Sherdil Review: This Pankaj Tripathi starrer delivers the genuine intent in a peculiar way
Sherdil Review
- Movie: Sherdil
- Star Cast: Pankaj Tripathi, Neeraj Kabi, Sayani Gupta, Akshay Kapoor
- Director: Srijit Mukherji
- Rating: *
Story:
Sherdil, which is set in the fictional town of Jhundav but was really shot in North Bengal, centers on Gangaram (Tripathi), a man who is sick of chasing after help for his community. The people are being forced to commit suicide because forest animals are destroying their crops. The lack of rain has made their problems worse. He has commitments to perform because he is the area’s sarpanch. Gangaram devises a deception after learning about the bureaucratic roadblock he must overcome to go even slightly closer to receiving government support. In order to receive compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs for the remainder, he intends to purposefully offer himself to a tiger. He tells his family he has cancer and only three months to live in an effort to persuade them. And that it is preferable to give up his life in order to become immortal than to pass away in silence.
Review:
The plot of Sherdil, written by Srijit Mukherji, is based on actual events that occurred in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, not far from the Nepali border. However, the director is unable to convey it in an interesting manner on screen. The screenplay is unconvincing and heavily relies on Pankaj Tripathi’s distinctive way of delivering lines. The latter’s Gangaram converses with the figures played by Neeraj Kabi in a few “reflective” exchanges. Some of them are fascinating, while others are almost ludicrous. Additionally, the first half’s slow pacing is yawn-inducing but for a few brief instances. When Neeraj Kabi’s Jim Ahmad enters, the action quickens. However, there isn’t much that can be saved.
Despite the poor execution, Pankaj Tripathi is the only thing keeping your eyes glued to the screen. He gives his character a certain level of gullibility that makes you want him to succeed. In addition, he effortlessly makes you laugh with his one-liners at the same time. Neeraj Kabi gives what is given to him. This pairing of two outstanding actors surely deserved a stronger script! Almost no notable scenes are given to Sayani Gupta. Mridula Tripathi, the wife of Pankaj Tripathi, too makes a fleeting appearance.
Sherdil’s brilliant cinematography by Tiyash Sen, which vividly captures the lush, green forests of North Bengal, is one of its strong features. Except for a few spots where it gets a little loud, Shantanu Moitra attempts to keep the background music as genuine as possible. To keep the story tighter, Pronoy Dasgupta’s editing scissors might have simply removed numerous scenes from the movie.
Verdict:
Unfortunately, the filmmaker’s shoddy handling of an outstanding idea fails to capture your attention in a manner like a Tiger’s behavior when it finally encounters Gangaram.