'Sarbjit' review: Aishwarya-Randeep pump up the melodrama, but fail to keep you engrossed

Movie: Sarbjit 
Starring: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Randeep Hooda, Richa Chadda
Directed by: Omung Kumar

What's It About:

In the age of biopics and films based on real-life incidents, here comes another one. After the feisty portrayal of Mary Kom on screen, director Omung Kumar tells the story of Sarabjit (played on screen by Randeep), a farmer from Punjab who accidentally crossed over to Pakistan in a drunken state only to find himself arrested and accused of being an Indian spy. Sarabjit spent years in jail (till his death in 2013) while his sister Dalbir (Aishwarya) continued her struggle for his release. The film highlights Dalbir's efforts to free her brother and clear his name.

What's Good: 

The director is armed with a story that has very limited scope on screen. So there is an enhanced effort on making the screenplay interesting. Omung Kumar succeeds in creating an ensemble of dramatic scenes. In isolation, some of them would, therefore, seem effective. However, that's just not good enough. The scene where Sarabjit's family comes to meet him in the Pakistani prison is filled with emotion. Or even the one where his wife (Richa) is going through his belongings after his death. But sadly, a handful of scenes can't make a film work. 

What's Not: 

To begin with, one wonders if this is a good enough story to be showcased on the big screen in the first place. There is nothing new the director has to tell us. The media has extensively covered this story. The director's handling of the subject is erratic and amateurish, almost seeming that he is confused on how to position a film like this. At times, he makes it stark real. At other times, there is a deliberate effort to pump up the melodrama. Just when you're ready to absorb a scene, an Arijit Singh song pops up right in your face, taking you back in the nightmarish Sanam Re space. You have producer T-Series to thank for that. Sarbjit is about human drama and relationships. Unfortunately, neither is engaging enough to keep you engrossed. And that's the reason why the dreariness of the subject wears you down in just a few minutes after the film begins. The only relief you can look for is in the scenes that cause confusion because at least you stay awake thanks to them. Like the director chooses to show Randeep's face as Sarabjit in some parts while in the others, he shows pictures of the real Sarabjit. What was the logic? People are shown walking in and out of the Wagah Border as if it were the Borivali National Park. The lead performances don't help either with their over-the-top portrayals. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan should stick to characters she can identify with. As the film's primary driver, she fails to do full justice to Dalbir. Randeep Hooda is restrained but again cannot rise beyond the ordinary screenplay. Richa Chadda is present in the entire film but has one or two scenes to show her prowess. Also, the excessive use of Punjabi language in the dialogues (probably to add authenticity) just leaves the audience more confused.

What To Do: 

If you want to know about Sarabjit, google it for free. You'll know more than what the film has to offer.

Rating: **1/2