Kangana Ranaut delivers a convincing performance in 'Bharat Bhagya Viddhaata', a film that aims to honor the nursing profession but is let down by top-heavy writing. Directed by Manoj Tapadia, the movie focuses on a group of nurses during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, set in a hospital that becomes a shelter for victims.
Plot and Performances
The film features a strong female cast, including Girija Oak Godbole, Esha Dey, Prasad Oak, and Smita Tambe, who portray nurses with dignity. Kangana Ranaut, in one of her interviews, highlighted that nurses are often sexualized, and this film attempts to change that perception. While the actresses deliver fine performances, the male characters, whether husbands or terrorists, feel underdeveloped and serve only as foils to the sisterhood.
Direction and Execution
Director Manoj Tapadia struggles with pacing, especially in the second half, which resembles a web series. The thriller mood is punctuated in almost every sequence, but the healing touch is missing. The film opts for survival genre tropes, which could work if suspense were harnessed to a higher vision. However, the portrayal of nurses as Florence Nightingales feels premeditated, and moments of realism, like a nurse admiring herself in the mirror, fail to feel spontaneous.
Comparison with Other 26/11 Films
'Bharat Bhagya Viddhaata' compares well with the 2021 series 'Mumbai Diaries', which focused on healers rather than attackers, unlike Ram Gopal Varma's 'The Attacks of 26/11' (2013) or Anthony Maras' 'Hotel Mumbai' (2018). The film also references Liam Worthington's 'One Less God' (2017), which had a bizarre Holi scene in November. Despite its flaws, Kangana's effort looks convincing and balanced.
Conclusion
The nursing profession deserves better, but for now, this film serves as a sincere tribute. Kangana Ranaut's performance holds the narrative together, even when the storytelling becomes heavy-handed. The film ends with a speech on professional virtues, and Prime Minister Modi makes a guest appearance.
