Film: MS Dhoni: The Untold Story
Directed by: Neeraj Pandey
Starring: Sushant Singh Rajput, Anupam Kher, Disha Patani, Kiaara Advani, Bhoomika Chawla
What it's about:
Biopics are tricky but sports films, I think, have a formula, and if you get that right then you have a winner on your hands. Dhoni is a biopic on the life of Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Sushant Singh Rajput) and his accidental entry into cricket, which begins while still in school. Then begins his journey falling in love with the game, realising his own potential and dreaming of playing for the country. It introduces you to all the people who spotted his talent, and friends who supported him in this journey. It introduces you to his father who didn't dream big like him and the mother who always believed in him. Dhoni's own doubts, frustrations and struggle, and finally the women he loved. It also touches very briefly about the controversies in his career. A large part of the film is on the pitch and in hotel rooms, where cricketers spend a lot of time.
What's good:
Neeraj Pandey is such a brilliant story teller. His vision, clarity and structure makes Dhoni the film it is. He keeps you engaged, just like a good match does. The film is well-written and well-staged. All the scenes with his family and friends connect so persuasively, and so often. There was a danger about making the film purely about his cricket and stats but Neeraj rescues it from that by bringing in all the human elements. The faces who helped Dhoni achieve his dream of wearing the blue jersey along the way. From the friends he grew up with, to the guys who recognized his talent. The film is moving and exciting - a winning combination. The scene in which Sushant holds the Indian Jersey for the first time is a moment to cherish. The good thing is, it's not all about MSD's greatness on the field. The film does deliver on the promise of telling the untold story. The cricket scenes make you nostalgic, and relive all the highs and lows of the matches you have watched along with players like Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar etc. The film would not have been what it is without the support of an able star cast. Every character has played his and her part brilliantly. You will laugh, smile, well up and finally cheer the big finish. For Sushant Singh Rajput, this is a career-defining role. In a bravura performance, he makes Dhoni so endearing on screen.
What's not:
If you are telling a story about Dhoni, you obviously can't leave out the personal side of his life. But somehow both the women in his life comes off as needy and clingy who want to get him to propose marriage, while he seems to be awkward and emotionally detached, to the point of seeming cold. Also, the whole scene where MSD got three of the senior players out of the team is half-hearted. It leaves out the names. What was the point of that when the facts are already known?
What to do?
Watch it if you love cricket. Watch it if you love movies. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story leaves you with a high that only a winning match can give you.
Rating: **** (4 stars)
