Tango Charlie – a film with a strong message

Rating:- **

First things first! If you expect TANGO CHARLIE to be yet another war film, let's get it right at the very outset. The story of the film is different, something that hasn't been attempted earlier.

TANGO CHARLIE is about the fight between the Border Security Forces and the militants within our country. The film talks about the BSF officers and their sacrifices for the nation.

The story has a strong message to offer - that violence doesn't pay and that war is futile.

Air Force helicopter pilots, Squadron Leader Vikram Rathore [Sanjay Dutt] and Flight Lieutenant Shezad Khan [Suniel Shetty], are overflying wilderness of endless non-populated arid lands. Suddenly, they spot a number of bodies strewn over and a hand reaching out.

The rescue is carried out despite a 'No-Go' from the HQ Command because of bad weather. The basic first-aid is carried out and a diary is discovered.

What unfolds through the pages of this diary, while these two pilots fight bad weather and the need to keep the rescued BSF soldier alive, takes them on a whirlwind trip across the nation with Sepoy Tarun Chauhan [Bobby Deol], his journey of life, his love Lachchi [Tanishaa], his battles, his fears, the loss of innocence, and above all, the influence of his mentor, Havaldar Mohammed Ali [Ajay Devgan], who is shaping his destiny.

From time immemorial, soldiers have fallen on the battlefield without really knowing why they were fighting, and for what. Absurdly, wars are always fought in the name of peace.

The protagonists of TANGO CHARLIE represent these brave fighters who are ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of our safety and security without any expectation of any award or reward.

The story OF TANGO CHARLIE is undoubtedly novel, but the film is not without its share of flaws. The 'obstacle' in the film is the love story between Bobby and Tanishaa. In fact, till the love story unfolds on the screen, TANGO CHARLIE really keeps you hooked to the goings-on.The action sequences are skillfully executed.

Mani Shankar's handling of the subject deserves credit, but how one wishes the screenplay was cohesive and taut. But true to Mani's style, the director enmeshes heavy gadgetry and stylized action to great advantage. Music [Anu Malik and Anand Raaj Anand] is weak. Cinematography [Surendra Reddy] is noteworthy, especially the jungle portions.

TANGO CHARLIE belongs to Ajay Devgan completely. He carries the film on his shoulders and delivers a striking performance. Bobby Deol is average. Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty leave a mark in small, but significant roles. The two leading ladies, Tanishaa and Nandana Sen, get no scope in this male-dominated film. Amongst the supporting cast, Kelly Dorji stands out. He manages to make his presence felt.

On the whole, TANGO CHARLIE is a decent fare.