Mumbai’s film circles are buzzing with excitement over Anil Kapoor’s latest action thriller, Subedaar. Released directly on OTT platforms, the film has captivated audiences with its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and high-octane action sequences. But one voice stands out among the praise: acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap, who believes this cinematic gem was robbed of its true potential by skipping theaters.
Kashyap took to Instagram on Saturday, sharing a striking image of Anil Kapoor and pouring heartfelt admiration for the movie. ‘Subedaar on Prime Video is worth every minute, but it should’ve hit cinemas,’ he wrote. He highlighted how the film’s anamorphic lens cinematography, perfect for massive screens, elevates the viewing experience. ‘Watching it in a packed theater with the crowd’s energy would be next level,’ he added.
Directing kudos went to Suresh Triveni for authentically capturing the raw essence of Bundelkhand and Chambal. Kashyap delved into the film’s portrayal of patriarchal societies, where even women embody rigid toughness, birthing figures like Phoolan Devi. ‘Conditions there haven’t improved; they’ve worsened,’ he observed starkly.
At its core, Subedaar follows Arjun Maurya, a retired soldier navigating a brutal civilian world. Kashyap called it ‘pure fiction yet utterly convincing,’ praising its masterful tension, silence, pace, and realism. He watched it with noise-cancelling headphones and loved it, but insisted theaters would amplify the thrill.
No praise was spared for the cast. Anil Kapoor’s seething rage lit up the screen. Faisal Malik, Mona Singh, villain Aditya Rawal, and Radhika Madan delivered knockout performances. ‘Aditya’s villainy is so real, you’ll hate him. Radhika balances fire and fragility perfectly,’ Kashyap raved. Even the action from ‘Kallu Mama’ impressed.
The cinematography shone bright, especially the highway chase sequences that felt palpably real amid today’s over-the-top action trends. Kashyap congratulated the entire team, urging more such authentic storytelling. Subedaar isn’t just a film; it’s a call for bold cinema that demands the grandeur of the big screen.