There is something acutely dispiriting about Shamshera. The film is set in 1871 against the backdrop of the British Raj, but the story isn't aiming for historical authenticity. This is the fantastical tale of a warrior tribe called Khameran, their subjugation and their battle for independence against the British and against a particularly sadistic daroga named Shuddh Singh. That a bloodthirsty, opportunistic megalomaniac should be called Shuddh is about as clever as this film gets.
According to press reports, Shamshera was made on a budget of Rs. 150 crore. The film was extensively shot in the Nubra Valley in Ladakh. The hard work and sweat of the team are apparent onscreen. In the production design of the fictitious kingdom of Kaza by Sumit Basu. In the scale and visuals captured by cinematographer Anay Goswamy - he artfully utilises the constantly-swirling dust, especially in the song "Fitoor". In the music and background score by composer Mithoon, who has created a fittingly rousing title song for his two heroes, Shamshera and his son Balli. And most of all in the performance of Ranbir Kapoor, who after 15 years in the business, takes on the mantle of being a larger-than-life hero. He has built his physique and mostly sheds the fumbling softness and vulnerability that made him such a winning performer in more layered roles in films like Barfi (2012), Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009) and Tamasha (2015). Shamshera needs him to wield an axe like Thor and rescue the downtrodden. And he delivers. His presence isn't instantly electrifying like Ranveer Singh's in Simmba (2018) or Ram Charan and NTR Jr in RRR (2022), but with acting chops and charisma, Ranbir Kapoor holds the frame.
Read the full review at filmcompanion.in.
According to press reports, Shamshera was made on a budget of Rs. 150 crore. The film was extensively shot in the Nubra Valley in Ladakh. The hard work and sweat of the team are apparent onscreen. In the production design of the fictitious kingdom of Kaza by Sumit Basu. In the scale and visuals captured by cinematographer Anay Goswamy - he artfully utilises the constantly-swirling dust, especially in the song "Fitoor". In the music and background score by composer Mithoon, who has created a fittingly rousing title song for his two heroes, Shamshera and his son Balli. And most of all in the performance of Ranbir Kapoor, who after 15 years in the business, takes on the mantle of being a larger-than-life hero. He has built his physique and mostly sheds the fumbling softness and vulnerability that made him such a winning performer in more layered roles in films like Barfi (2012), Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009) and Tamasha (2015). Shamshera needs him to wield an axe like Thor and rescue the downtrodden. And he delivers. His presence isn't instantly electrifying like Ranveer Singh's in Simmba (2018) or Ram Charan and NTR Jr in RRR (2022), but with acting chops and charisma, Ranbir Kapoor holds the frame.
Read the full review at filmcompanion.in.