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The movie Major is a Telugu biographical action-drama based on the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a hero of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Released on June 3, 2022, the film is directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka and stars Adivi Sesh as the titular character. It was produced by Mahesh Babu, the superstar of Telugu cinema, under the banner of GMB Entertainment. The movie delves into the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, his courage, sacrifices, and his role in saving lives during the deadly 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Major is not just a story of heroism, but a tribute to an inspiring individual who gave his life for the nation.
This film has stirred a lot of emotional responses, as it brings the true-life story of a martyr to the silver screen. Let’s take a deeper look into what makes Major stand out and how it performs in terms of both storytelling and execution.
2. Plot Summary
Major follows the journey of Sandeep Unnikrishnan (played by Adivi Sesh), a young and determined man who aspires to serve the nation. His path leads him to the Indian Army, where he becomes a part of the National Security Guard (NSG). The movie traces his journey, from his early days as a cadet to his rise as an officer, focusing on his dedication, sacrifices, and commitment to his duties.
The core of the film focuses on the tragic events of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, along with his team, led a courageous assault to save innocent lives. While the film captures his brave actions during the terror attacks, it also provides a glimpse into his personal life, relationships, and the emotional toll that such heroism takes on loved ones.
Sandeep’s valor and his ultimate sacrifice form the emotional backbone of the film, making it an emotional and respectful tribute to his legacy.
3. What’s Good?
There are several aspects of Major that elevate it above the typical biographical film.
Adivi Sesh’s Performance:
The movie’s standout feature is undoubtedly the performance by Adivi Sesh. His portrayal of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan is heartfelt, intense, and impactful. Sesh does not just play the role of a soldier; he brings to life the inner conflict, the vulnerability, and the strength of the character. His nuanced performance makes the audience connect with Major Sandeep on a deeper level, and he succeeds in capturing both the personal and professional sides of this real-life hero.
Direction and Screenplay:
Director Sashi Kiran Tikka does a commendable job in ensuring the film stays true to the essence of the story while also making it accessible to a wide audience. The screenplay flows smoothly, balancing the personal life of Sandeep with his professional journey. The film’s pacing is engaging, with just the right mix of emotional depth and action sequences. The sequences depicting the Mumbai attacks are gripping and intense, leaving a strong impact on the viewer.
Music and Background Score:
The music, composed by Sricharan Pakala, complements the film’s mood. The background score elevates key moments, particularly during the action scenes and emotional high points. The soundtrack plays a crucial role in highlighting the emotional stakes of the movie and adds depth to Sandeep’s journey.
Cinematography:
The cinematography by Vamsi Pelli deserves praise as it beautifully captures both the sweeping landscapes and the intense close-ups of critical moments. The use of lighting and camera angles effectively enhances the movie’s mood, creating a sense of suspense, emotional tension, and patriotism. The visuals, especially during the attack sequences, immerse the viewer into the narrative, making the audience feel the adrenaline and fear experienced by the soldiers.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Inspiring Story:
The most significant strength of Major is its true-to-life story, which has the power to inspire. It sheds light on the bravery and sacrifice of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a man who laid down his life for others. The portrayal of his humanity, courage, and ultimate sacrifice resonates deeply with viewers. - Emotional Depth:
The film takes time to show Sandeep’s personal struggles, his bond with his parents, and his relationships with colleagues. These moments add emotional depth and make the eventual tragedy even more poignant. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the human side of the hero, which makes the narrative even more relatable. - Realistic Action Sequences:
The action sequences, especially those during the Mumbai attacks, are well-executed and realistic. These moments are tense and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The combat scenes reflect the grit and determination of the soldiers involved in the operation.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing in the First Half:
While the film is generally well-paced, the first half of Major can feel a little slow at times. There are moments when the film delves deeply into character development, which may not appeal to viewers who prefer a more action-packed narrative. - Predictability:
Since the movie is based on real-life events, the conclusion is known to most viewers. Although this doesn’t detract from the emotional power of the story, it may reduce the film’s dramatic impact for some who are looking for unexpected twists.
5. Target Audience
Major is a film that will resonate with a wide range of viewers. The movie is primarily aimed at:
- Patriotism lovers: Those who enjoy stories of valor, patriotism, and real-life heroes will find this movie especially moving.
- Action movie fans: The film includes gripping action sequences, particularly during the 26/11 attacks.
- Drama lovers: Anyone who enjoys emotional and character-driven stories will find Major to be an engaging watch.
- Families: Since the movie portrays the life of a martyr with a focus on human emotions, it is suitable for a family viewing experience.
6. Box Office Details
Budget: The film had an estimated budget of ₹30-35 crores, considering its production quality, star cast, and marketing.
Worldwide Collection:
Upon release, Major performed well at the box office, grossing over ₹70 crores worldwide within the first week of its release. The film’s mix of emotional storytelling and high-quality production helped it connect with audiences and earn strong word-of-mouth.
Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas):
- Day 1 (India): ₹6.5 crores
- Day 2 (India): ₹7.2 crores
- Day 3 (India): ₹8.5 crores
- Day 4 (India): ₹4.5 crores
- Day 5 (India): ₹5.2 crores
The film saw a steady increase in its earnings due to positive reviews, especially for its emotional depth and impactful performances.
7. Recommendation
Major is an emotionally powerful tribute to a hero who sacrificed his life for his country. Adivi Sesh’s portrayal of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan is nothing short of brilliant, and the film’s direction, music, and cinematography bring the story to life with respect and dignity. While it does have a slightly slow pace in the first half, the film picks up steam in the latter half and delivers a heart-wrenching conclusion.
I highly recommend Major to those who enjoy biographical films, action-packed drama, and heartfelt stories of real-life heroes. This movie will leave a lasting impact and is certainly worth watching.
Genres:
Action, History, Drama
Rating:
7.078/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Adivi Sesh | Sandeep Unnikrishnan |
| Saiee Manjrekar | Isha Agarwal |
| Sobhita Dhulipala | Pramoda Reddy |
| Murali Sharma | Colonel Shera |
| Prakash Raj | Unnikrishnan |
| Revathi | Dhanalakshmi |
| Vinay Nallakadi | Jail Inmate |
| Anish Kuruvilla | Rodriguez |
| Sridevi | Sandeep’s Sister (in Flashbacks) |
| Pradeep Rudra | Major Khanna |
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