Rajkumar Hirani‘Sanju’ has completed eight years since it first hit the theatres, reminding audiences of the film that changed Ranbir Kapoor to one of Bollywood’s most iconic and controversial stars, Sanjay Dutt. Released in 2018, the biographical drama not only ruled the box office but also garnered widespread praise for Ranbir’s amazing physical and emotional metamorphosis.To celebrate the occasion, the makers revisited the memorable journey of the film by sharing a special video on social media. Along with scenes from the blockbuster, they wrote, “One person. So many lives. So many moments to smile. Celebrating 8 years of #Sanju.”
The performance that defined Ranbir Kapoor’s career
Among the biggest highlights of the film is Ranbir Kapoor’s wonderful portrayal of Sanjay Dutt. Instead of just imitating the actor’s looks, Ranbir captured his body language, speech, expressions and emotional complexities at different stages of his life.Whether portraying a carefree youth, a struggling addict or a man battling public perception, Ranbir seamlessly navigates every stage of Dutt’s journey. His performance struck a balance between vulnerability, humor and strength, making it one of the most popular performances of his career.
A story beyond fame
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, ‘Sanju’ chronicles the many chapters of Sanjay Dutt’s life. The narrative examines his relationship with his parents Sunil Dutt: and Nargis Dutt, her battle against substance abuse, her friendships, legal controversies and the relentless media scrutiny that surrounded her over the years.Rather than presenting a straightforward celebrity biopic, the film focuses on the emotional highs and lows that shaped the actor’s life, giving viewers a glimpse of the man behind the headlines.
A memorable ensemble cast
While Ranbir carries the film on his shoulders, the supporting cast adds significant emotional weight to the narrative.Paresh Rawal portrayed Sunil Dutt with warmth and quiet strength, while Manisha Koirala took on the role of Nargis Dutt. Vicky Kaushal won hearts as Kamli, Sanju’s fiercely loyal friend whose unwavering support becomes one of the film’s emotional pillars. The cast also features Anushka Sharma, Dia Mirza, Sonam KapoorJim Sarbh, Karishma Tanna and Boman Irani in pivotal roles.The father-son relationship remains the emotional backbone of the story, while Kamli’s friendship reinforces the idea that unwavering support can be a lifeline in life’s darkest moments.
Music and a record-breaking run
Apart from its performances, ‘Sanju’ also stood out for its memorable soundtrack. Songs like ‘Kar Har Maidaan Fateh’, ‘Main Badhiya Tu Bhi Badhiya’ and ‘Baba Bolta Hain Bas Ho Gaya’ added emotional and fun moments to the film while becoming popular chartbusters.The film emerged as the highest grossing Hindi release of 2018 and finished as the second highest grossing Indian film of the year. Eight years later, ‘Sanju’ is still remembered for its compelling narrative, Rajkumar Hirani’s direction and, above all, Ranbir Kapoor’s incredible transformation into Sanjay Dutt, a performance that remains one of the best biographical portrayals in contemporary Hindi cinema.
