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Major (film)

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Major
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySashi Kiran Tikka
Written byAdivi Sesh
Dialogue byAbburi Ravi (Telugu)
Akshat Ajay Sharma (Hindi)
Produced byMahesh Babu
Namrata Shirodkar
Anurag Reddy
Sharath Chandra
Starring
CinematographyVamsi Patchipulusu
Edited byVinay Kumar Sirigineedi
Kodati Pavan Kalyan
Music bySricharan Pakala
Production
companies
Distributed bySony Pictures Releasing
Release date
  • 3 June 2022 (2022-06-03)
Running time
149 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
Languages
  • Malayalam
  • Telugu
  • Hindi
Budget₹30 crore
Box office₹66 crore[2]

Major is a 2022 Indian biographical action drama film directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka and produced by Sony Pictures International Productions, GMB Entertainment, and A+S Movies. Filmed simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi languages, the film follows the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, an army officer who martyred in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Adivi Sesh, in his Hindi film debut, plays the title character, writing the story and screenplay in addition. The film also stars Prakash Raj, Sobhita Dhulipala, Saiee Manjrekar, Revathi, Murali Sharma and Anish Kuruvilla.

Principal photography began in February 2020 and ended in December 2021. Filming experienced delays owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was shot in 120 days and was filmed in over 75 locations.

Major had limited theatrical release on 24 May 2022 in selected cities across India and it was released worldwide on 3 June 2022.

Plot

A young Sandeep Unnikrishnan grows up with his sister, Sandhya, and his parents, K. Unnikrishnan and Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan in Yelahanka, Bangalore. As a child, he was very curious about the world around him. When his father took him to see a Navy ceremony with military airplanes flying in the sky Sandeep developed an early fascination with the life of a soldier. In his later years as a secondary school student, Sandeep falls in love with his classmate, Isha Agarwal.

Sandeep applied to join the Indian Navy without telling his parents, much to the fury of K. Unnikrishnan. However, the Navy ultimately rejected Sandeep’s application, causing Sandeep to ultimately join the Army. As the years progressed Sandeep rose up the ranks to become an NSG training officer.

In 2008, Sandeep is well established in his career as a training officer for the 51 Special Action Group of the NSG and is married to Isha, but their marriage is in trouble. Sandeep asks for leave to try and save his marriage. On the same day as Sandeep's leave though, Pakistani terrorists arrive in Mumbai by boat and they proceed to orchestrate deadly attacks in the city. Desperately crowds start heading to the Taj Hotel for safety but the terrorists also enter the hotel and start shooting at staff and guests indiscriminately.

The local police are called to the scene but they are ill-equipped to deal with the threat. Upon discovering the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, Sandeep requests Commander Shera to allow him to participate in the NSG mission to neutralize the terrorist threat. They leave for Mumbai and commence the military counterterrorism operation: Operation Black Tornado, but the NSG encounters a vast number of obstacles and problems upon arriving at the scene.

They lack surveillance cameras to discover the number of people inside the building. The terrorists have installed deadly booby traps and trip wires with bombs throughout the premises. Several hotel staff and guests end up crowded together in a locked room, all bound and gagged on the floor. To make matters worse, there is an intrusive media circus swarming outside the hotel reporting the NSG’s known operations, uniforms, and movements. This information ultimately proves useful to the terrorists.

In the meantime, one of the many guests from the day of the attack, Pramoda Reddy, is trapped on the fifth floor. She manages to keep herself hidden from the gunmen and ultimately takes responsibility to rescue a dead British tourist’s young daughter, Shirley.

Sandeep talks to Isha over the phone. She sent him the divorce papers and scolds him for not being and spending time with her, just like many of his squad mates and soldiers. As she is about to reveal her miscarriage to him, she overhears his squad mate speaking to him. She is horrified to learn that Sandeep is at the Taj Hotel, even though he is a training officer.

As the NSG rescue more hostages (several of whom remain tied up inside a locked banquet hall) and start closing in on the remaining terrorists, Pramoda calls the downstairs lobby using a walkie-talkie from one of the dead security guards. She reveals that Shirley has passed out, due to extreme amounts of smoke, on the fifth floor. She requests the commandos to rescue them. Sandeep ultimately decides to go to the fifth floor to save them, saying that he would never be able to forgive himself if he did not rescue them. His squad mates subsequently use tear gas to distract and kill some of the terrorists, as Sandeep races up to the fifth floor. He ultimately rescues Pramoda and Shirley, and successfully kills most of the terrorists, barring one. Unfortunately, he dies during the conflict, from the injuries he sustained. His squad mates take out the remaining terrorist.

Sandeep’s parents watch in horror, as the news coverage shows that Sandeep was killed in action. They had mistakenly thought that since Sandeep was a training officer he was not involved in the rescue mission at the Taj Hotel. After his death, there is a large military funeral and a crowd of well-wishers, gathered to mourn Sandeep’s passing. Isha is devastated at Sandeep’s death and discovers that he never signed the divorce papers. At a ten year commemoration ceremony in 2018, honoring the lives taken during the attack at the Taj Hotel, K. Unnikrishnan gives an impassioned speech in which he says that Sandeep should be remembered for how he lived, not for how he passed. During the commemorations, Pramoda is reunited with a grown Shirley, whose life, she and Sandeep successfully saved.

Cast

  • Adivi Sesh as Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan
    • Amancharla Rama Kausik as young Sandeep
  • Prakash Raj as K. Unnikrishnan, Sandeep's father
  • Sobhita Dhulipala as Pramoda Reddy, an hostage
  • Saiee Manjrekar as Isha Agarwal, Sandeep's love interest, and later wife
  • Revathi as Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan, Sandeep's mother
  • Murali Sharma as Commander Shera, Sandeep's senior officer
  • Anish Kuruvilla as Hotel Manager Rodriguez
  • Greeshma Prudhivi as Sandhya, Sandeep's sister
  • Chanakya Tejas as NSG Captain Aakash
  • Abhinav Singh Raghav as NDA Batchmate Harsh
  • Veeru Madimetla as NDA Batchmate Veer
  • K Vineet Chandra as Terrorist Kasab
  • Rocky Gondle as Terrorist Ali
  • Varun Gyanchandani as Zaki/Handler

Production

Development

Sony Pictures Entertainment has registered two titles, Major and Major Sandeep with the producers’ association, in their endeavour to make a biopic on his life. The studio entered talks with the family of Major Sandeep in January 2019 to get the rights personal as well as work-related with an aim to pay tribute to the soldier's life.[3]

The film was announced in February 2019, with Adivi Sesh in the lead role.[4] The film is produced by actor Mahesh Babu under his studio G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment, in a collaboration with Sony Pictures International Productions and A+S Movies.[5][6]

Major is shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi languages. Despite consisting of a predominantly Telugu cast and crew, director Sashi Kiran Tikka said that they opted to shoot the film in Hindi as well since the film is set in North India where Hindi is the dominant language.[7]

Filming

Part of the film was shot at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai

Principal photography began in February 2020. But the filming was put on hold in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India.[8][9] By September 2020, more than 50% of the film had been shot, and further shooting is planned to take place in Hyderabad in October 2020.[10] Sobhita Dhulipala filming completed her portions in November 2020.[11] In August 2021, Sesh began filming the final schedule of the film.[12] In December 2021, the shooting of the film was completed and the post-production work began with Sesh dubbing for the Hindi version.[13][14] Major was shot in 120 days and was filmed in over 75 locations.[15]

Music

Major
Soundtrack album by
Sricharan Pakala
Released6 June 2022 (2022-06-06)
Recorded2020-2022
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length14:27
LanguageTelugu
Hindi
LabelZee Music Company
ProducerSricharan Pakala
Sricharan Pakala chronology
DJ Tillu
(2022) 		Major
(2022) 		Telisinavaallu
(2022)

The film score and soundtrack album of the film is composed by Sricharan Pakala. The music rights were acquired by the Zee Music Company. The first single titled "Hrudyama" was released on 6 January 2022.[16] The second single titled "Oh Isha" was released on 18 May 2022.[17]

Telugu
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Hrudayama"Krishna Kanth, V.N.V. Ramesh KumarSid Sriram3:34
2."Oh Isha"Rajiv BharadwajArmaan Malik, Chinmayi3:06
3."Jana Gana Mana"Rajiv BharadwajTojan Toby4:04
4."Kanna Kanna"Ramajogayya SastryK. S. Chithra3:42
Total length:14:27
Hindi
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Saathiya"Ritesh RajwadaJaved Ali3:34
2."Oh Isha"Poojan KohliArmaan Malik, Chinmayi3:06
3."Jana Gana Mana"Yash EshwariAmit Mishra4:04
4."Mere Laalna"Ritesh RajwadaK. S. Chithra3:42
Total length:14:27

Release

Theatrical

Major had limited theatrical release starting from 24 May 2022 with special pre-release screenings in selected cities across India including Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam, Bangalore, and Kochi.[18][19] Major was theatrically released worldwide on 3 June 2022 in Telugu and Hindi languages, along with the dubbed version in Malayalam.[20] Earlier, it was supposed to release on 2 July 2021 but was deferred to the COVID-19 pandemic.[21] Later, the release was rescheduled as 11 February 2022,[22] but the release date was postponed due to uncertainty prevailing about the reopening of cinemas due to the Omicron variant spread.[23] Later in February 2022, the film was rescheduled to release on 27 May 2022 before being pushed back to 3 June.[24][20]

Home Media

The digital distribution rights were acquired by Netflix in all languages and the film was digitally streamed on Netflix from 3 July 2022.[25]

Reception

Critical reception

Major received positive reviews from critics.[26] Neeshita Nyayapati of The Times of India rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Major might be an action drama for the most part where guns and bombs become the norm after a certain run-time, but the film does a good job of opting for a personal tone instead of a jingoistic one".[27] Swati Chopra of The Quint rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Adivi essays the role of a Major almost effortlessly.The screenplay and direction work for the film. This action-drama is not preachy, and the film does not lead with a patriotic tone".[28] A critic for Deccan Chronicle rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Major movie is a fitting tribute to Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. It’s a classic film version of a story that deserves to be told!".[29] Manoj Kumar R of The Indian Express rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Major is far from being perfect. Nevertheless, it’s an effective homage to the hero of 26/11".[30]

Leslie Felperin of The Guardian rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "A hero of the 2008 Mumbai hotel siege gets a relentlessly entertaining biopic, going all-out with the hagiographic bells and whistles".[31] Arvind V of Pinkvilla rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Major' works because it is inspired by the life of a real hero. It's a masterstroke at one level".[32] Mayank Shekhar of Mid-Day rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "It recreates 26/11 with just enough creative liberties to remain believable still. It moves you, with a fine measure of empathy and patriotism".[33] Shubham Kulkarni of Koimoi rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "With some flaws, you can give Major a chance for its gripping second half".[34] Sukanya Verna of Rediff rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Major is in a perennial state of exaggeration.The sighs, the misty eyes, the mushy speeches, its details are invested in highlighting all things in-your-face."[35]

Box office

Major has undergone pre-release theatrical business for 15 crore excluding the Hindi Region and it grossed ₹13.10 crore on its opening day, with a distributor's share of ₹7.12 crore.[36] According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the film made a nett collection of ₹4.66 crore domestically from the Hindi version in its first weekend.[37] As of 10 June 2022 the film grossed ₹50.7 crore (US$6.1 million).[38] After 13 days of its release, the film grossed ₹60 crore worldwide as reported by The Times of India.[39] Based on its collection and the reviews this film is declared as Super Hit[40] In Hindi, it crosses 12 crores after 3rd weekend.[41]

References

  1. ^ "Major". British Board of Film Classification.
  2. ^ "Major BO Collection". The Times of India. 16 June 2022.
  3. ^ "26/11 Martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's story to turn into a film". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
  4. ^ "Adivi Sesh's 'Major' news finally revealed! - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  5. ^ "Mahesh Babu to produce film on 26/11 martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan". India Today. 28 February 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Mahesh Babu To Produce Film On 26/11 Hero Major Unnikrishnan". NDTV.com.
  7. ^ Sur, Prateek (9 May 2022). "Sashi Kiran Tikka Explains Why He Shot 'Major' Both In Hindi And Telugu". Outlook India.
  8. ^ "Shoot commences for Adivi Sesh's 'Major'". The News Minute. 17 February 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  9. ^ "Major: Shooting for the Sandeep Unnikrishnan biopic starring Adivi Sesh resumes". The Times of India. 7 September 2020. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  10. ^ "Saiee Manjrekar signs Adivi Sesh's film Major based on 26/11 hero Sandeep Unnikrishnan". India Today. 24 September 2020. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  11. ^ "Sobhita Dhulipala lands a role in 'Major' opposite Adivi Sesh". The News Minute. 3 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  12. ^ "Adivi Sesh commences final shoot of 'Major'". www.thehansindia.com. 13 August 2021.
  13. ^ "Adivi Sesh Begins Hindi Dubbing For 'Major'". Outlook India. 12 January 2022.
  14. ^ "Actor Adivi Sesh Meets Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's Parents". News18. 27 January 2022.
  15. ^ "Adivi Sesh starrer Major associates with Spider-Man: No Way Home and Allu Arjun's Pushpa: The Rise". Bollywood Hungama. 17 December 2021.
  16. ^ Hrudayama - Lyrical | Major Telugu | Adivi Sesh | Saiee M Manjrekar | Sid Sriram | Sricharan Pakala, retrieved 18 May 2022
  17. ^ Oh Isha - Major Telugu | Adivi Sesh, Saiee M Manjrekar | Armaan Malik, Chinmayi Sripada |Sricharan P, retrieved 18 May 2022
  18. ^ "Major Pre-Release Screening: You Can Watch Adivi Sesh's Movie Even Before Its Release; Here's How". News18. 23 May 2022.
  19. ^ "Major pre-release event to be held in Vizag on 29 May". Vizag. 27 May 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  20. ^ a b K., Janani (27 April 2022). "Adivi Sesh's Major to release in theatres on June 3. New poster out". India Today.
  21. ^ "Adivi Sesh-starrer 'Major' to release on July 2". The New Indian Express. 29 January 2021.
  22. ^ Yashika Mathur (3 November 2021). "Adivi Sesh's 'Major' To Have Theatrical Release On February 11, 2022". Outlook India. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  23. ^ "Adivi Sesh starrer Major postponed owing to COVID-19 surge". Bollywood Hungama. 24 January 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  24. ^ "Adivi Sesh's Major movie gets a release date". The Indian Express. 4 February 2022.
  25. ^ "Adivi sesh's films lock an Internationally streaming OTT platform for its online streaming - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  26. ^ "Major Boxoffice: Blockbuster Day 1 Openings for Adavi Seah's film". The Hans India. The film has received blockbuster openings from everywhere including the film critics and online reviewers.
  27. ^ "Major Movie Review: A heart-touching tribute to Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and his family". The Times Of India. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  28. ^ "Review: 'Major' Is a Befitting & Moving Tribute to Sandeep Unnikrishnan". The Quint. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  29. ^ "Major movie review". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  30. ^ "Major movie review: Adivi Sesh's homage to the 26/11 hero is flawed but effective". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  31. ^ "Major review – legend of military hero of Mumbai attacks burnished in high style". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  32. ^ "Major Movie Review: Able writing, execution amplify this biographical action drama". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  33. ^ "Major Movie Review: Major surprise". Mid-Day. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  34. ^ "Major Movie Review: Adivi Sesh's Irresistible Charm & Gripping Action Saves The Day From A Partly Confused Screenplay". Koimoi. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  35. ^ "Major Review". Rediff. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  36. ^ "Major First Day Box Office Collections: 'మేజర్' తొలి రోజు కలెక్షన్స్ ఎంతంటే". Sakshi (in Telugu). 4 June 2022.
  37. ^ "Major box office collection: Hindi version sees 100% jump on day 3, film mints Rs 35.65 crore over weekend". DNA India. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  38. ^ "Major box office collections day 7: Adivi Sesh's Pan-India film 'Major' collects 50.7 Cr gross in its first-week run - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  39. ^ "Major BO Collections". The Times of India. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  40. ^ "Major 1st Week Total WW Collections". DNA India. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  41. ^ "Major Box Office Day 17 (Hindi): Crosses 12 Crores After 3rd Weekend". Koimoi. 20 June 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
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