Viruddh stars Amitabh Bacchan (Vidyadhar Patwardhan), Sharmila Tagore (Sumi) , Sanjay Dutt (Ali) , John Abraham (Amar) and Anusha Dandekar (Jenny) . I would give it a rating of 2.5 /5.

Based on a typical Indian (Maharashtrian to be precise) family, the film revolves around the lives of two parents and their only son. And when I mean parents, I would rather say friends! I have never seen parents so open and ‘out’ with their child. That’s something new. Their son is staying is staying in London, ‘studying’, but sends money (where does he get it from???) to his parents back in India. He returns back home just before his birthday, not alone, but with a ‘girl-friend’, a living relationship. His dad accepts her on the airport! None of the ghisa-pita Indian family dramas! His mom seems to be ok with it too! All are shown a very happy, united family.

Things go wrong with them, when their only son, is shot but a politician’s son. Then starts the Police drama, with framing other ‘gundas’ for the crime thus protecting the politician’s son. Planting of drugs in the Patwardhan’s house, accusing Amar of being a drug smuggler, the case is won by the person who controls the system! Then Vidya, goes against the whole system ( ‘Virudh’ ) and tries his hands at justice. The outcome – All charges against Amar are dropped.

Amitabh (Vidyadhar) and Sharmila (Sumi) have played excellent roles of ‘old’ parents. Amitabh is surely making his mark as an ‘elder person’ (oldie will be a bit too out spoken). I think he should stop making films as a lead hip actor. Even his portrayal as a ‘politician’ is a brilliant in Sarkar. Sharmila Tagore is seen after a long time and looks fresh. Her acting is simply mind blowing. John Abraham , surprisingly, does put on a good show. No half nakedness and unnecessary show off! Sanjay Dutt plays the roll of the mechanic, who annoys Amitabh in the beginning, but late becomes a friend. I think Mahesh Manjrekar wanted to do a favour for a friend. Anusha Dandekar has the least important role, though has played it well. She is the daughter-in-law who tries to win over the heart of her husband’s parents. The other cast includes Prem Chopra, Sharat Saxena, Shivaji Satam, Tom Alter, Ninad Kamat, Atul Kale and Beena and simply are perfect in their parts.

The film has a very good start, with a bit of comedy. The story is very fast moving. Maesh Manjrekar paints a very pretty picture in the 1st half. The 2nd half, post-intermission, is also well handled, with the court case and the ill-work of the police. The end is where the movie suffers. It becomes very predictable and tends to slow down. Another drawback of the film is its on-the-face in-film advertising. A subtle way of endorsing products is understandable, but the blatant promotion of Elf engine oil, Western Union money transfer, Nerolac paints and Sandoz tablets is crudely juxtaposed in the narrative. Sadly, Bollywood is yet to master the art of how to merge in-film advertising in the most natural fashion!

The style of the typical Maharashtrian family is a passé in the film, though people may find it tough to adjust to it. On the whole, Virudh will be a slow starter but has the merits to climb the ladder on the strength of the strong emotional quotient and topnotch performances.

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