The movie Sonchiriya set in 1975, describes the rebel and gorge of dacoits in Chambal. Setting aside the usual trappings in the film, all is hardcore be it language or to the laughter. The pure usage of language Bundelkhandi offers subtitles for the audience.
The film will remind you of the renowned movie Sholay and the famous character of Gabbar Singh because of the laughter of the dacoits but the reason for the laughter here is related to heartbreak. The funny part is that the movie has refrained itself from using the word dacoit or bandit and rather used it as a rebel.
One of the laughing dacoit essayed by Ranvir Shorey named Vakil Singh is being played phenomenally by him. The cause of the whole movie is described in an impressive dialogue that one character asks a policeman that if the dharma of the policeman is to catch the rebel, what is the dharma of the rebel?
The film loads us with every possible answer to the question posed at the start of the movie. This is the best-crafted movie by the director Abhishek Chaubey which is shot beautifully by Anuj Rakesh Dhawan.
If we talk about acting and portrayal, it’s been a thrilling performance by the actors. The film stars Sushant Singh Rajput, Bhumi Pednekar, Ranveer Shorey, Manoj Bajpayee and Ashutosh Rana. The ace performances were carried by Sushant and Ranveer. Manoj Bajpayee plays an excellent chief rebel while Bhumi plays a feisty woman on the run and has given a bold and strong performance despite so many men dominance in the movie.
The much-appreciated role is played by one of the finest actor Ashutosh Rana who plays a cop chasing the dacoits. The actor has delivered fantastic performances more often in movies like Mulk, Dhadak, Simmba.
Chaubey has brought interesting facets to the plot and if you’re planning to watch the film, go for interesting acting line up and superb performances in a not so amazing plot.
‘Total Dhamaal’: Funny and entertaining despite a staid story (IANS Review, Rating: ***)
