanaa. Both the actors truly shine as performers.
Ibrahim Ali Khan, after the largely disappointing Nadaaniyaan, is significantly better, playing a vulnerable young man prone to influence. Although there are rough edges and he tends to get into his shell, the apt casting and sharp writing mask a few problems. Ronav Parikar, as the younger Harman, is a great find. Mihir Ahuja yet again proves he’s a talent to watch out for, while K C Shankar, Jitendra Joshi deliver the goods.
Analysis
Stories on strained father-son relationships enjoy an everlasting appeal. At a certain level, you realise the men could be splitting images of one another, who mostly struggle to communicate with empathy. Societal pressures and masculinity weigh too heavily upon them. The ice just doesn’t break, and the trauma deepens. What if the damage is irreversible? Sarzameen asks tough questions.
While Sarzameen deceptively starts as a father-son drama in a war-torn region involving a conflict between an army officer and a terrorist, it unpacks its layers slowly and steadily. It takes its time to simmer and build the tension in the story. There’s an impressive effort to underline the psyche of its pivotal characters, the choices they make and the people they become.
Vijay, raised by a tough, insensitive army officer himself, is seemingly indifferent to his socially awkward, stammering son, Harman. Meher, Vijay’s wife, remains the bridge between the father and the son. The internal turmoil between the duo is externalised through its Kashmir backdrop. Time and again, the questions boil down to – motherland or blood? Will love triumph over hatred?
First-time director Kayoze Irani (son of Boman Irani, who also forayed into direction with a father-son saga The Mehta Boys recently) builds his world with adequate detailing that contributes to its authenticity. Even with its sensitive setting, the tale appreciably resists attempts at jingoism or the manipulative use of the prevalent political climate. It all boils down to the story of a family.
The father’s moral dilemma, an obvious one that has formed the staple of many stories of men in uniform – torn between family and duty – is its lifeline. Despite the familiarity, the director makes us feel the emotional beats in the conflict convincingly. Though you give Harman the benefit of the doubt, it’s hard to discredit Vijay’s instincts – especially after the former’s mysteriously timed return.
The evolution of the characters in the second hour presents the crux of the drama to the fore. Hatred gets the better of Harman, and yet, his conscience has a different story to tell. Vijay, still righteous, softens, learning from his past. A crucial twist linking their destinies to Meher turns the film on its head, culminating in a high-octane finale with a compelling blend of family drama, action and patriotism.
The climactic reveal, although effective, comes in a little too late, and one wishes a better foundation had been laid for it (although the narrative is peppered with faint hints). Sarzameen’s strength is its treatment of conventional plot points with depth and finesse. It’s a story that may have been told in many forms before, but the universality of the message, conviction shine through.
Ultimately, one’s tempted to trace Sarzameen’s roots to Raj Kapoor’s Awaara – a father and a son pitted against one another in a complex mix of personal and professional circumstances. In both films, a vulnerable young man loses his way in the world, only to find his purpose again through love. Though the packaging, tone of both films are contrasting, the heart of the issue remains the same.
Sarzameen is a mix of personal, professional, and political themes, backed by emotions, neat performances, soulful music, and a message. However, the overuse of old-school tropes makes it feel like a passable watch in the end.
Music and Other Departments?
The songs by Vishal Khurana and Vishal Mishra are easy on the ears, haunt you long after the film. The background score by Tanuj Tiku preserves the film’s intensity throughout. Cinematography Kamaljeet Negi lets the mood of the film reflect through his frames succinctly and avoids any flashiness that could come in the way of its spirit.
Soumil Shukla, Arun Singh’s writing is an asset to the film, be it the way the characters are established, the conflicts are treated with a humanist approach, resisting simplistic solutions. The editing is sharp and the dialogues, precise.
Highlights?
Core plot
Performances, casting
Fine music, cinematography
Drawbacks?
The delayed climax twist
Relies too much on old-school tropes
Predictable and overly convenient
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, as a casual home watch.
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, for a relaxed home viewing—just don’t go in expecting a lot.
Sarzameen OTT Movie Review by M9
