'Willpower, dedication and hard-work...the skies the limit'
It's a film that makes you believe anything is truly possible! Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is one of the most remarkable biopics I have seen till date and the very fact that this film goes beyond a make-believe story or any other quintessential Bollywood love-saga is what separates this movie from the rest!
The year 1947, the most gravest of incidents take place when India and Pakistan turn against each other. The massacre of millions of families, bodies left amidst the rubbles and cries of hundreds and thousands of people left in despair was what defined the bloody year of partition. The young 12 year old Milkha Singh (played by the young Jabtej Singh) had indeed luckily survived, but sadly witness to his mother and fathers demise, his family home torn apart and no sense of belonging in what was now known as Pakistan. Eventually finding out his beloved elder sister (Divya Dutta) had also survived, Milkha went on to live with her and his brother in law in a refugee camp. But since seeing so much violence, heartbreak and pain, Milkha was a changed person. His childlike innocence was forever lost...
In some sense or an other, it can be argued that the year of Indian Independence was the fatal year that redefined Milkha's life and his very own independence through to adulthood (played by Farhan Akhtar). He felt angry, abused and increasingly disturbed that becoming a street dacoit seemed the only way to survival! However, the very fact that his elder sister would always relieve him from such circumstances and his love for Biro (Sonam Kapoor) could never transpire into a marital future meant that Milkha began to question whether he could continue living his life in the shadows of crime and illegal activities.
Milkha's love for Biro forced him into finding ways to lead a better life and it was the opportunity to join the Indian Army that disciplined him to the core. It was Milkha's chance to prove to himself that he is more than just a mere thief. But this wasn't going to be all. This was in fact Milkha's time to shine when introduced to athletics. Running barefoot through the muddy tracks he was being trained on, his guru saw a great deal of potential in the young sportsman, and it was thereafter Milkha never looked back!
So yes, Milkha went on to achieve great heights! From winning the 400m Olympic gold medals across many parts of the world, to meeting her royal highness Queen Elizebeth II and receiving the very respectable Padma Shri award, Milkha's name undoubtedly created sporting history!
But amongst his tastes of success and gold winnings, I absolutely love the way in which the film gives importance to Milkha's sheer dedication, determination and drive. He battled through a turbulent and shattered childhood, which effected a great deal of his youth. But that one decision to still do something with what he had left in life is what remains the most inspirational execute of the film. He ran to the best of his abilities, but was initially never quite good enough to compete nationally never-mind internationally. He was a sore loser. But the fight within him to never give up only meant Milkha was going from strength to strength! From running nationally, he began to sprint internationally, but without any hardcore physical training, immense practice and willpower this could not have been made possible.
Farhan Akhtar owns this film all the way and his flawless performance in playing the role of Milkha with such ease and grace is absolutely remarkable. You can see that inner thirst and hunger for Milkha's victory through the fine acting skills of Farhan and one will be able to see that Farhan's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Alongside Farhan, Divya Dutta played the role of Milkha's elder sister fantastically! Divya's role as Isshri somewhat encapsulated the notion of relational-purity, which no longer exists today. But the fact that Divya played the role so beautifully and with such poise makes you yearn for a familial relationship of the same sort too. Whilst Sonam Kapoor is only in the film for a small period of time, she plays the part of Biro well. Jabtej Singh playing the role of the young Milkha debuted in this film having the ability to move the audience and fits the bill of what one can imagine a young Milkha to be like.
The ultimate man behind showcasing such an aesthetic biopic however, is the one and only director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Mehra knows exactly what his audiences are expecting, in that he wants everyone of us to leave the theatre awe inspired. Depicting the life story of an ordinary man who lives on today as one of the greatest sporting legends invites us to be that ordinary individual too who can achieve just as much success.
Life is one magnificent journey, and through all trials and tribulations thrown at us Bhaag Milkha Bhaag enables one to realise that one should never quite give up! You want something- go give it everything you have, and one day as a result of your hard work and perseverance you too will soar through the sky like our very own Flying Sikh, Milkha Singh!
Ratings: 4.5/5
Kin x
