Director: Neeraj Pandey
If you are a fan of cricket or Captain Cool himself, you are sure to enjoy this film to the maximum. This one is a biopic that’s clean, free from any controversies with brilliant performances by each and every actor that you see on screen. Sushant Singh Rajput as Mahendra Singh Dhoni is par excellence. It’s a story of a little boy from the small town of Ranchi whose passion and determination makes him the most loved and successful captains of Indian Cricket.
Pan Singh Dhoni played by Anupam Kher works as a pump operator in Ranchi. Mahendra belongs to a simple and conventional middle class family of four. Coach Banerjee (Rajesh Sharma) picks the young lad to join the school cricket team as a wicketkeeper. What unfolds slowly is a series of matches that show you how popular and loved the young Dhoni was even when he hadn’t joined the National team. The movie follows the struggle of this young boy who is drawn between family responsibilities and his own passion for cricket. Dhoni joins the Railways as a Ticket Collector, a job that pays his bills but doesn’t satisfy his hunger to do more.
The story has been established well but there was nothing new we learnt about the captain. We wished to see the person that makes Dhoni, Captain Cool. Why he does he do what he does, what goes on in the man’s mind, why is he known to be cool? Questions are left unanswered and the story keeps moving forward. What keeps you gripped is Sushant Singh Rajput, he plays his part to absolute perfection. He has taken to Dhoni’s body language, walk, helicopter shot, everything to match the India captain. In addition to that, the supporting cast is exemplary and the background score touches all the right strings of your heart.
The movie leaves you feeling proud, happy, emotional and very patriotic. You know India wins the 2011 World Cup, you know Dhoni hits a 6 to win, but in spite of that you will be at the edge of your seat waiting for the climax. Even though the movie has its shortcomings, you will love the man for his determination, his confidence, his love for the game and for the country.
Verdict: In addition to the outstanding cast, you will see all players of the Indian Cricket Team on the silver screen, what’s not to love.
Stars: 3.5