The political landscape of India, rich with its vibrant and often tumultuous history, finds a new cinematic expression in ‘Main Atal Hoon.’ This film offers viewers a chance to delve into the universe of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the prominent figure whose impact on the rise of right-wing politics in India is undisputed. Emulating the vast palette of Vajpayee’s life, drawing from journalist Sarang Darshane’s biography, the movie largely presents a glorifying portrait that fails to critically assess its subject.
‘Main Atal Hoon’ begins by vividly illustrating the humanity of the young poet-politician who witnessed the agony of those who built the Taj Mahal. We meet Vajpayee as a reflective soul stirred by the plight of labourers and are transported back to the momentous day when India achieved independence, depicting a telling interaction of a young Vajpayee with a tea seller unable to grasp Nehru’s English speech. These early scenes set the stage, suggesting a leader who would rise as the resonant voice of an ‘alternative India.’
However, as the narrative progresses, the film shifts to showcasing a compilation of speeches and highlights from Vajpayee’s career—moments that, while significant, can be easily accessed online. What starts as an engaging inspection of the statesman’s formative years devolves into a hagiographic summary that overlooks the complexities of his thoughts, particularly his takes on Gandhi, and ignores his relationships with both allies and adversaries within his conservative circle.
The portrayal of Vajpayee by the seasoned actor Pankaj Tripathi is the silver lining of the film. Tripathi masterfully captures Vajpayee’s magnetic presence, embodying his oratory prowess and his famed equanimity in times of crisis. His performance does not demand a physical transformation to depict the ageing leader, focusing instead on the subtleties of character that made Vajpayee a captivating figure, even to those critical of his politics.
Despite Tripathi’s commendable effort, the film’s lack of creative sound and production design, along with uninspired writing, undermine the portrayal. Director Ravi Jadhav omits deeper exploration of Vajpayee’s internal conflict as a liberal in a conservative party. Jadhav teases the audience with glimpses into Vajpayee’s more personal and controversial aspects of life—his speech preceding the Babri mosque demolition and his nuanced friendship with Raj Kumari Kaul—but stops short of diving into the intricacies that characterized the political leader.
The narrative stalls further when it touches on Vajpayee’s indulgences—his penchant for non-vegetarian food and liquor—without acknowledging how they may have influenced his worldview. It also glosses over his critics within the BJP and the broader Sangh Parivar, omitting key figures like Balraj Madhok and Dattopant Thengadi. While major political milestones like the Pokhran II tests and the Kargil conflict are highlighted, the film selectively bypasses the contentious Kandahar Hijack episode.
In terms of performances, Daya Shankar Pandey and Pramod Pathak afford the iconic leaders Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee due justice. Comparatively, Raja Sevak’s portrayal of Lal Krishna Advani feels caricatured, and the film’s failure to unpack Advani’s nuanced relationship with Vajpayee leaves a critical gap. The depiction of other political stalwarts descends into mimicry post-intermission, as the plot begins to resemble a dramatized version of BJP’s political manifestos.
Yet, amidst these dimensions, one theme resonates: Vajpayee’s capacity for dignified critique and his ability to acknowledge political adversaries like Nehru. This serves as a poignant reminder of a time when ideological divides were less rigid and more permeable, evoking relevance in today’s political climate.
In conclusion, while Pankaj Tripathi gives an exceptional depiction of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, bringing layers to the character, ‘Main Atal Hoon’ remains an incomplete biopic. It stands as a missed opportunity to provide viewers with a multi-dimensional view of a man whose legacy continues to influence modern Indian politics. The film ‘Main Atal Hoon’ is now showing in theatres, offering audiences both admiration and critique of one of India’s most talked-about leaders.
