Shaurya means courage to tell the truth without any pressure or favor. This applies to the critics, too. This Friday two Bollywood and one Lollywood movies are released. We could watch three or four movies in a single theater only thanks to multi-screen theaters. Today's three movies include director Samar Khan's 'Shaurya', director Pawan Kaul's 'Bhram' and Pakistani debutant director Shoib Mansoor's 'Khuda Kay Liye'.
The last movie was screened last year in India at an International film festival. Though all the movies are different from each other, yet 'Saurya' seems to have been inspired from Hollywood. Inspiration is welcome but not copying. Samar has just copied the whole movie and pasted the bollywood star cast instead that includes Rahul Bose, Javed Jaffrey, Minissha Lamba, Deepak Dobriyal, Kay Kay Menon and Amrita Roy (in special appearance).
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'Shaurya' is a story of finding courage within. It is about the battle for truth and justice, a battle in which friendships are tested. The movie revolves around Captain Javed Khan (Deepak Dobriyal) who is a young, honest, brave army officer ready to risk his life for the country. His father was a subedar who felt the proudest when he saw his son becoming an officer. Javed's mother is a proud woman, too. She would rather sacrifice her son for the sake of the country's honor. Javed's belief in the army was stupendous, until he was charged with mutiny, treason and killing a fellow officer.
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Even when he is held for court martial, he refuses to speak in his defense, as the secret he holds is too powerful for the establishment to handle. Assigned for this task is Major Sidharth Choudhry aka Sid (Rahul Bose) and Major Aakash Kapoor (Javed Daffrey), two best friends, lawyers and very ambitious individuals who have contrasting views on life. Nevertheless, this case changes their lives. The case takes them to Shrinagar. While Aakash, for whom winning the case matters the most, follows the blueprint, Sid discovers a new meaning in life. Then enters 22-year-old Kaavya (Minnisha Lamba) is a very bright, young, upcoming, focused and beautiful journalist.
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She is a go-getter and wants to achieve great goals in the field of journalism. She doesn't mind getting into trouble to get her facts right and know the truth. She is lovely, spunky and a fun-loving girl. She is Sid's best friend. But slowly love blossoms between the two. She is one who helps Sid in pleading the Javeed's case. Last but not the least important character in the movie is Brigadier Rudra Pratap Singh (Kay Kay Menon). He is a 47-year-old officer and the strongest officer of the Indian Army. He is a man of integrity and strong beliefs. He is patriotic, authoritative, arrogant, and an honorable man who has no fear in life. He knows that he is at a position of power and he uses this to his advantage.
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The movie has so many ups and downs with lots of drama and emotions. Kay Kay as usual comes out with his best while Javed Jaffrey in the serious avatar looks little bit outward. Rahul Bose and Minnisha play their characters really well. Amrita Rao has very little to do, so one cannot not expect much from her. After all, she has a special appearance only.
Technically, Carlos Catalan't camera work is fine indeed. But, the movie lacks a lot as far as the direction is concerned. Hence Samar needs to learn that the audiences want good scenes but with little bit of sense.
On the music side, 'Shaura' has some good marks. Adnan's music has done full justice to the lyrics provided by none other than Javed.