Kurkshethra directed by Major Ravi, casting Mohan Lal and Biju Menon is perhaps the first attempt in Malayam Cinema to bring to life the valour of Indian Soldiers during Operation Vijay. Almost ten years since diplomacy backed up with determination and force saw the Indian flag fly high once again over the rocky terrains of Kashmir, Kurukshetra endeavours to recapture those decisive operational and strategic modus operandi of the Indian Armed Forces that led the country and its people to a proud conquest.
In my opinion, Kurukshetra is one of those exceptional war action dramas that is rich in rewards and insights. This hard-hitting film is a fitting tribute not just to the much-loved soldiers we have lost in combat, but also to the departed souls who spilled their blood across the Line Of Control.
The film does take an emphatic anti-war stand that it depicts through gruesome details. It has a certain-to-concern-you assertion that's less about war grounds and weaponry and more about the intrinsic nature of mankind. The movie is not as impressive as Keerthi Chakra, Major Ravi's first movie, but is far better than his second one - Mission 90 days.
Budgeting seems to have been a concern for the movie, as it lacks the conviction that movies like 'Border' or 'LOC Kargil' managed to. The war scenes are not that effective. It could be because my idea of war scenes are based on scenes from 'Saving Private Ryan', "Border', 'LOC Kargil', 'Behind Enemy Lines' and many other Hollywood movies. This commanding film is often tormenting to watch, but it can also be shockingly engaging as it skilfully blends chilling wit, with plenty of misery and terror. Some of the shots in the movie seems to have been adopted from Hollywood movies.
A lot of it succeeds on account of a script that's kept taut, as it dabbles with some very valid themes. There are plenty of personality conflicts at play here, as well as the excruciating aggravation that simmers inside men who really look forward to putting constructive changes into effect, and yet remain helplessly wedged in the intricacies of the red tape.
After a pretty sluggish start, the film moves ahead in full steam as Colonel Mahadevan (Mohanlal) nobly pilots his troops up the Kargil Mountains to victory and golden history. Whether or not you have brushed up on your 90's history, it's a story that's general knowledge, and hence Kurukshetra lays down all the events on a salver before us. There is the notorious coffin scam, as well as a real efficient dig at a prominent photo journalist who had strived to wage the war with her camera lens.
The film at times lacks the imperative knack to sustain a steady surge throughout. There are occasions when it seems pretty confused; especially the supposedly poignant ones that get stretched beyond possible limits. Subsequent to making an instructive point, it reiterates its philosophy continually, to the point of appearing emotionally manipulative. The sentimental clichés mar an otherwise excellent film.
A lot of it succeeds on account of a script that's kept taut, as it dabbles with some very valid themes. There are plenty of personality conflicts at play here, as well as the excruciating aggravation that simmers inside men who really look forward to putting constructive changes into effect, and yet remain helplessly wedged in the intricacies of the red tape.
Regardless of some slip-ups, Kurukshetra offers a convincing portrait of the inanity of war. It is also a warning for those elements who wants to see the sovereignty of our nation destroyed.
If you expect a movie that is a blend of war and love, then you would be disappointed. The movie ends with a translation of the famous Hindi Song:
"Aye mere watan ke logon
zaraa aankh mein bhar lo paani
jo shahid hue hai unn ki
zaraa yaad karo qurbaani"
We might not be able to do anything for the martyrs of Kargil War. But let us at least shed a drop of tear for those gallant men who sacrificed their today's for our better tomorrows.
Vande Matharam.
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