Sam Bahadur (2023)
DirectorMeghna Gulzar
StarringVicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub
Watch onZee5, VI movies and tv
Best for: Viewers interested in Indian military history and biopics, especially fans of Vicky Kaushal and director Meghna Gulzar.
Where to watch Sam Bahadur online in India
Subscription
Zee5
VI movies and tvAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.
Sam Bahadur OTT release date
| Theatrical release (India) | 1 December 2023 |
|---|---|
| OTT / digital release (India) | 26 January 2024 |
| Gap between theatre and OTT | 56 days |
| Streaming now on | Zee5, VI movies and tv |
Release dates for India as listed on TMDB.
Sam Bahadur story (no spoilers)
Sam Bahadur is a Hindi-language historical drama based on the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and the first Indian Army officer promoted to Field Marshal. The film follows Manekshaw's journey, with Vicky Kaushal playing the title role, alongside Sanya Malhotra as his wife Silloo Manekshaw. The narrative spans key moments of his career, including his interactions with political figures like Indira Gandhi (Fatima Sana Shaikh), Yahya Khan (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), Lord Mountbatten (Edward Sonnenblick), Jawaharlal Nehru (Neeraj Kabi) and Sardar Vallabhai Patel (Govind Namdeo). The tone is dramatic and historical, focusing on his leadership and personal life. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film runs 150 minutes and carries a UA certificate. It released in theatres in India on 1 December 2023, after a 30 November 2023 release date, and is set against the backdrop of war and military strategy.
Should you watch Sam Bahadur?
Watch it for
- Vicky Kaushal plays Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, supported by Sanya Malhotra, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in key roles.
- Meghna Gulzar directs this historical drama that covers the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and Manekshaw's rise to Field Marshal.
- The film blends drama, history and war genres, with a runtime of 150 minutes that details his military and personal life.
- It features a UA certificate and is available in Hindi and English, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced action over a 150-minute historical drama that focuses on military and political events.
- You are looking for a light-hearted film, as the genres are drama, history and war with a serious tone.
Sam Bahadur cast
Vicky Kaushalas Sam Manekshaw
Sanya Malhotraas Silloo Manekshaw
Fatima Sana Shaikhas Indira Gandhi
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyubas Yahya Khan
Edward Sonnenblickas Lord Mountbatten
Neeraj Kabias PM Jawaharlal Nehru
Govind Namdeoas Sardar Vallabhai Patel
Paul O'Neillas Major (General) David Cowan
Rajiv Kachrooas Hormusji ManekshawSam Bahadur movie details
| Director | Meghna Gulzar |
|---|---|
| Writer | Meghna Gulzar, Bhavani Iyer, Shantanu Srivastava |
| Music | Ketan Sodha |
| Cinematography | Jay I. Patel |
| Producer | Ronnie Screwvala |
| Release date | 1 December 2023 |
| Runtime | 2h 30m (150 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | English, Hindi |
| Original title | सैम बहादुर |
| Certificate (India) | UA |
| Budget | $6.6 million (approx.) |
| Worldwide box office | $15.6 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Sam Bahadur family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the UA certificate and war genre; the film may contain mild battle scenes and is suitable for families with parental guidance. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Sam Bahadur official trailer
Our verdict
Sam Bahadur offers a detailed look at Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw's life, anchored by Vicky Kaushal's performance and Meghna Gulzar's direction. The 150-minute runtime delves into his military career and personal moments, though it may feel slow for those not interested in historical dramas. It's a solid pick for fans of Indian history and biopics.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch Sam Bahadur online in India?
Sam Bahadur is available for streaming in India on Zee5 and VI movies and tv with a subscription.
When did Sam Bahadur release in India?
Sam Bahadur released in theatres in India on 1 December 2023, with a release date of 30 November 2023.
Who is in the cast of Sam Bahadur?
The cast includes Vicky Kaushal as Sam Manekshaw, Sanya Malhotra as Silloo Manekshaw, Fatima Sana Shaikh as Indira Gandhi, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Yahya Khan, and Neeraj Kabi as PM Jawaharlal Nehru.
Who directed Sam Bahadur?
Sam Bahadur is directed by Meghna Gulzar.
What is the runtime of Sam Bahadur?
Sam Bahadur has a runtime of 150 minutes.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.