Hindi-language biographical war drama film “Sam Bahadur” chronicles the life of Sam Manekshaw, India’s first Field Marshal. It was theatrically released on 1 December 2023. The film was praised for its captivating portrayal of Manekshaw’s life and leadership (especially Vicky Kaushal’s performance). Not only did it gather accolades, it celebrated its box office success by grossing over 128 crore INR.
Let’s learn more about a movie that celebrates a legendary Indian hero.
Movie Overview
- Released in December 2023
- Biographical war drama film
- Directed by Meghna Gulzar
- Produced by Ronnie Screwvala under RSVP Movies
- Stars Vicky Kaushal as Sam Manekshaw
Watch Sam Bahadur Movie Official Trailer
You can watch Sam Bahadur (2023) full movie online on Zee5 OTT, where it was released on January 26, 2024.
Movie Synopsis
Sam Bahadur tells the story of Sam Manekshaw, India’s first and only Field Marshal. Witness the bravery and brilliance of the man on the silver screen. The film uncovers his remarkable story, from his early days in the army to his crucial role in shaping Indian history.
Key events include:
- Training at the Indian Military Academy
- Facing the challenges of partition
- Leading the Indian Army in various wars, including the pivotal 1971 Indo-Pakistani War
- His unwavering dedication and strategic brilliance
The movie portrays both the highs and lows of his life. The film clearly portrays his unshakable courage, determination, and sharp wit. Due to this, he earned himself the title “Sam Bahadur” (“Sam the Brave”). The film takes you to the beginning of his journey when he was a young cadet at the Indian Military Academy in 1934. How he became a trained war hero, serving the nation for over four decades. He fiercely fought in five wars, including World War II and the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. In these wars, his strategic leadership played a crucial role in India’s victory.
Sam Bahadur Story
Are you ready to be inspired by the legend of Sam Manekshaw? While Sam Bahadur is the title of the movie and his popular nickname, Sam Manekshaw is the actual name of the historical figure the film depicts.
- Sam Manekshaw joined the first intake of the Indian Military Academy in 1932 and served the country in numerous wars, including World War II, where he earned the Military Cross for his bravery.
- His defining moment came in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War. As the Chief of Army Staff, he played a pivotal role in planning and in executing the successful campaign that led to the liberation of Bangladesh. His strategic foresight and ability to inspire his troops proved instrumental in securing India’s victory against Pakistan.
- Beyond his military prowess, Sam Bahadur was known for his sharp wit and integrity. He was also a champion for the rights of his soldiers. He advocated for better living conditions and equipment for Indian soldiers.
This biographical war drama movie explores the legend in the making. The screen adaptation significantly highlights the sacrifices and contributions of Sam Manekshaw to India’s military history.
Cast and Crew
Sam Bahadur is directed by Meghna Gulzar, known for acclaimed movies like Raazi and Chhapaak. The script was also written by Meghna Gulzar, along with Bhavani Iyer and Shantanu Srivastava.
The cast of the movie includes
| Actor | Role | Description |
| Vicky Kaushal | Sam Manekshaw | Lead role, depicts his journey from soldier to hero. |
| Fatima Sana Shaikh | Indira Gandhi | Portrays Prime Minister, Emphasizes Leadership Unity. |
| Sanya Malhotra | Silloo Manekshaw | Wife of Sam Manekshaw, offers personal insight. |
| Govind Namdeo | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel | Depicts Deputy Prime Minister, highlights leadership. |
| Neeraj Kabi | Jawaharlal Nehru | Portrays Prime Minister, showcases wartime decisions. |
You will see Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Prajesh Kashyap, Kalki Koechlin, Upen Chauhan, Krishnakant Singh Bundela, and Jaskaran Singh Gandhi are in the supporting roles. The additional crew includes
- Cinematographer: Jay I. Patel
- Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
- Editor: Nitin Baid
This list only highlights the key members of the cast and crew who brought Sam Bahadur to life on the big screen; otherwise, this is a never-ending list. The film was shot across 13 locations in India and took over two years to complete.
Sam Bahadur Songs
The movie has several songs created by the renowned composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Here’s a list of the confirmed songs:
Banda
Captures the spirit of the military and Sam Bahadur’s dedication to his duty, featuring Vicky Kaushal.
Badhte Chalo
Sung by Arijit Singh and Divya Kumar, this song is a rousing call, urging individuals to persevere and fight for their dreams.
Itni Si Baat
This melodious song by Shreya Ghoshal conveys a message of love, commitment, and resilience.
Sam Bahadur Anthem
A patriotic and inspirational track that celebrates the legacy of Sam Manekshaw.
Dum Hai Toh Aaja
In Sunidhi Chauhan’s voice, the song depicts a sense of bravery and determination.
Sam Bahadur Reviews
Critics are praising Sam Bahadur, lauding it for its compelling portrayal of a national hero. Vicky Kaushal’s performance as Sam Manekshaw is being hailed as transformative. He has remarkably captured the detailed essence of the legendary figure. Meghna Gulzar’s direction receives much acclaim.
The film is commended for its ability to navigate the delicate balance between historical accuracy and personal storytelling. Moreover, it is an immersive experience, with critics highlighting the breathtaking cinematography, music, and impressive production design that collectively brought the era to life. Beyond the technical aspects, Sam Bahadur is praised for its ability to inspire and celebrate the legacy of Sam Manekshaw. It leaves you re-energized and proud of your Indian history.
Budget and Box Office Collection of Sam Bahadur
The reported budget invested in the making of the film is ₹50 crores (approximately $6.1 million). It is considered a moderate budget for a major Bollywood production. Its box office collection, as of February 27, 2024, declared Sam Bahadur a commercial success. The movie grossed a worldwide collection of ₹128.17 crores (approximately $16 million).
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