Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai is said to be inspired by a true story based on godman Asaram Bapu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for sexually abusing a minor girl. The film follows Manoj Bajpayee portraying the character of Advocate PC Solanki who brought justice to the 16-year-old girl. Read our review.

“Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai” is a film starring Manoj Bajpayee, Adrija Sinha, and Surya Mohan Kulshrestha. The story follows Manoj’s character, PC Solanki, a lawyer, as he fights for justice for Nu Singh, played by Adrija, a minor who was sexually assaulted by a self-styled godman, referred to as ‘baba’ in the film and played by Surya. Solanki is determined to bring justice to Nu under the POCSO Act, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, despite being attacked by goons. Solanki is a simple man living in Jodpur with his mom and son, and he constantly fears their safety. In the film, only Solanki’s name remains unchanged, while others are given screen names.

PC Solanki, who fought for the rape victim in the Asaram case, proved that you don’t need an extraordinary man to shake the entire nation. He is your neighbor next door, kicking his scooter every morning to go to work. Bandaa, a biopic about him, focuses on the story rather than sensationalizing the crime. The narrative is sensitive and the screenplay is handled with utmost care. Nu’s character is a child in shock because she can’t believe that her ‘bhagwaan’ has done this to her. The family is misled until PC Solanki comes along, and the story takes pace from there.

Nu’s character has also been written perfectly. She is a child in shock because she can’t believe that her ‘bhagwaan’ has done this to her. When her middle-class parents reach the police station, things start to get worse. A constable even asks Nu “beta apna muh chunni se dhak lo,” as she is made to walk out for a medical examination. This was a direct hit at how women are often accused or looked down upon when they go through something similar. She is being made to feel ashamed for being a sexual assault victim. The family is misled until PC Solanlki comes along, and the story takes pace from there.

PC Solanki is a lawyer who isn’t scared even when a goon tries to attack him with a knife, chases him on the roads, and he is constantly dreading his son’s safety. His closing statement in the case is the highlight of the film. Instead of humanising it, he gives Lord Shiva’s example, who refused to forgive his greatest devotee, Ravan, when he abducted Sita. This scene was brilliant.

Sirf Ek Hi Bandaa Kaafi Hai is a film that relies solely on Manoj Bajpayee’s performance. He is fierce when he is fighting a case, and a common family man outside the court. He is a simple lawyer who wants to take a selfie with a popular lawyer fighting against him. He gets starstruck when he sees another lawyer whom he admires. However, when the proceedings start, he buries them to the ground with his words and evidence. No one else could have pulled this off as brilliantly as Manoj. He has also mastered his Rajasthani accent well.

Adrija has also done a phenomenal job. When Baba is sentenced to life imprisonment, she breaks down in tears that will break your hearts. Even with her face mostly covered throughout the film, she aces her performance. You can see Nu’s pain through her.

Writer Deepak Kingrani has also done an extraordinary job churning out dialogues that leave an impact. A courtroom drama is something where dialogues are the USP, and he has nailed it. Three cheers to director Apoorv Singh Karki for ensuring that the story never falters but keeps you hooked. He has done his research well, and added no drama to it to make it filmy. Arjun Kukreti’s cinematography is also worth noting. He keeps it tight within the courtroom and the small, thin lanes of Jodhpur. Watch out for the scene where Manoj is being chased by godman’s goons on a bike. Even with nothing flowery to add to the screens, Arjun managed to shoot it well. Sangeet-Siddharth Roy’s background score, especially in PC Solanki’s dialogues, adds to the drama.

“Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai” is an excellent example of how courtroom dramas should be made in India. The film does not have any over-the-top drama, and the focus remains on making sure the godman pays for his sins. It makes you have faith in the judiciary. Manoj Bajpayee’s performance is the highlight of the film and no other actor could have done justice to the role.