Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai : Bajpayee delivers a stellar performance in this enchanting legal thriller

New Delhi, 02 June, (VNI) Story of  Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, Inspired by actual incidents, this movie narrates the gripping story of an attorney from the Sessions Court in Jodhpur, who commits half a decade to pursuing justice for a minor girl who has fallen victim to the sexual assault of a powerful spiritual guru.
"Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai" presents an engrossing courtroom saga that surpasses a mere clash of intellects when a revered self-proclaimed spiritual leader stands trial for the sexual assault of a young girl. Director Apoorv Singh Karki deserves praise for ensuring that the captivating tale keeps viewers captivated from start to finish. A tremendous burden lies on the writer to effectively execute a film that heavily relies on conversations (arguments in this instance), a task which Deepak Kingrani excels at, whether within the courtroom or beyond. The singular individual who holds everything together firmly is Manoj Bajpayee, much like the main character he embodies.
The film narrates the life of a humble lawyer named Advocate PC Solanki from Rajasthan, who single-handedly fought for justice in the widely publicized sexual assault case perpetrated by the self-styled spiritual leader against a minor girl, all under the provisions of the POCSO Act. While courtroom dramas often depict lawyers as larger-than-life figures, Advocate PC Solanki (Manoj Bajpayee) is a simple man residing with his mother and son in Jodhpur. He confronts his contemporary defense attorney (Vipin Sharma) with unwavering confidence, yet it is endearing to witness his awe-struck and apprehensive demeanor when facing influential figures from the legal sphere during the court proceedings. "Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai" tells a well-researched story that prompts viewers to admire the meticulousness displayed by public prosecutor Solanki, particularly in establishing the survivor, Nu (Adrija), as a minor and thus ensuring that the case is tried under the POCSO Act, irrespective of any legal intricacies.
The movie, where only Advocate Solanki's name remains unaltered while other characters are bestowed with screen names, approaches the narrative with great sensitivity, even in scenes where the defense poses probing questions to Nu about the incident or highlights the police's meticulous handling of the case. It avoids sensationalizing the event while still maintaining a gripping atmosphere. Arjun Kukreti's cinematography complements the precise direction and writing. The pursuit sequence through the alleys of Jodhpur, where assailants attack Solanki, is skillfully shot. When Nu undergoes a medical examination following her police complaint and covers her face with her dupatta, one cannot help but empathize with her attempt to conceal her shame. Similarly, the scene where the case is won, and Nu stands by the window with her face subtly illuminated, conveys both hope and the scars she carries. Sangeet-Siddharth Roy's background score heightens the drama, although in certain instances, it becomes overpowering, diverting attention away from the dialogue.
"Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai" showcases exceptional performances, whether it's Adrija, Jaihind Kumar, and Durga Sharma as Nu's helpless yet supportive parents, or Vipin Sharma as the defense lawyer (he delivers an exceptional portrayal during the scene where he interrogates Nu and feels ashamed to delve into the details of the crime). However, the true star here is undoubtedly Manoj Bajpayee. He exhibits remarkable skill, particularly in adapting his mannerisms while engaging with various stakeholders, including Nu, her parents, his mother, his son, the judges, the esteemed lawyers he admires, and his assistant. He effortlessly transitions from determination to fear, from emotional vulnerability to outrage, excelling in every subtle nuance. He shines brightly in the scene where he breaks down, his mother consoles him, and they recite a poem together, as well as during his closing statement. Aware that he is dealing with a nation deeply entrenched in religious beliefs, he chooses not to explain why the spiritual leader deserves punishment based.