‘How’s the Josh?’
‘HIGH SIR!!!’
This is precisely the feeling you have when you watch the movie ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’. Directed by newbie Aditya Dhar, this is a movie based on the dastardly terror attacks on the Indian Army base camp situated in Uri on 18 September 2016 and the subsequent surgical strikes that were conducted over the terror launch pads.
It is extremely rare that we see films in Indian cinema, especially Bollywood, that are absolutely straightforward films, which don’t meander from their point and serve quality content. To our delight, Uri is exactly that movie, that gives a fitting tribute to the valor of the Indian Army, as it explores the nitty gritty behind the historical surgical strikes.
The Plot –
Based on the historic surgical strikes, Uri is the tale of how the Indian Army gave a befitting reply to the Pakistani forces and their terrorists with effective, surgical strikes. Major Vihaan Singh Shergill [Vicky Kaushal], who is forced to come out of ‘self-retirement’ after one of his close friends dies in the same attacks, agrees to lead one such mission out of the four teams, that are sent to give the terror mongers a living nightmare.
What’s Great –
To be honest, there is nothing just good about Uri. The movie is outstanding in its intent, as well as execution. We’ve often lamented about the lack of quality VFX and good background score. ‘Uri’ is, however, no such movie. Going by the visual effects, it is hard to believe that some of them were actually computer generated, as it looked so real.
The movie is divided into five chapters, in the iconic Tarantino style, which keeps the narrative gripping and the viewer at the edge of the seat, despite most of us already know the outcome of the subject. If one is compelled to watch something with interest, wondering how the events would unfold even when he/she already know the entire topic, you know the director has done a fine job. Kudos to Aditya Dhar for this gripping narrative.
Since Uri has also promoted the historic surgical strikes, it also took the major risk of covering the actual political figures involved in this mission. The good thing about this movie is, none of the political figures, from PM Modi to the NSA Ajit Doval, have been covered in a cartoonish way, and have been given their due space. So if what if the so-called left liberals are offended by the positive coverage of NDA government? At least our director had the courage to stand up for what is right.
Rajit Kapur, who has made a special appearance in this film as the iconic PM Narendra Modi, has done full justice to this role, which raises the bar for actors Paresh Rawal and Vivek Oberoi, who are going to essay the role on screen subsequently.
What’s Outstanding –
Another victory of this movie is the cinematography of this movie, and for that, Mitesh Mirchandani of ‘Neerja’ fame should take a bow. With limited resources, he has rocked it when it comes to capturing the right scenes for the various points of this movie.
One would find it hard to believe, that on a rather low budget of 25 crores, ‘Uri’ has given us the effects and action that can give even some of the iconic classics from Hollywood a tough run for their money. Not for even a second can you dare to blink an eye, owing to the brilliant narrative of this movie, and for that, Mitesh Mirchandani and the writers of this movie deserve full marks.
Another standing ovation goes to the acting crew, especially the man of the moment, Vicky Kaushal. As Major Vihan Singh Shergill, he has represented the life of a para-commando extremely well. With enthusiasm and the love for his nation in just the right degree, Vicky Kaushal is bound to make you feel proud for the Armed Forces and smile at his rock-solid performance.
Even Mohit Raina, who has made his movie debut with ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, has nailed it as the resolute commando, Major Karan Kashyap. The way he has performed his role, we know that this guy is here to stay. Paresh Rawal and Rakesh Bedi [watch for this cameo]have been impressive as usual, while Akashdeep Arora and Kirti Kulhari have been quite impressive. I personally wish their roles had been given more teeth. It was also good to see Yami Gautam getting out of her comfort zone for this movie.
What Could’ve Been Better –
Uri could have been a flawless masterpiece, had it not been for a few chinks in their armor. While the way the surgical strikes have been shown was rock solid, it didn’t have the exact zing as the trailer promised. There was a subplot with a spy duo that reminded some of Raazi, though it could’ve been covered way better. Also, the characters of Yami Gautam and Kirti Kulhari deserved more screen space, given the spark they showed in their limited presence.
Nevertheless, Uri is an impactful movie that will give the left liberals a living nightmare for sure. Had it not been for a few flaws, this film could’ve been a classic to remember for life. Yet, ‘Uri: the Surgical Strike’ is a must watch. Don’t’ afford to miss this. I would go with 4 out of 5 stars.