Major Review: A big salute to Sandeep Unnikrishnan and Adivi Sesh

After delivering a series of hit films like “Kshanam,” “Goodachari” and “Evaru,” Adivi Sesh is coming up big with “Major”, a patriotic attempt that is based on the life story of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. Sashikiran Tikka directed the film and it had Saiee Manjrekar, Prakash Raj, Murali Sharma, Revathi, Shobita Dhulipala in other important roles. Sony Pictures India in association with GMB Entertainment and A Plus Movies produced Major. The film created huge buzz in all areas and the promotions done by the team were at top notch. As the film got released, let’s see how the film fares at box-office.

Story

Sandeep (Adivi Sesh) aspires to serve the country. He shares a close bonding with his father (Prakash Raj) and mother (Revathi). They are against his thoughts of joining the Army or Navy. Sandeep falls in love with Isha (Saiee Manjrekar) and the duo gets married. Sandeep loves to serve the nation instead of spending time with his family. Sandeep emerges as the top Training Officer for NSG Commandos. He trains 51 NSG team which will be asked to handle the Mumbai terror attacks. Sandeep as a training officer will not be allowed to participate in the mission as per the protocol but he joins the team. The rest of “Major” is all about the battle with the terrorists and how Sandeep saves several lives in Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai.

Analysis

Adivi Sesh wanted to narrate the life story of Sandeep Unnikrishnan to the nation. 26/11 Mumbai attacks will stand as one of the deadliest attacks that happened to India. A group of NSG Commandos risked their lives and saved several innocent Indians in the operation. 31-year-old Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan got martyred in the attack.

Director Sashi Kiran Tikka did a good job in executing the film as per the on paper ideas and suggestions from Adivi Sesh.

Though Adivi Sesh’s screenplay focusing more on the patriotic nature of the hero is good, he would have worked more on exploring other sub-plots related to Sandeep’s life. As most of the film runs on the heroic presentation, after a point of time the audiences come across hero-centric elevation scenes which could have been dealt in a different version.

The love thread between the lead pair looks okay in the first half but the relationship scenes come as a speed breaker for the serious proceedings in the second half. Being NSG Commando trainer, Sandeep Unnikrishnan penetrating into the hotel and trying to rescue the hostages by facing off the terrorists alone also misses logic.

To summarize, “Major” is a great tribute to the slain NSG Commando and showcases the heroic act of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. While Adivi Sesh’s acting adds realistic texture to the film, focusing most of the time on the hero elevations may not go well with all areas of the audience.

Performances

Adivi Sesh gave his best and portrayed the role of an NSG Commando in an effective manner. His amazing screen presence and settled performance takes the movie to another level. He kept in sweat and blood to perfectly fit in the role of the slain NSG Commando.

Actor Prakash Raj gave a convincing performance as Sandeep’s father. On the other hand, Revathi gave a natural performance as the hero’s mother. Young and happened Saiee Manjrekar is cute on-screen and her chemistry with Sesh is showcased decently. Shobita Dhulipala as a hostage and Murali Sharma as an Army Major did their job perfectly. Other artists who did the supporting roles as soldiers are decent in their respective roles.

Technicalities

Alongside acting, Adivi Sesh provided story and screenplay for the movie. While his story is based on real-life incidents, the screenplay is largely engaging.

Music by Sricharan Pakala is one of the major plus points for the film as it elevates key portions in the second half in an effective way. Editing by Vinay Kumar Sirigineedi and Kodati Pavan Kalyan is good as they made sure to chop off unwanted scenes on the editing table itself and kept the runtime within the limits.

The photography work by Vamsi Patchipulusu is impressive as he showcased the entire on a lavish note. Production values by Mahesh Babu’s GMB Entertainments, Sony Pictures and A+S Movies are good as the entire film has a lavish look.

Positives

Adivi Sesh performance

Story

Music

Negatives

Repeated hero-centric elevation scenes