Movie Review: Major (2022)

(Group: Kinjal Verma, Suhani Khanna, Tanvi Singh and Yashasvi

Bhardwaj)

The movie ‘Major’ is based on the life of major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was
martyred in action during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks and was
consequently awarded the Ashoka Chakra , India’s highest peacetime gallantry
award, on 26 January 2009. The story is quite simple and depicts the life of Major
Sandeep Unnikrishnan from his childhood. Adivi Sesh plays Major Sandeep and
Saiee Manjreka plays his wife. The film showcases how Sandeep Unnikrishnan
has a fascination for the uniform, joins the army, gets a call to save civilians
during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and how he sacrifices his life and makes his
country proud. This film is also a tribute to the sacrifices a lonely wife had to
make whenever her husband is off fighting for the nation, sacrifices parents have
to make while praying their son is not the one called to war. This film is also for
those whose sacrifices are seldom acknowledged while they’re most often the
ones left mourning.
Sandeep Unnikrishnan (Adivi Sesh) has a protective instinct embedded in his
DNA. He feels fear but he doesn’t think twice before putting himself in harm’s way
if it means saving someone’s life, justifying the quote “Courage is not the absence
of fear, but the triumph over it “ by Nelson Mandela. It’s no wonder that even as a
little boy, he finds himself fascinated with the ‘uniform’ and a soldier’s way of life.
That strand of the story is crosscut with lots and lots of montages showing how
quickly Sandeep rises up the ranks thanks to his natural proficiency until he
becomes a training officer for the elite 51 Special Action Group in the National
Security Guards. When the dastardly terrorists attack in Mumbai, he shouldn’t
have been among the soldiers who went in to save the hostages and fight back, but
he insisted on going.
The story approaches the biopic of Sandeep Unnikrishnan through an emotional
lens, attempting to capture the man behind the hero. We all know how Sandeep’s
story would end during the 26/11 attacks. But Major is not only about him fighting
till his last breath, saving hostages at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, from the
terrorists. It is about Sandeep, the person, whose loyalty to the nation came above
his responsibility towards his parents, sister and spouse.
This movie was so heartfelt that it left most of the people watching it with wet
eyes, including me, and I enjoyed watching it very much.
REVIEW BY: TANVI SINGH

A Remarkable Tale of Courage and Resilience

Directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka, the movie tells the true story of Sandeep
Unnikrishnan, an Indian Army officer who sacrificed his life during the
2008 Mumbai attack.

SANDEEP UNNIKRISHNAN ownerably received the ashok chakra and vir chakra for
his bravery and perseverance. His level of patriotism and courage are still being
incorporated as ethical and moral values and as a lesson for each and very citizen to
be a “IDEAL INDIAN” like sandeep unnikrishnan. Patriotism is a trait which cannot be
taught and learnt, it is present within the person and execution of such traits in an
extremely important situation is how history is created.

I personally loved the movie and the actors too played a crucial role in making us
deeply connected with the storyline. The movie is emotional as well as teaches us
life lessons. This movie trachea us self control, patience,charater. principles ,
patriotism and pin point focus.

In the movie the protagonist entered pakistan occupied kashmir. His efforts are still
entrenched in our hearts. The movie correctly specifies that “ Training is physical and
metal but feelings are personal”. Struggles are the most important elements that
when faced with bravery can bring to towards your goals.

A similar backstory of sandeep unnikrishnan was shown, when the protagonist

decided to join navy but failed due to eyesight problem. But he soon realised that
navy isn’t the only place for soldiers and with an intelligent and progressive decision
he decided to join army, national defence academ ( NDA). With this is became the
chief of special action group. The film depicts Major Sandeep's unwavering
dedication to his duty, the camaraderie among his fellow soldiers, and the resilience
of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

With its exceptional performances, compelling storytelling, and powerful message, "Major" is
a film that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated by audiences worldwide.
At last, “ sandeep unnikrishnan should be remembered not the way he died but the way he
lived for his country”
I peronnaly enjoyed the movie,"Major" apart is its ability to go beyond being a mere action
thriller. It raises important questions about heroism, sacrifice, and the impact of terrorism on
individuals and society