'Thackeray' review: Nawazuddin emerges taller than the movie's flaws

Anybody tuned into the politics of India would agree that the late Shiv Sena supremo, Bal Thackeray was an imposing figure and attempting a film on his controversial life is a herculean task.
But Shiv Sena's trusted aide, Sanjay Raut pens the story and also joins in as the producer. A disclaimer at the beginning of the film reads - Few parts have been fictionalised for cinematic purposes.
The biopic traces the transformation of Bal Thackeray from a cartoonist in the 1960s and a family man into a ruthless, powerful social figure in Maharashtra. He isn't a firm believer in democracy and proudly says, "I am not a Hitler of Mumbai but a Hitler of Maharashtra".
Nawazuddin Siddiqui seems to have stepped into the large shoes of the politician with caution. He isn't attempting to mouth Marathi dialogues (a good decision by the markers) but is accurate when he does. With help from the makeup and costume department, he nails the look and further improvises on the body language and mannerisms. He fairly apes the aura of the leader but also falters at times, but you tend to overlook them as you are invested in the story.
Balasaheb was a man known for his riled up speeches and powerful oratory skills. Nawazuddin wrapped in his orange shawl and multiple 'rudrakshas' does manage to evoke the sentiment with his fearless act. Dialogues by Manoj Yadav and Arvind Jagtap are often seditious and provocative but that is how Balasaheb's speeches were - they were designed to stir emotions and awaken the 'Marathi Manoos' (People born in Maharashtra). 
Amrita Rao as Meena Tai (Thackeray's wife) is domestic yet strong. In one of the scenes, she bursts into tears while reading a letter from Balasaheb, who is imprisoned for inciting violence. Amrita displays vulnerability and strength in the limited screentime she gets as the film doesn't dig deeper into his family life.
Most parts of the first half are shot in sepia-tone, to stay true to the era they belong. The production design team has worked excellently on getting the Bombay of the yesteryear right and we walk through landmarks like Eros cinemas, Flora fountain, lanes of the old city. In the second half, the makers bring colours on the screen with minute detailing like Balasaheb's animal printed throne and the gradual growth of the 'orange' brigade.
Director Abhijeet Panse creates a narrative based on the one-tone story given to him by Sanjay Raut and does a decent job. Although sometimes a few scenes feel laboriously fitted to create punches. 
Nowhere throughout the film does Panse attempt to whitewash Thackeray's life, it is rather an unapologetic, gutsy portrayal of the most controversial aspects of his life - him being accused of Mumbai riots, spearheading the demolition of a religious structure, inciting violence, unlawful use of muscle power and resorting to undemocratic ways. What you desire in this villany-toned biopic is some balance.
What works impressively for the film is the carefully curated casting of Nawazuddin Siddiqui. With a petite form, similar to the supremo himself, Siddiqui emerges taller than the flaws in the film - loose direction and superfluous, disjointed script.
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Amrita Rao
Director: Abhijit Panse
Ratings: 2.5/5