Movies like Tumbbad, Badhaai Ho, Andhadhun indicates an elusive
renaissance going on within Indian cinema, URI: The Surgical Strike is no different.
It’s hard to believe that this has been Aditya Dhar’s first directional debut.
Many will draw contrast with Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty or Clint
Eastwood’s American Sniper, yet stories based on true events do have very
similar take on chronicle.
Rarely do we get chance to see movies on Indian Army, leaving
aside few like Vijeta [1982] or Prahaar [1991] most of them are plagued with
forced chest thumping, flawed tactics making them not worth the time or dime.
Even though the plot is based on true events on URI attack back in 18th
September 2016 tailed by tactical retaliation by Indian Para Special Forces,
its quite evident some liberty has been taken by the production unit for the
sake of making the subject easily accessible to the civil population.
A bar has been set on how the action movies should be made in India, Mitesh
Mirchandani’s cinematography is phenomenal coupled with a powerful title track
from Shashwat Sachdev.
2018 has been a decisive year for Indian cinema, where content
has been given rank over no brainer star cast filled films; 2019 might witness
a similar trend. The sheer effort tied with intense
acting from cast like Vicky Kaushal & Mohit Raina, realistic action & haunting
title score makes this a must watch experience on big screen. Finally a true
homage to our brothers-in-arms in Indian Para SF.
My Verdict : Highly Recommended - 8/10
