A 2022 Hindi film on the life of our fond cricket captain, Mithali Raj. With Tapsee Pannu in the title role it should have been a runaway success. After a sparkling start it just loses it’s way.
One of the most loved stars in cricket Mithali Raj remains an idol. People look up to her as inspiration. Her brother, Mithun was expected to do better. But Sampath, the coach found she had the talent.
In the film, the struggle does n’t come out so well. Being women they face many prejudices. The scene at the airport when they are checking in, the ‘Men in Blue’ instead get a royal treatment & the cheer.
They steal the thunder later at the fag end of the film. But by then the viewer is exhausted. The zing is lost.
Spanning over two decades her matches just come & go. It feels like few seasons. The review by ‘Wire ‘ is detailed. More time was needed to bring her work in light.
Tapsee is excellent. But needed a better script & crisp editing. The hazing is too cliche. The treatment by her own team mates very discouraging.
Few scenes with her coach are heart warming. But we needed more.
Mithu needed to touch our hearts as she did in real life. Her story with Noori is good. Her friendship made her go a long way. Or barging in on the wedding of Neelu is one of the best scenes. Dil mange more.
In the end we yearn for more. We know she is more than a few reels. We want them. All of it.
Asian Entertainment 