'SIRF EK BANDAA KAAFI HAI' Movie Review
When a highly revered self-proclaimed godman finds himself in the witness box, facing charges of sexually assaulting a minor girl, you can expect the courtroom proceedings to be more than just a battle of wits. Director Apoorv Singh Karki deserves credit for keeping the gripping tale engaging and intense throughout. The responsibility of effectively delivering a dialogue-driven film rests heavily on the shoulders of the writer, Deepak Kingrani, who excels in crafting compelling arguments both inside and outside the courtroom. The glue that holds everything together is Manoj Bajpayee, who brilliantly portrays the protagonist.
The movie revolves around the true story of Advocate PC Solanki, a humble lawyer from Rajasthan, who single-handedly fought for justice for a minor girl in a highly publicized case involving a self-proclaimed godman and sexual assault. Unlike the larger-than-life lawyers typically depicted in courtroom dramas, Advocate PC Solanki (played by Manoj Bajpayee) is a simple man living with his mother and son in Jodhpur. He faces his contemporary defense attorney (played by Vipin Sharma) with unwavering confidence, but it's endearing to see him starstruck and nervous when confronted with prominent figures from the legal world during the court proceedings. "Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai" is a well-researched story that will leave viewers in awe of the meticulousness displayed by public prosecutor Solanki, especially in proving the survivor, Nu (played by Adrija), is a minor and that the case must be tried under the POCSO Act, regardless of other legal technicalities.
The film handles its narrative with great sensitivity, even during scenes where Nu faces probing questions from the defense or when the police handle the case mindfully. It avoids sensationalism while ensuring a gripping experience. Arjun Kukreti's cinematography complements the tight direction and writing, with the chase scene through the bylanes of Jodhpur, where Solanki is attacked by goons, being particularly well-shot. In one scene, as Nu is taken for a medical examination after filing a police complaint, she covers her face with her dupatta, evoking a deep sense of empathy as it symbolizes the shame she tries to conceal. Another poignant moment is when the case is won, and Nu stands by the window, her face subtly lit up, embodying both hope and the scars she carries. Sangeet-Siddharth Roy's background score enhances the drama, although at times it becomes overpowering and distracts from the dialogue.
"Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai" showcases outstanding performances from the cast, including Adrija, Jaihind Kumar, and Durga Sharma as Nu's hapless yet supportive parents, and Vipin Sharma as the defense lawyer, who delivers an exceptional performance during the scene where he questions Nu and feels ashamed to delve into the details of the crime. However, the true star of the film is undoubtedly Manoj Bajpayee. He demonstrates his prowess by adapting his ma