Almost every moment in the movie is a death of irony, the biggest of them being that Nawazuddin Siddiqui, an outsider on both counts of community and religion, plays Balasaheb Thackeray.

This is either an oblivious or blatantly self-aware film, a work not of propaganda as much as it is a work of pride, celebrating a legacy of violence.

Thackeray is a warts-and-none propaganda film about a man who peddled hate and keenly fostered a sense of otherness (first South Indians, then Muslims). The trailer may be offensive, but it’s honest

…bold views in a film can’t envelope notorious tactics in real life, so I wouldn’t blame you if you hold it against Bal Thackeray and his party members who have galvanized resources to make this film.

If you believe there are no excuses for vandalism and violence, then you would not like Thackeray, the leader. And you won’t see any point in this movie.

But if you are ready to buy the obsolete ‘reaction to action’ excuse, then, well, clap and whistle when Thackeray says the Babri Masjid demolition corrects a historical wrong.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui Is Outstanding Performer In A Film Best Left Alone…

Writer and producer Sanjay Raut doesn’t distort facts from Bal Thackeray’s story. The riled up speeches, the unapologetic candour and the larger-than-life persona is presented without a veil. While the honesty is commendable, it comes across that the lead character’s political motivations lack clarity. Perhaps a more seasoned writer could have fleshed out Thackeray’s character and eccentricities a lot better. But its Nawaz’s nonchalant performance that overshadows the flaws and leaves a lasting impact.

Not that “Thackeray” was ever going to be anything but a hagiography, but films like these underline the need for good, impartial and well-made political films. Given how obsessed we are with politics, we deserve better films about it and the men who shape our nation. 

Don’t miss Thackeray. It’s like a gym session that gives you a high. You can actually feel the adrenaline pumping, many a time during the film.

ith a run-time of 2 hours and 19 minutes, Thackeray, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Bal Thackeray, feels like a political sermon that goes on too long, says our review.

With a run-time of 2 hours and 19 minutes, Thackeray, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Bal Thackeray, feels like a political sermon that goes on too long, says our review.

The timeline of Thackeray is conveniently engineered to delete the unflattering, the sensitive and the problematic mandate. What remains are elements that buoy up the founder of the Shiv Sena and paint him in resplendent saffron. The colour-agnostic are likely to find this portrait as fascinating as it is disturbing.

Thackeray has masala for the audience in Maharashtra mainly. Outside the state of Maharashtra, the film stands bleak chances despite a National holiday today (January 26) due to Republic Day. Collections will show a big jump in Maharashtra today.

Overall, this film is notches better than any of the previous movies offering a glimpse into Balasaheb’s life.

Marathi manoos, Babri Masjid demolition and Hindutvavaad, expectedly, don’t just find a thumping approval but are glorified in the latest Bollywood biopic