Sep 30, 2016 01:59 AM
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(Updated Sep 30, 2016 02:17 AM)
A biopic on the life of legendary Indian cricketer - Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
You have seen Mahendra Singh Dhoni display cricketing skills with his bat as a'Batsman', behind the stumps as a'Keeper' and as an inspiring'Captain' who led the Indian cricket team to victory at the 2011 Cricket World Cup. We know more of him as a cricketer and not as an ordinary man who struggled like you and me with dreams to make it big but hindered by unfavorable circumstances. The film does not focus entirely on his cricketing career but on the untold story of his life that we definitely wish to know, and it does in great style.
Story: Mahendra Singh Dhoni(Sushant Singh Rajput), the Ranchi school boy is a footballer and a goal keeper. His other interests are badminton and table tennis. An opportunity knocks during an inter-school cricket tournament wherein he is asked to fill in as a wicketkeeper which he reluctantly accepts. His hidden skill in batting is a great find for the school coach and Dhoni in no time is talk of the town. As he grows, his increasing popularity fetches him job offers. Managing commitment to his job and cricket is a big challenge as it often led to depression. Support flowed from all quarters from his friends and bosses who encouraged him to pursue his dream and succeed as a cricketer which he eventually does and in the process also meets his better half.
Cast: In ‘Kai Po Che’, Sushant Singh Rajput played the role of a cricket coach with such brilliance that it made me wonder if he was a cricketer turned actor. He was thus a brilliant pick to play the role of the legendary cricketer, which he delivered in a manner that will emboss him in the viewers mind forever as a remarkable actor aptly associated with a cricketing icon. You will love the characters played by Disha Patani(Dhoni’s ex-girlfriend Priyanka) and Kiara Advani(as Dhoni’s wife'Sakshi'). The entire cast across the board contributed with their wholehearted performances. You will relate to each of the characters and the middle-class mindset that focuses on job security and conservative thinking.
Direction: Neeraj Pandey has earlier thrilled you with ‘A Wednesday’, ‘Special 26’ and ‘Baby’ skillfully contributing with story, screenplay and direction, but now he will sweep you off your feet with this biopic which will be one of his best in a different genre. His direction carries the entertainment value that surpasses the expectations of the viewer.
Songs: All songs had wonderful music, meaningful lyrics and great visuals which blended well with the script and had its desired emotional impact.
Pros: Superb Direction, inspiring Story, effective Screenplay, brilliant Performances, good Dialogues, Editing and Cinematography, Yuvraj Singh
Cons: Ignore even if you find any.
Conclusion: The film run time is a little over 3 hours and no one was complaining but wanting for more. The film engages you in a manner that you become part of the script empathizing and supporting the legendary cricketer. The film will bring back nostalgic moments of the Indian cricket team victories especially over arch rivals Pakistan in Pakistan. Dhoni’s love story involving Cricket, ex-girlfriend ‘Priyanka’ and wife ‘Sakshi’ will move you emotionally. The film is a great inspiration for all Indians who share a common dream to make India proud irrespective of ones circumstances or struggles. The film succeeds in pointing out that if you continuously develop your skills, it will be effectively utilized when an opportunity knocks. Though Dhoni was not interested in cricket, his goalkeeping skills got noticed which gave him an opportunity as a wicketkeeper. The film highlights the fact that when the intent is good, all the universal forces unite to support you in fulfilling your dream and that could come by way of friends and well-wishers who do not expect anything in return, but your success.
Bottom line: ‘M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story’ is The Bollywood Blockbuster of 2016 - a must watch and not to be missed movie.
