Dhoni succeeds, Neeraj fumbles

Rating: 7/10 (18 October 2016)

Biopics are a different genre altogether. They cannot be classified as romantic, drama or comedy. They depict someone's life events which have different phases. Mahendra Singh Dhoni's biopic is no different.
As is said by one of the most respectable directors of Hollywood, biopics are the easiest way to cheat creativity. The very core of a creative piece is compromised by simply putting true events of a person's life one after another. But if the person is an influential figure, then the film is a treat to its fans.
M.S.Dhoni - The Untold Story, which had created hypes all over by its trailers, delivers an average output. The film depicts the highs and lows of the Indian skipper and clearly shows how captain cool was born. With non linear storytelling being the favorite of every director, Neeraj Pandey preferred a linear pattern right from school days to the winning moment in the history of Indian cricket. Some of the dialogues make an impact on the youth and influences them to take a strong hold on their decision about their passion. What fails to impact is the craft of film making itself. With Neeraj Pandey, donning the director's hat, the expectation for a better screenplay is high. Moreover, few important life stories seem missing (e.g. how he became the captain for the first time). Although the promos clearly say that the film is about the 'journey you don't' know, the missing links could have knitted the film in an appropriate manner.
This film clearly points out at the amateur level special effects that we have and at the same time hints at the potential of the same in a subtle way. Although I am no hair expert, but the wig of long hair,as shown in the initial days of Dhoni, is a bit annoying.
The cast of the film is apt. Anupam Kher is a perfect choice as this man is an institution of acting and can portray any role and can get into anyone's shoes. Bhumika Chawla and Rajesh Sharma acts quite strongly as the characters seem to be in Dhoni's life. I am gradually becoming a fan of Kumud Mishra, whose on screen presence and dialogue delivery is charismatic. And of course, a guest appearance by Kiran More as himself, is a delight to watch.
The biggest challenge of a biopic is for the actors whose creative freedom is curtailed as they have to enact a personality as close to perfection so that the audience is convinced. Sushant Singh Rajput's hard work is evident and shows how much he came close to Dhoni's body language. The scenes from the matches are clear indication of how far this actor has gone to prepare himself. The helicopter shot and the World Cup winning shots are as good as Dhoni himself. Disha Patani steals the thunder from Kiara Advani, long after her on screen time in the film ends. No wonder she has more projects lined up in the future. Probably the best cast in recent few years of Indian cinema is that of Henry Tangiri, as Yuvraj Singh. This actor was born for this role and I wished I had seen more of him in the film.
The music is pretty mediocre especially with Ae Dil Hain Mushkil, ready for release, which is giving away one hit song after another.
The story of the most successful captain of Indian cricket team is indeed an inspiration for all. Certainly things were not easy for Mahi, yet he made his way through. Although this is not Neeraj Pandey's best work, you will still want to cheer on many occasions in this film.
Probably the last clip is where you will want to shout out loud the most.
'Dhoni finishes in style...'