Film: M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Disha Patani, Kiara Advani, Bhumika Chawla and Anupam Kher

Direction: Neeraj Pandey

Ace filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has always unleashed content-driven and throught-provoking films. Whether it’s 'A Wednesday', 'Special 26' or 'Baby' all have been loved by critics and audience as well.

So what has Neeraj got to offer with Dhoni - the untold story? This is the firstever biopic which has been made where the character is alive and although Dhoni's journey has been covered in reams by media we still want to know what Neeraj has to offer.

Story:

The filmmaker unleashed how Dhoni's talent has been identified by his coach. Thought, football was his favorite sport but he insisted that Dhoni take up cricket, thus giving a star to Indian cricket. Dhoni steps into the shoes of wicket-keeper in early days and how he transforms into a batsman is shown by Neeraj.

The first half shows he being a wicket-keeper while the second half focuses on his turning into a batman. Nonetheless, the movie show sows the struggles, ups and lows faced by him. It shows the hurdles a budding talent faces at the hands of election processes at various cricketing bodies including BCCI.

There is a love angle which happens in Dhoni’s life and is shown after the interval. The filmmaker has shown love life swiftly between Disha Patani, Kiara Advani. There also songs and dance but everything is kept minimal. Obviously, he is a cricket star and we don’t expect him to be shown running around trees.

Apart from this, a middle class mindset is portrayed where family always wants their children to get settled by focusing on education and grabbing government job, rather than focusing on sports.

Anupan Kher, who essays Dhoni's father wants his son to take up a job in railways. Bhumika Chawala plays his sister, who always supports him in his dream to turn as cricketer.

How Dhoni turns out be a cricketer after landing a job in railways, the odds he faced in the selection process are the underline for the story.

Analysis:

Sushanth has justified his role, but as Dhoni's scenes were more into him his equation with other teammates is not shown. For instance, Dhoni as captain who strategies with team mates in dressing room hasn’t been shown. The film looks more like a one-man army rather cricket be shown as team.

Sadly, the flick looks more of hagiography than biography.

Verdict:

Neeraj has mainly focused on Dhoni before he made it to Indian team. A must watch for to know the little things told in the film about Dhoni.