Jan. 25, 2019|India|139 Min.|n/A
Genre: Bollywood;Drama;History
Description: The film “Thackeray” (2019) delves into the life of a polarizing political figure, clearly showcasing its perspective. Written and directed by MNS leader Abhijit Panse and produced by Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, the film unabashedly aligns itself with its subject. It avoids whitewashing the controversial aspects of Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy, instead embracing them. The movie portrays him as a proud and unapologetic figure, unafraid of hate speech, comparisons to Adolf Hitler, and the destruction of mosques or the killing of communists. Far from justification, the film feels like a confession, presenting Thackeray as a tyrant rather than a noble leader.
The cinematography, in striking high-contrast black and white by Sudeep Chatterjee, echoes the style of Ram Gopal Varma’s earlier works. The narrative traces Thackeray’s rise from a cartoonist to a dominating political force, akin to a prequel to Varma’s “Sarkar,” which idolized its protagonist. However, “Thackeray” revels in his authoritarian nature, celebrating his power to intimidate, demolish, and disrupt.
This film is not subtle propaganda but a bold declaration of pride in a legacy rooted in violence. It’s either oblivious to or fully aware of its portrayal, making it a provocative and unflinching cinematic experience.
Cast director: Abhijit Panse
Cast actor: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Amrita Rao, Sudhir Mishra, Rajesh Khera, Laxman Singh Rajput, Vineet Sharma
Original name: ठाकरे