Celebrating 20 Years of 'Viruddh': A Heartfelt Tale by Mahesh Manjrekar
A Deep Dive into 'Viruddh'
In this poignant family drama directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, the characters resonate deeply with viewers, especially as the narrative shifts into a more somber tone in the latter half. The audience finds themselves wishing for a return to the lighter moments, urging the writers to steer clear of the darker themes that overshadow this feel-good story.
Films centered around domestic bliss often grapple with themes of sorrow. For instance, in Mahesh Bhatt's acclaimed Saraansh, a Maharashtrian father confronts his grief after losing his son in a tragic incident.
In Viruddh, Amitabh Bachchan delivers a powerful performance as Vidyadhar Patwardhan, a retired man who navigates life with his assertive wife (Sharmila Tagore) and their son living abroad. The film captures the essence of familial bonds until tragedy strikes.
The portrayal of Vidyadhar's interactions within his comfortable home and the outside world is infused with warmth. The arrival of John Abraham, who plays the ideal son, adds to the film's charm, making the audience feel even more connected to its idyllic setting.
Vidyadhar's relationship with his wife and son, as well as his bond with a Muslim mechanic (Sanjay Dutt), is depicted with a sense of authenticity, despite some theatrical elements and an overly dramatic score that sometimes detracts from the narrative.
Despite its flaws, Viruddh makes a significant statement about family values. Manjrekar enriches the story with relatable details from daily life, capturing the nuances of existence with a level of sincerity that is less flamboyant than in other films like Baghban.
However, the plot takes a darker turn following the son's murder, introducing elements of corruption and hypocrisy that feel contrived. One wishes that Manjrekar had maintained a more grounded approach in a film that, at its best, reflects the essence of life.
As Vidyadhar seeks justice, the audience feels the weight of the script's demands on this nuanced character. His confrontation with his son's killer is awkwardly staged, shifting the film from a lyrical narrative to a more theatrical presentation.
Bachchan's portrayal of Vidyadhar is multifaceted, showcasing a range of emotions from crankiness to warmth. He often elevates the performances of his co-stars, particularly Sharmila Tagore, and creates a palpable chemistry with John Abraham and others.
While the dynamic with Tagore lacks the depth seen in Bachchan's previous collaborations, the film is filled with relatable moments and dialogues that resonate with everyday experiences.
Memorable scenes, such as Vidyadhar's attempt to join a laughter club after personal tragedy, linger in the viewer's mind, alongside John Abraham's touching narration that adds a unique layer to the film.
Reflecting on 'Viruddh' at 20, Amitabh Bachchan Shares Insights:
“This film was a sincere exploration of an elderly couple facing trauma. We all invested ourselves deeply in this project, which came straight from Mahesh Manjrekar’s heart. The narrative felt genuine and relatable, capturing the essence of a typical middle-class family. Mahesh’s experience as an actor allowed him to communicate his vision clearly to us.”
Notably, Viruddh marked Bachchan's first collaboration with Sharmila Tagore since 1982's Desh Premee. He remarked on their on-screen chemistry, emphasizing that casting decisions are ultimately up to the director's vision.
Regarding John Abraham, Bachchan praised his co-star's qualities, noting their enjoyable dynamic in Viruddh compared to their previous roles in Aitbaar.
On the Unique English Dialogue in 'Viruddh':
“In this film, I portrayed an ordinary Maharashtrian with relatable emotions, contrasting my more sophisticated role in Black. It was a refreshing experience.”