THE BMB EFFECT

Clutching the tray full of Nacho’s, jalapenos, cream and tomato dip - I was well equipped for any contingency that awaited me inside. Of course the reviews were fabulous and I had killed 50% of danger right at the conception. Well you never know – after all individual preferences differ. I was tired and hungry and so once the Nacho’s had settled in I would too, if the screen failed my expectations. There was nothing new, or rather unknown in the story so I wondered how the movie would weave its magic. These were not apprehensions, rather a few careless thoughts at best which would soon be trashed and put to permanent sleep.

 What distinguishes the common from uncommon in the field of movie making- the power of an extraordinary story teller, the vision of a creative genius, the prescience of an entrepreneur- call it whatever you please. In the hands of such a person the mundane transforms, gathers texture, and unimaginable flavors. The audience is left with no option but to submit the self completely in the journey, feeling the character, empathizing with them, living their lives. 

 Milkha Singh’s extraordinary athletic excellence and his inimitable service to the nation despite adversities are entrenched in the psyche of all Indians. Sadly however the younger generation, especially those living abroad, are distanced from the knowledge of individual struggles and sacrifices of such exemplary Indians. The directorial genius of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra deserves the highest commendation for presenting the life story of “The Flying Sikh” in such an entertaining and enticing manner. What better way to reintroduce the shining stars of our heritage to the younger generation, than the entertainment media? What better way to salute and venerate a hero?

When the movie was over I really felt like getting up and clapping. If anything prevented me from doing so it was the learnt socialized etiquette - “Only juvenile people whistle, stand and clap or join hands and pray when they see image of God on screen- it’s after all screen not real …MAN!”. But I swear I would have got up and clapped loud if even a single individual would have crossed that invisible Laksham Rehkha and done it. I’m sure there were many like me awaiting a single trigger. There was another moment while watching the movie when I really felt ashamed I did not stand up- when the national anthem was being played in the background…sigh. Well enough of self persecution back to the topic in question. Notwithstanding the amazing performances by various supporting characters including Divya Dutta, there was one imposing figure who left his indelible mark - Yograjsingh Bhagsingh Bhandal, cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s father who played Milkha Singh’s coach.

As far as the lead character Farhan Akhtar was concerned, no words would suffice to describe his acting capabilities and the way he had molded himself to become Milkha Singh. There was not a moment in the movie when I doubted that it was anyone else other than Milkha Singh. He is probably the only actor who can be compared with the multifaceted genius of Kishore Da (parameter of comparison being multifarious talent, not the singing acumen of Kishore Kumar).