"M.S.Dhoni : The Untold Story" pays tribute to real-life hero but disappoints as a film

Rating: 6/10 (30 September 2016)

Biographies on sports folks have been generating quite a buzz. Films like "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", "Mary Kom" and "Paan Singh Tomar" have been able to make a mark on silver screen. Much has been talked about probably the best captain India Cricket ever had but nobody know the background of what made the legend which creates curiosity to see the film. With outstanding trailer making it an event film, is "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story" worth your patience ? Well, let us check out ...
"M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story" gives you account of the never-heard story of the most successful Indian Cricket Team Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (played by Sushant Singh Rajput) who shined with his admiring captaincy that led India team won the world cup in 2011.
"M.S.Dhoni : The Untold Story" is being directed by Neeraj Pandey who has given marvelous films like "A Wednesday", "Special Chabbis" and "Baby". The film successfully gives the coming-of-age drama of Dhoni's background, various folks involved in helping him and the opportunities he gets to move ahead. But when you want to realize the real character of the legend-in-making that is where the film falters. The first half of the film is stupendous which gives the account of real situations in Dhoni's life. The highlight definitely being the "helicopter" shot appropriately played by Sushant Singh Rajput along with the never- heard story of what went behind the making of a great player. However, the it is second half which spoils the mood with never ending romantic love story which causes a speed-bump. To make it worst, too much of song will completely bore you and editing takes a back seat. Pandey loses the track and focus shifts completely. Even the climax which talks about the India winning the World Cup trophy against SriLanka should have been more thrilling. Music is another let down and none of the songs were impacting.
Despite the shortcomings, "M.S.Dhoni : The Untold Story" is embedded with superlative performances which will keep you engaged. Sushant Singh Rajput goes into the character of Dhoni and you will like him especially in the Ticket Collector part. But again, he needs to work on his expressions which I see lacking him in his previous films as well. Anupam Kher as usual is splendid. Bhumika Chawla is just about okay. Rajesh Sharma is brilliant.
Overall, "M.S.Dhoni : The Untold Story" pays tribute to real-life hero but disappoints as a film. Decent 2.75/10

Ketan Gupta