It was not a theatre,
It was a stadium.
It was not Sushant Singh Rajput,
It was Mahendra Singh Dhoni. *_*
Genre - Sports / Biography
Runtime - 3 hrs 5 mins
Cast - Sushant Singh Rajput, Anupam Kher, Rajesh Sharma, Bhumika Chawla, Kumud Mishra, Disha Patani, Kiara Advani, Harry Tangri.
Director - Neeraj Pandey.
Plot - M S Dhoni - The Untold Story is Mahendra Singh Dhoni's inspirational journey from his humble beginnings in Ranchi to the hardships he faced, to his international fame, and India winning the World Cup under his captaincy - making him one of the finest Captains in World Cricket.
PS - Since this movie is produced by the very person on whom it's based, it is more of a hagiography. (Regarding the person as perfect. A saint, for that matter.)
➡ Direction and Screenplay -
Neeraj Pandey (Direction and Screenplay) along with Dilip Jha (Dialogue) and Nandu Kamte (Screenplay) have done an amazing job in making this film what it is.
- Speaking of direction, Pandey casts a spell on us all with his brilliant techniques. Although he isn't acquainted with this genre (previous ventures - 'A Wednesday', 'Special 26' and 'Baby'), he manages to pull it off and how! Some scenes are so beautifully directed, it leaves you awestruck and proves why Pandey is one of the best directors in the country. This was about the first half, the second half kind of slips from his hand as far as the romantic storylines are concerned. Thus proving, why he shouldn't be directing a love story.
- Going by the tagline, "The Man you know, the journey you don't," the makers have stuck strictly to the making of Dhoni - the cricket legend's
life before he made it to team India, and that gives it a novelty factor. From a ticket collector to a trophy collector, you see it all. It chooses to inspire rather than merely awe.
- The cricketing aspect of Dhoni is so well done . Well, the cricket that you watch in this movie, for the most part, has been very smartly executed by super-imposing the lead actor’s face with actual footage of the Dhoni - unlike other movies wherein it looks disturbingly fake.
So, yes, it’s Sushant Singh Rajput up there all right. But the shots — both cricketing and camera — belong to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on the field, playing the big games, winning hearts and big matches. VFX team, good job!
➡ Editing and Cinematography -
- Editing by Girish Takle is average. The two love songs could've easily been chopped out. But that's okay, for they portray the romantic and flirty side of our Captain Cool. Also, too many scenes have a character enter a room, open a door, sit, exchange greetings and so on. So, the movie is of 185 mins, and that's long but too less to paint the entire story of a man who is still the captain of the Indian cricket team. (Also, if you are a lover of Test matches, this 3 hour long movie won't test your patience. *winks*)
- The Cinematography by Sudhir Palsane is excellent. The in-camera effects are worth mentioning. Sudhir creates a peaceful and subtle atmosphere that is in synch with the emotions of the characters and the director’s intention.
Music - The music of this film has already been widely appreciated. The soulful and hummable 'Besabriyan', 'Phir Kabhi' and 'Jab Tak' being the absolute favorites. Also, the background music is well constructed in order to maintain the energetic and euphoric atmosphere of the stadium.
➡ The Highs -
▶ The long narrative coupled with impactful performances keeps you invested despite it being a detailed one.
▶ Dialogues such as “Hume Bhi Ek Chance Dijiye Na,” “Naukri Ke Liye Out Thodi Na Honge,” and “Ab Tak Hum Autograph Layak Kuch Kiye Hi Nahi Hai,” are enough to show us how brilliantly, the writers have cracked the persona.
▶ Behind every successful man or woman is a network of well-wishers, talent-spotters, even mavericks (like the railway manager AK Ganguly in Dhoni’s case), who just simply, unconditionally believe in you. This film captures that adorably. And the sincerity of every character is commendable. Passion for cricket of many people made Dhoni, the cricketer. And it almost feels like Dhoni chose this medium to thank the people who have helped him reach where he is now and told the filmmakers only about those situations and moments.
▶ The life of a lower middle class family has been showcased perfectly.
Its so genuine and rooted.
▶ There are adequate scenes in the film that make you joyful, be it the amazing friendship between Dhoni and his friends or his uncomfortable shoots for brand endorsements, the situational comedy will leave you with a smile. Also, Dhoni’s altercation with a Pakistani fan in a hotel and the challenges faced by modern women when linked with a famous personality, is depicted with enough simplicity.
▶ Dhoni bites his nails when tensed, is afraid of commitment, wants to make his father proud, is mischievous, gets frustrated – like you and us. These tiny bits keeps it from becoming corny, 'Dhoni Bann Gaya Superstar' style; Instead keeps it inspiring by showing his level-headedness.
▶ The climax is sureshot to give you goosebumps. You know what we are talking of. Also, don’t worry if you find yourself cheering for all the footages of Indian tournaments, included for representation of the iconic moments in Dhoni’s life. We did too! *facepalms* Such is the power of our fandom and love for the game. The makers would really have to mess it up to take that away from us. But chill, they don't.
➡ The Lows -
▶ What you may complain is that the makers choosing to stay away from the rumored problems between Dhoni and his senior colleagues, Chennai Superkings and the whole spot fixing debacle and his sudden retirement from Test cricket. Maybe that's because the last 5-6 years are too recent and the makers wanted to avoid taking any substantial risks. Smart.
▶ There are no dressing room scenes with Dhoni, as captain, making strategies with his team-mates. In fact, there are no scenes with other players at all. Except for a couple of good ones with Yuvraj Singh (Harry Tangri). Also, the success period is rushed, while the struggle is detailed. Maybe it's metaphorical. Maybe Pandey wanted to focus only on the making of our Captain Cool.
Just saying. Maybe. Ahem!
➡ Performances -
▶ Sushant Singh Rajput is the heart and soul of the film. With some help from the VFX team, he looks more than comfortable in Dhoni’s skin. He has aced the ODI captain’s body language to a T. Rajput brings the much required sincerity and restrained language on screen. Be it the small town hesitation or the determination, he proves why he was the perfect choice for this role. This chap deserves an award for this film.
PS - If it had not been for Sushant's impish charm, the romantic scenes might have fallen flat.
▶ Anupam Kher hits a six as the overtly cautious and protective father, Paan Singh Dhoni, who wants his son to be in a government job and doesn't want him to endanger his future by pursuing cricket.
▶ Rajesh Sharma as Dhoni’s coach, who was the first one to find that spark in him, is excellent as usual.
▶ Kumud Mishra is at his best, as one of the hands that backed Dhoni when he needed support.
▶ Bhumika Chawla is simple and sweet as Dhoni’s elder sister, and doesn't disappoint although she is appearing on the big screen after a long time.
▶ Disha Patni, the new face of B-town, has a limited role wherein she repeats a few dialogues, smiles more than necessary trying to be extra cute and makes the audience uncomfortable because of her splayed teeths. *Pffts*
▶ Kiara Advani, as Sakshi Dhoni, portrays her character exceptionally well. You instantly connect with her.
▶ Special mention to Harry Tangri, who portrayed Yuvraj Singh in the film. You'll love his bits thanks to the exact body language. Child actor Zeeshan, who plays a junior Mahi, also didba convincing job.
▶ Also, a round of applause for the men who played Dhoni’s childhood buddies in the movie. They are true friendship goals.
Watch or Not? Yes. Definitely!
Verdict - This movie shows that there is always a team behind a person who is successful. An ode to friendship, struggles, responsibility, compromise and facing life regardless of the unexpected turns and twists. I am completely in awe of how well this movie has been made. You know the dope isn’t hear-say, it is what happened, or at least what Dhoni wants to reveal. The sense of recognition is complete. So is the euphoria on occasion. The hoots from the audience in the theatre, confirm both. That’s the way, Mahi way!
Ratings - 4.2/5
We Love You Dhoni! ❤
🙏❤ PRIZMI TRIPATHI ❤🙏
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