My view - M.S. Dhoni, Untold Story

My view - M.S. Dhoni, Untold Story

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           I don't care what others says and speaks about my religion 'CRICKET'. And, to me the God of my religion is none other than SRT - Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. And, second to him (for me - I am not bothered and worried about other's views on this, so no more explanations on this) is none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni. And, watching his story/biopic is surely an exciting factor.

           Mahendra Singh Dhoni, no need for any preludes and introductions for this name as almost the whole world know about him. 

- Dhoni is known for his cool mindedness

- Dhoni is known for his qualities of being a leader

- Dhoni is known for his daring and don't care attitude

- Dhoni is known for his simplicity 

- Dhoni is known for his helicopter shots 

- Dhoni is known for his most natural and innocent looking smile

--- well, there are many others. But, these are the main things I consider when I look at him/his things. Now, let's see how the movie 'M S Dhoni - Untold story'. 

           Though the tag line says 'Untold story', I didn't feel there is anything untold in this biopic. We would have feel that if it was a bout Kapil or Sunny etc as their struggle was less known to this gen. And, many important things were not shown in this pic, will explain in detail in next few lines. First, let's see how the film was made. Neeraj Pandey, mainly know for his ability to make off beat themes in attractive was hands tied in this film. May be because of the so many conditions and/or monitoring/scruitinizing the script by Dhoni & his aides, BCCI, ICC and other big heads. But, being a viewer I felt it lacked the interesting facts and factors missed in this film related to Dhoni. On positive note, Neeraj Pandey tried his best to keep the actors away from known bollywood/Indian style of melodramatic performances. Particularly in the first half (before interval) we don't feel watching a movie, feel like watching what's happening in the next door. Actors for the most part of the movie lived in the characters than acting. Neeraj Pandey must be appreciated for this. Production values are apt. Neeraj Pandey got either confused or for whatever reason lost his ability in screenplay narration particularly in the second half. 

           I was really excited to watch the untold story of Dhoni. But, there was not much or frankly speaking nothing great about the said 'untold'. Most well known facts were really ignored not sure intentionally or for some other reason. Forget about Dhoni's entry into the team here, but certainly there were few senior players behind his raise to the vice captaincy and captaincy. Mainly Sachin Tendulkar was the main reason for his raise in this - a known fact that was accepted many times by Dhoni himself. Raising to the position of ODI and Test captaincy was major part of his life both personally and professionally. But, this was not at all shown in this film. And, there was not a even a scene about his close friendship with Yuvi and there after the so called rifts or differences. Forget about the controversial things here - I am talking about plain and positive things. And, his well known and popular 'cool-minded' attitude on the field as a captain was not at all given a bit of importance. The Era of Dhoni witnessed many farewell's of greats and raise of new stars. There was not even a single line err scene of mentioning of those. And, it would have been much better if the end was with his sudden announcement of retirement from Test career, that would have been apt to who & what Dhoni is.

           Let us see how the performances of the actors ... 

Sushant Singh Rajput - Sushant got a chance to live in Dhoni's role. He tried his best and excelled with his performance in most of the places. But, it looks really funny to watch him in the graphic/photo or video shopped scenes in place of Dhoni in few match scenes. He was so confused or blank in the match scenes without the 'force' that was shown by Dhoni, if you want to see the difference watch the innings of Dhoni and watch the movie. He was really most comfortable in scenes with Disha and Kaira :) of course that's his zone. His body language and histrionics were not up to the level at least in comparison with Dhoni who is still playing. Sushant either felt blank or confused mainly in the second half of the film. The confidence and maturity that was shown by Dhoni in each phase was not enacted well by Sushant. In future if any actor want to play any sportsman then the best way to learn how to transform themselves is - watching Farhan Akhtar in 'Bhag Milka Bhag'. Sushant though tried his best, not a worthy performance. He did well mainly in the first half where Dhoni's struggle was shown. But, not when Dhoni raised to the top.

           I don't feel there is anything to mention about other actors or real life personalities shown in this film. Not much to mention about technical departments and others also, so I feel they did their jobs like a government employee who is sitting on the same chair for ages (you should know what it mean). I was disappointed particularly in the second half where Dhoni's raise was shown. One thing - what will strike in your mind when someone says Tiger or Lion 'a roar' right? and what is I say the name of 'Prabhu Deva' - 'dance'; and what if I say 'Dhoni' - a cool minded great leader, right? But, that was not shown in this film. And, now I am waiting to watch the film/documentary on God of our religion Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

Bottomline --- 

M.S Dhoni - Untold story, not a great movie. Better to watch Dhoni's match videos rather than this. If you want to know the struggle of Dhoni, then read in the news articles. But, it's not that bad also, you don't need to feel bad to watch it also. Watch it or not ... nothing much difference.