Viruddh... Family Comes First

Viruddh... Family Comes First, an Indian drama film that was released in 2005, beautifully intermingles classic Bollywood elements with hard-hitting commentary on societal issues. Under the magnificent direction of Mahesh Manjrekar, the movie provides a poignant narrative about an elderly couple’s struggle for justice in the face of tragedy instigated by the corruption omnipresent in India’s political system.

The all-star cast, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, and John Abraham, delivers a compelling performance, breathing life into the multifaceted characters that they portray. The three have been expertly cast, and their performances contribute in no small measure to making Viruddh... Family Comes First worth a watch.

Amitabh Bachchan and Sharmila Tagore feature as Vidyadhar and Sumitra Patwardhan, an elderly couple leading a blissfully serene life in the city of Pune. The family bonds are established with a genuine, heartfelt touch, and the tranquility of the traditional, close-knit setup that prevailed in the old Indian households is pleasantly noticeable in the movie.

John Abraham plays the character of the couple's only son, Amar Patwardhan, who is a budding music artist living in London. His life is given an optimistic and youthful touch, indicative of the dreams that many young people foster. The affection and mutual respect that exist between him and his parents are showcased in a light that makes the bond feel incomparably precious.

The film showcases a poignant journey of the tranquil family wrought with the anguish of losing their only son, thrusting them into a battle for justice against insurmountable political and bureaucratic challenges. The labyrinth of corruption in the system and the struggle of typical residents against this nefarious nexus form the crux of the film. Viruddh… Family Comes First is about preserving the values that hold the fabric of a family together, while battling against the rigid societal systems that threaten to tear that fabric apart.

An intriguing subplot unfolds, featuring Anusha Dandekar as Jenny, Amar's love interest, providing an added allure to the narrative. The film effortlessly combines elements of familial bonds, tragic circumstances, societal realities, love, and sacrifice to create a film experience that remains palpable to the audience even after the run time.

One of the key strengths of Viruddh… Family Comes First lies in its tight screenplay and emotive narrative that often grapples with dark realities of common citizens fighting against power structures. The film imagines a searing critique of the system through the perspective of the elderly couple, combining the ideals of dharma with the courage to stand against the system for justice.

A spectacular soundtrack accompanies the narrative. It is a commendable collaboration between notable music directors like Ajit, Sameer, and Atul that complements the emotional undertones of the film. The meaningful contributions of the background scores create an atmosphere that stays true to the essence of the narrative.

Amitabh Bachchan is the lifeline of this movie, while Sharmila Tagore beautifully complements him. The delightful chemistry between them is heartwarming, providing the spine to the movie. John Abraham in his notable performance manages to leave an impact despite his limited screen time.

Shooting locations, such as those in Pune, add a unique flavor by replicating an authentic Maharashtrian cultural ambience, providing additional depth to the film.

Overall, Viruddh... Family Comes First is a compelling family drama centered on systemic issues that touch upon the battles fought by ordinary citizens against the mighty and corrupt. The film celebrates the spirit of resilience, the desire for justice and the love for family above anything else. Laden with brilliant performances, it leaves an indelible mark on the viewers, challenging them to question the status quo and reflect upon the true essence of love, justice, and family values.