The Ghazi Attack

The Ghazi Attack is a beguiling cine-auditory experience and a captivating tribute to the unsung heroes of the sea. This ambitious Indian war movie is delayed in Bollywood's long-overdue foray into undersea war-time films.

The film centres upon the mysterious sinking of PNS Ghazi during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. The movie is an adventurous underwater tale of valour, resilience, and strategic patriotism. The film seeks to recreate the enigmatic events surmising those leading up to the sinking of the submarine in Indian waters.

The film is fundamentally bilingual, predominantly shot in Telugu and dubbed in Hindi. Furthermore, the film has been simultaneously produced as a Telugu version known as 'Ghazi.' The screenplay of The Ghazi Attack is alluringly taut, the narrative engaging, leaving no room for melodrama or dullness that usually tailgates numerous war-based films.

Under director Sankalp Reddy's astute guidance, the film maintains an indomitable sense of tension and urgency, ensuring that the audience never loses interest. The engagement is bolstered considerably by the strikingly authentic-looking inside of a submarine where the majority of the action unfolds. The awe-inspiring interior visuals lodged inside the submarine give us a fascinating glimpse into war-times that feel incredibly real. The director exhibits a flair for storytelling, setting the stage for a suspenseful climax.

Rana Daggubati, who plays the protagonist Lt. Commander Arjun Varma, delivers a poised and persuasive performance. His deep-set eyes communicate volumes even when he is not delivering lines. Kay Kay Menon, essaying the role of the tempered Captain Ranvijay Singh, is phenomenal, bringing a nuanced depth to his character. Atul Kulkarni, playing the character of Executive Officer Devraj, brings forth the heart of The Ghazi Attack, from the steadfast determination of a soldier to the latent compassion in the line of duty.

The Ghazi Attack also features some of India's most talented actors in pivotal roles, such as Narendra Jha as Admiral Manohar S. Makhijani of the Eastern Navy, and Late Om Puri in an enigmatic role as Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat. The formidable and versatile Taapsee Pannu provides a compelling female presence in this male-dominated cast although her screen presence is relatively limited.

Madhie's cinematography replicates the eerie claustrophobia and the unease that pervades a vessel many leagues underwater. The brilliant underwater sequences along with ominous shots of the massive submarine and propulsion sweeps across the omnipotent oceanic expanse are visually arresting. The creative ingenuity of the director and cinematographer is echoed in the film's production design. Nowhere does the layout of the submarine look staged. Ezra Cohen's CGI is impeccable, and visuals blend seamlessly, creating a thrilling and immersive experience. K's understated background score plays a pivotal role in sustaining the gritty, suspenseful atmosphere throughout.

The film sets a new precedent for war filmography in Indian cinema by punctuating the patriotic fervour with grittier tangibles of war. It showcases the raw courage of military men, devoid of over-exaggeration and stylized heroism. Screenwriters Sankalp Reddy, Niranjan Reddy, and Gangaraju Gunnam deserve commendation for conjuring a skillful narrative illustrating the solemnity that was a requisite during those tense war times.

The Ghazi Attack propels the narrative further by interspersing the underwater action with the political turmoil and strategizing happening on land, providing a nuanced understanding of the circumstances. It shows how decisions made miles away from the actual battlefield directly impact the men laying their lives to action these very orders. The film is not only about naval warfare and strategies but also explores the volatile and different ideologies of soldiers onboard the vessel.

In conclusion, The Ghazi Attack (Hindi) from 2017 is a brilliant cinematic testament to a pivotal chapter of Indo-Pak history the world knows too little about. The film's engrossing narrative, captivating performances, awe-inspiring visuals, and the palpable tension created through authentic and skilled filmmaking make it a compelling watch for anyone interested in war, history, or the more profound aspects of patriotism.