Main Atal Hoon

This is a movie that I would call a "safe" movie and intentionally so. It nicely portrays India's political history of 60-65 years through the lens and life of Atalji, while carefully avoiding any controversial analysis or in-depth commentary. For eg, it'll tell you about Emergency and Rath Yatra, but without taking a firm stance on either. It tells the events almost like an erstwhile Doordarshan reporter would - without any judgment. And this is what makes the movie a "safe" movie.

There is nothing to hate in the movie and nothing in the movie is phenomenal either. The acting is above average - most actors casted in the movie are quite sub-par and one-dimensional - but they all punch above their weight. For eg., in my view Pankaj Tripathi is indeed an incredible talent as a character actor in supporting roles, but he's not the lead actor material who can carry an entire movie through all its depths of emotions and narratives (he even has a short romance sequence as a 20 year old in college - needless to say, it feels very odd to watch!). The actors in the roles of Advani, Sushma, MM Joshi, Mahajan, Atalji's dad, Rajkumari, Indira Gandhi, Kalam etc. Are all believable, but not exceptional and sometimes also caricaturish (esp Kalam!).

The storytelling is fast paced and grippy and it keeps you on your toes. Dialogues and speeches are true to original in many cases, without unnecessary dramatization - giving the movie an authentic feel. Cinematography is decent and takes you back into the scenes from history, although some obvious elements of modern trends are visible (for eg. Meetings with 100s of large BJP flags in the crowd is a more recent phenomenon - hardly anyone had so much money to waste 30-40 years ago). Character arcs are well developed, but sometimes are cutoff abruptly (for eg Atalji's family, Arun Jaitley). Songs are not fun!

Overall the movie is "safe" - if you have nothing better to do, and no other better choice, watch this movie. You may or may not go and recommend it in your whatsapp groups later, but you'll definitely not regret it and it might actually be time well spent. In fact, more likely than not, you'll probably also enjoy it!