Ghoomer movie review: Balki knocks it out of the park with near-perfect storytelling; Saiyami, Abhishek are the MVPs

Director: R Balki

Cast: Saiyami Kher, Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Angad Bedi

Where to watch: Theatres

Rating: 4 stars

Is Ghoomer a cricket film, or is it a film about perseverance, resilience, and the human spirit? To me, the best sports films are those where the on-field action is incidental. And this is where Ghoomer succeeds. R Balki’s sports drama works because it focuses on the drama more than the sports. Nowhere does it get too technical or sporty. Nowhere does it turn into a film that can only be enjoyed by cricket fans. Propped up by some exceptinal performances, Ghoomer comes as one of the finest Hindi films of recent times and – without exaggeration – one of the most heartarming Indian sports dramas ever made.

Ghoomer is the story of Anina (Saiyami Kher), a cricketing prodigy on her way to play for the Indian cricket team. But when her arm is amptated after a freak accident, she is contacted by a bitter, alcoholic former male cricketer Paddy (Abhishek Bachchan), who uses unconventional tactics to transform her into a left-arm bowler, reigniting her dream to play for the country.

The film’s USP is its pace and naturalness. Nothing seems over-dramatised or fake. Balki’s signature understated realism shines through the entire length of the movie. That is why, even when the film has to abandon logic (it is a sports drama, they often have to), it does not seem far fetched at all. In an industry that is guilty of making things like Victory, that is a huge achievement in itself. Ghoomer is proof that Indian sports films are finally catching up to their Western counterparts, and in many ways, even surpassing them.

Saiyami Kher and Abhishek Bachchan are easily the stars of the film. Saiyami starts out as somewhat tentative with her dialogue delivery not very convincing but she grows on you, very quickly. Among all the actors who played cricketers on screen so far, she looks the most convincing (probably tied with Sushant Singh Rajput there). Her stance, technique, and posture will make you believe that her Alina is indeed a superstar in making. That sets the tone and her performance improves too. In the emotional scenes, she shines, making you feel sorry for her but never pity her, because that is not what Alina wants.

Abhishek Bachchan is back with another strong performance as the unlikable alcoholic former cricketer. At times, his slurring drunk dialogue delivery will remind you of Amitabh Bachchan’s performance from Sharabi. But Abhishek is his own man. He creates a character that is immediately unlikable and then, through the sheer force of his performance, makes you like him. That is endearing. Of the support cast, Shabana Azmi – as Anina’s cricket-crazy grandmother – is a delight. The wisdom she throws at others in a subtle, sweet manner is so carefull crafted and brilliantly performed. The other highlights of the film are Angad Bedi in a measured performance and an emotional and much-needed Amitabh Bachchan cameo. And not to forget the talented and fiesty Ivanka Das, who plays Abhishek's adopted sister and support system. The actress has given a performance she can be proud of, standing toe-to-toe with much more seasoned performers.

Ghoomer has the perfect pace in its narrative. The first half merely sets the premise but you will never feel as if the film is dragging or taking too much time. The music does not overpower and yes, the tracks are not exactly memorable (the only blemish in a sports film), but they do their job well. The film does not overdo it in any department, be it the presentation of cricket, the emotional aspect, or the redemption arc. Everything is believable in the most Balki way possible.

Over the last few years, Hindi cinema’s theatrical content has certainly not been up to the mark. Many films have felt like watered down versions of what we have already seen before. The story does not have to be new eac time, but the treatment must be. That’s what R Balki does with Ghoomer. Essentially, all underdog sports stories do follow the same arc. It’s how you present it that makes the difference. With Ghoomer, R Balki gives that much-needed fresh and well-made film. Just be ready to shed a few tears when you watch it!