Movie Review: Shamitabh…doesn't shine despite its lead 'mixture'

Shamitabh managed the near perfect ‘mixture’ – you can’t ask for a more compelling combination than the legendary Amitabh Bachan and Dhanush (if you still haven’t seen Raanjhanaa, you have to watch it). Given the unique, albeit extremely unlikely premise, the plotline is based on, you couldn’t have give them better roles either. All they needed now to create their magic was a strong, taut and well written script. And that’s what causes this particular house of dream cards to topple down to its very foundations

Things are merely setting up in practically the entire first half. The combination of Shamitabh is quite unsettling as the movie starts and you don’t quite connect. How the combination of Shamitabh comes to be is even more of a disconnect. However, you are willing to take that leap of faith in exchange for some crackling dialogue, witty exchanges and a compelling plotline with well realized characters. While it manages some gems, here and there – the whisky and water (though it gets over-used) and ‘Shamitabh main bhi hoon’ examples being particularly pithy, the writing isn’t all that great. To make matters worse there are large spaces of nothingness every now and then. While these may underscore the performance and showcase the repertoire of the stalwart actors (primarily Bachan), they do nothing to give direction and meaning to the story and simply add to the over-extended run-time. Add to that more than its share of product placements and ‘piddly’ songs – it doesn’t make for a pretty picture or even ‘mixture’

The unique relationship between Amitabh and Dhanush is what could have really set this one up – with both having deeply etched out, complex characters and their bond undergoing its own transition. Unfortunately, as it plays out, you don’t end up warming to either of the two. Most of the time you are just confused about their behaviors, motivations and values as well as their relationship.

The only reason why Shamitabh works somewhat is because its lead ‘mixture’ is perfectly in sync and on top of their performance. While by no means equal to the stupendous presence and baritone of Big B, Dhanush maintains his own and portrays perfect expression especially in the first half. If he seems a stereotypical or lesser performer in the second half, more blame goes to his badly developed character than his performance. The Big B and his baritone are absolute winners but the director focuses on them so much that it loses its charm. The third musketeer in this  story is played by debutante Akshara Haasan who while she tries, is simply given a character that is beyond her limited range just yet. With a monotone dialogue delivery and singular expresion regardless of the context, she is not able to do justice to her small but critical role

Shamitabh had every opportunity to shine. It was the perfect recipe that could have scripted a story of two iconic characters performed by two stalwart actors. As it stands though, Shamitabh is long drawn, confused and finally disappointing, despite an uplifting performance by its leads.