Hallucinate all the way: Sanjay “Sanju” Dutt (played by Ranbir Kapoor) busies himself, not minding tensions around him.

This film is among rare Bollywood biopics

The Bollywood film industry has very few films focusing on the lives of celebrities, probably because of the lack of commercial value and content, although when produced, such films showcase great creativity.

A biopic on Sanjay Dutt, Sanju is hitting it big, raking in $US3.9 million as of last week in India alone.

Dutt’s parents were well-known in the industry. His mother Nargis is recognized for her role in Mother India and his father Sunil for his array of successful movies, including Sadhna, Sujata, Padosan and Hamraaz.

Over the years, Dutt has taken villainous roles, like that of a mobster or thug, in films that have become box-office hits.

Dutt’s father going from movie director to politician has seemingly made an impact on his life. When analyzed, it appeared that his father’s political career had spurred a big problem in Dutt’s life because he resorted to purchasing rifles to protect his father from death threats.

Dutt was also tagged a terrorist but was cleared and instead charged with possession of illegal weapons. He went on to serve four years’ imprisonment. He mentioned in the film that the media had dubbed him as an unacceptable figure in society.

In the film, Dutt is portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor.    

Director Rajukumar Hirani, who is known for his films such as 3 Idiots, slowly unveils Dutt’s story through flashbacks. Two important characters narrate the story. One is Zubin Mistry (Jim Sarbh) and the other is Kamlesh Kanhaiyalal Kapas (Vicky Kaushal).

The movie opens with Dutt, who is seated next to his wife and kids in the living room. Both husband and wife are looking for someone to write a biography. The writer, Winnie Diaz (Anushka Sharma), looks into Dutt’s credibility.

Most biopics are dramatic, but Hirani starts the film with comedy, while unraveling a serious story. As the film goes on, Dutt’s life story is exposed in an honest manner, especially in that part when he mentions that he had slept with 350 women. While he leads a life filled with drugs and sex, Dutt remains loyal to his loving father, showing their strong bond. While many know the acting process of Ranbir Kapoor is superb, at one point it becomes eerie because Kapoor actually looks and talks like Dutt. Watching the movements and mannerisms, it felt as if it was Dutt who was acting out the role.

Dramatic life: Dutt tries to figure out how to clear his name.

Vicky Kaushal, as Kamlesh, brought a powerful presence to the film with his portrayal of Dutt’s best friend. Meanwhile, Anushka Sharma as Winnie Diaz was excellent. Her aura was superb, taking on the role of the biographer hired to write Dutt’s story.

Sonam Kapoor, who played Ruby, Dutt’s girlfriend, was also striking as a bubbly succumbing woman. She smothly shows a transformation from a happy young lady to a bitter fiancé. She might only have a small role, but it was strong enough to leave an impression.

Manisha Koirala, who played Nargis, Dutt’s mother, was also awesome in her very small role as an ailing woman with cancer.

The makeup artist in this film deserves accolades with the kind of physical transformation they creatively achieved by transforming Kapoor’s character from a young 21-year-old lad to a 58-year-old man.

The movie has its imperfections, with a lot of events in his life having been missed.

The film shows that Dutt had nothing to hide. Movies like this are rare and shouldn’t be missed.

 Fun time: Dutt dances with his girlfriend Ruby (played by Sonar Kapoor).

— Photos courtesy of Foxstar Studios

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SANJU

(20th Century Fox, Fox Star Studios, 161 minutes)

Written by: Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi

Directed by: Rajkumar Hirani

Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor