Watch Thackeray

Thackeray is a biographical drama film released on January 25, 2019, directed by Abhijit Panse. The film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Bal Thackeray, the founder of the right-wing political party Shiv Sena, and Amrita Rao as his wife, Meena Thackeray. Nilesh Divekar plays the role of Thackeray's close aide and friend. The movie is set in the 1960s when the Indian state of Maharashtra is undergoing significant political changes. The film depicts the life and political career of Bal Thackeray, who was a journalist before starting his political journey. The movie portrays the journey of a young college dropout, who rose to become the most influential and controversial political figure in Maharashtra.

The film starts with a young Balasaheb Thackeray, who is working as a cartoonist in a newspaper. He is shown as a person with sharp wit, quick to take on injustice in any form. The movie then takes us through his journey as he witnesses the change in the political landscape of Mumbai, which he believes takes the direction of the city in the wrong way.

Thackeray starts a regional party, Shiv Sena, which aims to protect the rights of the Marathi-speaking population in the city. The party soon gains popularity among the locals, and Thackeray becomes famous for his fiery speeches and campaigns against North Indian migrants. The movie then follows the rise of Shiv Sena from a regional force to a national party and the impact it has on the political scene of the country.

The film also highlights Thackeray's personal life, showing how he balances his political career and family life. His relationship with his wife Meena is depicted as a loving bond that helped Thackeray in his journey. The movie showcases how Meena stood by him in his difficult times and supported him throughout his journey.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers an exceptional performance as Bal Thackeray. He portrays the character with depth, bringing out the various shades of Thackeray's personality. His acting is particularly noteworthy in the way he conveys Thackeray's charisma and captivating personality, which gained him a loyal following.

Amrita Rao also delivers an impressive performance as Meena Thackeray. She stands out in her portrayal of a supportive and strong-willed wife, who is always there to encourage Thackeray in his political journey. The chemistry between her and Siddiqui is palpable and adds an emotional depth to the film.

The cinematography and art direction of the movie are top-notch, taking us back to the Mumbai of the 60s and 70s. The music of the movie, composed by Rohan-Rohan, is catchy and captures the spirit of the Shiv Sena and its followers.

Overall, Thackeray is a must-watch for those interested in Indian politics or the life of a charismatic figure like Bal Thackeray. The film brings to life the journey of a man who started as a journalist and went on to become one of the most significant political figures in Indian history. The impressive performances of the cast and the detailed portrayal of the political and social scenario of the time make this movie an engaging and entertaining watch.

Thackeray is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.