How a Bollywood blockbuster turned a controversial actor's life into a cinematic confession
In short: Sanju, the 2018 biographical drama, chronicles the turbulent life of Indian actor Sanjay Dutt. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film explores Dutt's struggles with severe drug addiction, his complex relationship with his father, and his controversial arrest following the 1993 Bombay bombings, all while sparking intense debate over its narrative honesty.
The film originated from intimate conversations between director Rajkumar Hirani and Sanjay Dutt. Initially reluctant, Hirani was drawn in by the raw, unfiltered anecdotes Dutt shared during a period of personal loneliness. The production, titled after Dutt's mother's nickname for him, aimed to move beyond standard biopic tropes. Instead of a traditional hero's journey, the narrative focuses on two primary pillars: the 'gun story' and the 'drug story.' These elements serve as the film's spine, detailing Dutt's descent into substance abuse following his mother Nargis's terminal cancer diagnosis and his subsequent legal entanglement under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) after the 1993 Bombay bombings.
Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Dutt required an exhaustive physical and emotional transformation. Kapoor spent months studying Dutt’s mannerisms and undergoing rigorous prosthetic sessions to replicate the actor's appearance across different decades. The production team, including costume designer Ekha Lakani and hairstylist Aalim Hakim, meticulously recreated Dutt's evolving aesthetic. Kapoor even adopted a strict regimen of eight meals a day to match Dutt's muscular physique. Despite the technical precision, Kapoor noted that the most daunting challenge was capturing the emotional reality of Dutt’s life, including his internal conflicts and the weight of his public image.
The film faced significant scrutiny regarding its portrayal of its protagonist. While critics praised the performances and technical execution, some accused the film of 'whitewashing' Dutt’s past. Hirani and writer Abhijat Joshi defended the project, arguing that they included unflattering details—such as Dutt's history of infidelity and severe addiction—to provide a truthful account. The film ultimately grossed over ₹587 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2018. By the time of its release, the project had evolved into a complex reflection on fame, family, and the fine line between personal accountability and public perception.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Sanju
- Also: Wikidata — Sanjuán · CC0
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