Major (2022) Review: A Moving and an Emotional Tribute!

“What does it mean to be a soldier?” A question that the lead character keeps asking himself throughout the movie is more or less the heart and soul of this 2022 biographical drama directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka, with Adivi Sesh in the lead role. Based on the inspiring life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, this film also stars Sobhita Dhulipala, Saiee M. Manjrekar, Revathi, and Prakash Raj as the supporting cast, with Sricharan Pakala as the music composer.

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Recounting all the significant episodes of Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s vibrant life, Major begins right from his childhood and takes us through his young and teenage years and, at the same time, conveys his aspiration to join the Indian Armed Forces. Subsequently, the movie spends most of the runtime showcasing his bravery, intent, and sacrifices he made during the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

The first half of Major primarily focuses on the early life of Unnikrishnan, from nailing down his character to the core values he believed in and his aspirations to become a Naval officer. The most impressive facet of the entire first half is that there are no unnecessary (although very simple) scenes written, as we often see in most biopics. In turn, these sequences later support the whole emotional core of the second half, as Adivi Sesh kept mentioning in most of his promotional interviews. The romance, on the other hand, was very well ground and limited and did not needlessly go overboard.

However, the second half is when the movie picks up its pace with the action and sentimental sequences. The quiet acceleration, its ability to suck you in as a viewer, and the fact that every scene flourishes well on-screen speak to the hard work put in by Sesh as a writer and Sashi Kiran Tikka as director. And to be honest, I was well aware of what Sesh is capable when it comes to writing thrillers like Kshanam and Goodachari, but I was surprised to see him nail the emotions soo effectively in Major. Believe me when I confidently say that there are quite a few teary-eyed people in the auditorium by the end of the film across all demographics.

Furthermore, similar to Sesh and Tikka’s previous movie, Goodachari, the action in Major also feels very real, grounded and compelling. Judging by the way the movie is captured, choreographed and sound designed, you can tell that it’s serious in it’s approach that matches the vibe of the final one-hour. Alongside the action, the other backbone of the film is, without a doubt, the background score by Sricharan Pakala. Similar to the primary characters, it also played a significant role in elevating the film’s dramatic tension through and through.

Moving on to the performances, Adivi Sesh, in contrast to what we all know,, unlocked a different side within his acting arsenal by performing very well in the romantic and emotional scenes. Saiee Manjrekar is a welcome surprise, is very natural and blends in with her character really well. Sobhita Dhulipala has a good individual subplot in the second half, and she performed remarkably as usual. Prakash Raj and Revathi as the parents of Sandeep Unnikrishnan, had a few stand-out scenes during the very end which will definitely move you as a viewer.

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Overall, although we (as an audience member) are well aware of the crux of the story and the ending, Major still intrigues you with it’s story, thanks to Adivi Sesh’s screenwriting work and Sashi Kiran Tikka’s solid directorial job. This movie ticks all the boxes required for an inspirational biopic in its own unique way. A worthy theatrical watch, and yet another benchmark film is Sesh’s career.

‘Major (2022)’ Rating – 3.75/5