'Thackeray' trailer reveals the leader's power, but film faces censorship
Thackeray released its first trailer today, December 26, after much anticipation among fans following the two teasers that gave them a peek into the life of Balasaheb Thackeray, the leader on whom the film is based. Starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the trailer showed snippets from Thackeray's life, his rise to power, political dealings, controversial actions and loyalty to nation and state. Here, we decode.
A man of violence, a man of influence
The trailer shows Thackeray's rise to power and how he formed the Shiv Sena party that would go on to gain nationwide recognition. Through snippets and clever camera work, a life unfurls in front of our eyes where the leader's qualities are showcased alongside his violence. Thackeray is shown to have the love of the masses but does not shy away from ruthless actions.
Jai Hindustan, Jai Maharashtra, the pride of Thackeray
One thing that stood out in the trailer was the Marathi pride that Thackeray cultivated actively. A remarkable scene shows how a movie theater would screen Marathi films since the local people had a greater right to it. In dealing with the Gandhi family, he boldly replies, the nation comes first, followed by the state, which is why he says Jai Hindustan, Jai Maharashtra.
A hand in hooliganism and the Babri Masjid conflict
The trailer shows a controversial part about the Babri Masjid demolition where Thackeray is accused of directly instigating people to destroy the mosque. Thackeray shows no remorse and appears argumentative about the fact that Ram was born there. Perhaps, this is one of the scenes that the CBFC has raised an objection to since it might be a little too controversial.
Siddiqui as Thackeray, a man in character
Siddiqui has always played larger than life characters who play outside the rules of society. In Thackeray, Siddiqui finds a perfect match. Every speech, every appearance is marked by an air of grandeur. Siddiqui is in complete control of the iconic character, when he speaks of deliberate violence, when he faces the courts without remorse and when he commands the love of his people.
Our take on the trailer
Seeing the smart camera work, touching background score, but most importantly, seeing Siddiqui portray the controversial but iconic Bal Thackeray so remarkably, has gotten us excited to see the biopic, Thackeray, when it releases on January 25, 2019.
