Sports journalist Noel D'Souza feels that 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' is a must-watch for MSD fans, but not for cricket lovers, who view the willow game as a team sport
Another MS Dhoni review: The 'untold story' that has nothing untold
The Indian team celebrate after winning the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Pic/getty images
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Mahendra Singh Dhoni became a household name ever since India were crowned world champions in South Africa on his captaincy debut in 2007. Besides the Ranchi luminary’s achievements that embellish his cricketing resume, Dhoni also had his fair share of controversy, with some critics questioning the way he handled senior players in his quest to shape a team with younger legs.
'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' which hit screens yesterday sadly had nothing that was untold, with the makers straying light years away from controversy. The film begins with Dhoni (played by Sushant Singh Rajput) in the dressing room watching India in a tight spot during the 2011 World Cup final, chasing 275 runs against Sri Lanka.
After Virat Kohli’s dismissal, Dhoni is seen telling coach Gary Kirsten (not shown in the frame) that he’s promoting himself up the order ahead of Yuvraj Singh.
Array of cinematic effects
What follows is an array of cinematic effects and Sushant’s impeccable acting skills, where you can actually see shades of Dhoni at Wankhede Stadium.
The film then abruptly flashes back to 1981 in a Ranchi hospital where Dhoni’s father Pan Singh (played by Anupam Kher) is waiting for the birth of his child.
What grips the viewer in this flick is the first half which shows Dhoni’s struggle — from a ticket collector to a trophy keeper. While the makers have done well to trace minute details in his life, especially when he was a TC at Kharagpur station, the sporting action is superficial. It is understandable that being a biopic, there will be a certain level of glorification, but cricket is a team sport and one expected to see dressing room scenes, player-banter, team talks, all of which were given a miss.
Dhoni’s rise to the captaincy was also surprisingly left out. However, in some parts, the makers have done a fairly good job when they explained how Dhoni mastered the helicopter shot. Another welcome cricketing moment is where Yuvraj slams a triple ton (358) for a winning cause against Bihar in the 1999 Cooch Behar Trophy. According to Dhoni, Bihar lost because his teammates were overpowered by Yuvraj’s reputation.
The second half doesn’t appeal much and the film loses its narrative and with it, a bit of sheen. In fact, there’s hardly any sporting action and Dhoni’s biopic now turns into a quintessential B-Town love story.
Over-stretched movie
Two romantic stories in the second half, with more songs than a BeeGees concert stretch this film to over three hours.
Interspersed in all of this are scenes of team selection prior to the 2007-08 CB series in Australia where Dhoni wanted a senior player to be dropped.
But the portion where a selector reveals the name of the unwanted player has been muted.
ALSO READ: 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' - Movie Review
The film ends at the 2011 World Cup final where Dhoni smashes that famous six into the crowds to give India its second World Cup title. Ravi Shastri’s commentary echoes in the hall, almost giving you goose bumps.
Dhoni is at the centre of all this, almost coming across as though he single handedly powered India to victory. Five minutes each at the start and the end are the ones which will stick in memory.
If you are looking for a sporting insight into Dhoni’s career, you might be a bit disappointed. However, if you are a Dhoni fan, this one’s for you!
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