Rajkumar Hirani‘s ‘Sanju’ has completed eight years since it first arrived in cinemas, reminding audiences of the film that transformed Ranbir Kapoor into one of Bollywood’s most iconic and controversial stars, Sanjay Dutt. Released in 2018, the biographical drama not only dominated the box office but also earned widespread acclaim for Ranbir’s astonishing physical and emotional metamorphosis.To celebrate the occasion, the makers revisited the film’s memorable journey by sharing a special video on social media. Alongside scenes from the blockbuster, they wrote, “One man. Many lives. So many moments to smile about. Celebrating 8 years of #Sanju.”
Ranbir Kapoor’s career-defining performance
Among the film’s biggest highlights was Ranbir Kapoor’s uncanny portrayal of Sanjay Dutt. Rather than merely mimicking the actor’s appearance, Ranbir captured his body language, speech, expressions and emotional complexities across different phases of his life.Whether portraying a carefree youngster, a struggling addict or a man battling public perception, Ranbir seamlessly navigated every stage of Dutt’s journey. His performance struck a balance between vulnerability, humour and resilience, making it one of the most celebrated performances of his career.
A story beyond stardom
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, ‘Sanju’ chronicled several defining chapters from Sanjay Dutt’s life. The narrative explored his bond with parents Sunil Dutt and Nargis Dutt, his battle with substance abuse, his friendships, legal controversies and the relentless media scrutiny that surrounded him for years.Instead of presenting a straightforward celebrity biopic, the film focused on the emotional highs and lows that shaped the actor’s life, giving audiences a glimpse into the man behind the headlines.
A memorable ensemble cast
While Ranbir carried the film on his shoulders, the supporting cast added significant emotional weight to the narrative.Paresh Rawal portrayed Sunil Dutt with warmth and quiet strength, while Manisha Koirala stepped into the role of Nargis Dutt. Vicky Kaushal won hearts as Kamli, Sanju’s fiercely loyal friend whose unwavering support became one of the emotional pillars of the film. The cast also featured Anushka Sharma, Dia Mirza, Sonam Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Karishma Tanna and Boman Irani in key roles.The father-son relationship remained the emotional backbone of the story, while Kamli’s friendship reinforced the idea that unwavering support can become a lifeline during life’s darkest moments.
Music and a record-breaking run
Apart from its performances, ‘Sanju’ also stood out for its memorable soundtrack. Songs such as ‘Kar Har Maidaan Fateh’, ‘Main Badhiya Tu Bhi Badhiya’ and ‘Baba Bolta Hain Bas Ho Gaya’ complemented the film’s emotional and entertaining moments 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’ continues to be remembered for its compelling storytelling, Rajkumar Hirani’s direction and, above all, Ranbir Kapoor’s remarkable transformation into Sanjay Dutt, a performance that remains one of the finest biographical portrayals in contemporary Hindi cinema.