5 reasons why Priyanka Chopra's 'Mary Kom' is a must watch

Written By Nayandeep Rakshit | Updated: Sep 05, 2014, 11:53 AM IST

Biopics have certainly become the flavour of the season, with more and more people showing interests in capturing the lives of famous unsung heroes on the big screen. 'Mary Kom' is one such film. The film which released yesterday is an astounding ode to womanhood, a brave testament to the indomitable spirit of women.

Here are 5 reasons why you should not miss 'Mary Kom'.

Mary Kom's story:
Did you know that Mary's real name was Chungneijang? I did not and if you are also someone who only recognises her as MC Mary Kom, the Indian boxers who brought us gold at the Olympics, you better watch this film. The valiant struggle against all oddities, the battle that Mary has been through most of her life has been captured beautifully on screen. So much that at times, you get goose-bumps! I haven't read the book but after the film, I definitely plan on finish the book as well. And you should, too!

Another efficient biopic:
It was about time that Indians move focus their focus from cricket and cricketers. In this daily dose of the bat, ball and the wicket, we somehow forget to honour some of the other sporting legends who have brought us equal amount of pride and fame in the global arena and at times, even more than what any cricketer could do. 'Paan Singh Tomar' had traced the life of another athlete-turned-bandit and 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' was an amazing crowd puller depicting Milkha Singh's character with such cinematic brilliance. Omung Kumar's 'Mary Kom' just takes the baton forward and with conviction.

Priyanka Chopra:
While one would have expected Priyanka Chopra to be the biggest reason to watch this film, even the actress would agree that more than her, it is Mary's story that comes alive on screen. Having said that, it is also true that if it was not Priyanka, it would have been difficult to get someone to play Mary this effortlessly! Priyanka does a wonderful job at it (almost nailing it!), bringing out the right emotions and infusing life into her character. We have always loved Priyanka for the multiple risks she has taken all throughout but for the last few years post a stunning Jhilmil Chatterjee, Priyanka seems to have been making some really bad choices. But 'Mary Kom' is a testament of the acting prowess that Priyanka commands over her roles and she pulls the film totally on her shoulders. And after watching the film, we just have one sincere request to Chopra—Can we have more of 'Mary Kom', 'Barfi' and 'Fashion' from you and less of the 'Zanjeer'-s? 

Portrayal of human emotions:
Underlying the story of hardships, valiance, perseverance and triumph, lies a story of human emotions—an extremely emotional background plot that revolves around Mary's relationship with her father. In a country like India, where parents find it hard to accept their children's choices, Mary's father was no different. Initially resilient and hostile, Mary's father soon started accepting and engaging in his daughter's victory. Although it definitely puts us through an emotional wringer, it also hammers the fact that Omung Kumar has struck the right chord. 

A fitting ode to woman power:
Sports has always been one area of general interest to most Indians. But have Indians ever looked at boxing or maybe badminton or weight lifting the way they get intrigued in a T-20 match or maybe an exciting Mohun Bagan versus East Bengal football match? No! We don't even know most of our sporting legends who along with the Indian cricketers have brought India recognition and glory. And even if we do, we hardly care about the women in those sports! Most of us would not even be able to name an Indian sportswoman and the ones who do, can only name barely a few!  'Mary Kom' raises a toast to the spirit of women and the power of 'She', the film is an enchanting ode to womanhood at large. Although it depicts Mary Kom's life, it does give out a message that any woman can be another MC Mary Kom, only if they wished to fight against all oddities rather than getting stamped by them.