Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Thackeray hit the big screens today and the audience is lining up to see how the versatile actor has portrayed late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray on celluloid.
The Abhijit Panse directorial has been creating waves ever since the project was first announced. Now only time will tell if the biopic will live up to the hype. In an earlier interview with indianexpress.com, Nawazuddin had said that he doesn’t want to open all his cards prior to the release.
“I felt a lot of pressure, for almost a month. I wasn’t myself, I was very nervous. I was not sure if I would be able to do justice to such a huge personality. However, as time went on and I started preparing for this role, things became easier,” Nawazuddin had earlier told indianexpress.com in an interview.
Thackeray also features Amrita Rao and Sudhir Mishra among others in pivotal roles. The dialogues have been written by Arvind Jagtap and Manoj Yadav with a screenplay by the director himself.
Shatrughan Sinha heaps praises on Thackeray
After watching Thackeray, actor Shatrughan Sinha tweeted, "As a tribute to his memory, a film, ‘Thackeray’ a biopic on the life of Balasaheb releases on 25th Jan’19. I’m told Nawazuddin Siddiqui @Nawawazuddin_S is outstanding & it seems he has done complete justice to the role. He is credible & believable as he plays the late Shiv Sena Supremo, Balasaheb Thackeray. Balasaheb was determined towards his contributions & commitments to protecting the well being of people. He was aptly known as 'Fearless Tiger' & 'Iron Man'. You our 'Godfather' are truly missed & remembered with great fondness.”
Celebration of Thackeray's first day first show
The Shiv sainiks and the other fans reached Carnival Cinemas Imax, Wadala for an early morning show of Thackeray. They were welcomed with dhol-tasha that were arranged by the members of Shiv Sena. Big cut-outs of Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Bal Thackeray could be seen outside the theater.
Thackeray is bold and powerful: Shoojit Sircar
Shoojit Sircar wrote on Twitter, "Film Thackeray portrays how an Artist becomes a powerful political leader. The film is bold and powerful. @Nawazuddin_S one of our finest actors roars like a tiger.. Congratulations to @rautsanjay61 and @RKpanday1977 ."
Thackeray: A propaganda film?
In an interview with indianexpress.com, Amrita Rao said, "It is strange. Tomorrow, if there is a biopic on the cricketer and the world cup, is around, will you call it a propaganda film? It is just a coincidence. We know, we have reversed the clock to work towards January 23, Bala Saheb's birthday because Maharastra loves him."
An attempt to whitewash Thackeray's image?
In an interview with indianexpress.com, Nawazuddin Siddiqui said, "In the trailer itself, we announced him as a controversial personality. He was unapologetic about who he was. So, there was no need to whitewash his personality. The film does have all facets of his personality. A biopic is not true to its essence if it doesn't present the facts."
Playing Bal Thackeray was challenging: Nawazuddin Siddiqui
In an interview with indianexpress.com, Nawazuddin Siddiqui said, "Language and body language was for sure a challenge but more challenging was to showcase the inner world of Bala Saheb."