Disclaimer: I am a die-hard fan of Vicky Kaushal so if he is a part of any project, I have to watch it and I have to love it, right from Masaan through Manmarziyan to Uri.
With that confession out of the way, Uri is based on the 2016 surgical strike that was carried out by the Indian army in retaliation to the attack on Army headquarters at Uri, killing and injuring many Indian soldiers. It portrays the army men in as realistic manner as is possible trying its best to steer clear of any jingoism. I have always been amazed as to what motivates people to join the armed forces, knowing fully well the risks involved. And even more amazing is how they remember to smile and laugh through it all. A small party scene captures this zest of theirs beautifully.
Vicky Kaushal owns the movie from the word go. His silences, his measured words, his emotions make us believe in the character of Major Vihaan that he’s playing.
The look and feel of the movie are slick and very real. We’ve come a long way from the sandese-aate-hain days though we still have a long way to go if we compare it with a movie like Zero Dark Thirty, a movie I was reminded of when I watched this one.
There are moments and snatches where the movie shines. Like when the little niece let’s out the war cry or when Kaushal stifles his tears, on the loss of a friend who was family, to finally vent it out in the moment when he kills the terrorist directly linked to the Uri attack.
There is no romantic angle whatsoever, thank the lord, and both the actresses stand out in their small roles. Wish they had been given some more scenes especially Kirti Kulhari who is so convincing as the widow Seerat waiting in the wings to prove herself. And then there is Mohit Raina, who is someone I shall be looking out for in the future.
The political angle in the backdrop, again thankfully, doesn’t overshadow the achievements of the army. As an actor Paresh Rawal is always a delight. Rajat Kapoor doesn’t have much of a role but you don’t mind that.
The background score is brilliant and so is the music with some inspiring lyrics that linger with you even after you have left the theatre.
What’s left to be desired is probably that they have oversimplified the plotting and the actual strike. They have deviated a bit from the original events in an attempt to entertain but may be a little more detail would have made it more interesting.
I recommend the movie for two reasons, one is Vicky Kaushal (obviously) and the other is in deference for the Indian army.
Pic courtsey: Filmibeat.com
Shivani Salil 