Thackeray

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Abhijit Panse is the writer and director of the 2019 Indian biographical film Thackeray, which was simultaneously shot in Marathi and Hindi. The Shiv Sena, an Indian political party, was founded by Balasaheb Thackeray, whose life is chronicled in the movie. Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays Thackeray in the movie, and Amrita Rao plays his wife. Ashok Lokhande also is seen in a supporting role. Bal Thackeray turned 93 on January 25, 2019, the day the movie came out.

This biopic traces the rise of Bal Keshav Thackeray, as he goes from being a cartoonist, to establishing a new political party for Maharashtrians, the Shiv Sena. The film takes us through the journey of his political life and also gives us a glimpse of his personal story. All of this as Thackeray becomes the most influential political leader in Maharashtra.

The narrative starts in the late 1960s, when Bal Thackeray was a cartoonist for the Free Press Journal, and it continues through the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s as he advances in the political arena. While it's easy for a biopic to exalt its subject, Thackeray makes a refreshing change by showing the protagonist's career in all its raw glory. While there are certain liberties taken, overall the movie presents him as the aggressive leader that he was. So much so that he even stands up in court and claims that members of his party helped destroy the Babri Masjid.

Thackeray is portrayed as a leader who is unapologetically assertive about his opinions and aggression, whether he is in a court of law or at a political rally. He was not one to hold back, and the remarks made by the leader in filmmaker Abhijit Panse's film adhere to the same norm by employing harsh, polarising language. Although it doesn't strive to present a positive picture of Thackeray, it does make an effort to make him the hero of the common people.

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.