Movie Name : Maidaan
Release Date : April 11, 2024
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Gajraj Rao, Priyamani, Rudranil Ghosh, Chaitanya Sharma, Davinder Gill, Tejas Ravishankar, Amartya Ray, Sushant Waydande, and others
Director: Amit Ravindernath Sharma
Producers: Boney Kapoor, ZEE Studios, Arunava Roy Sengupta, Akash Chawla
Music Director: AR Rahman
Cinematographer: Tushar Kanti Roy, Fyodor Lyass
Editor: Dev Rao Jadhav, Shahnawaz Mosani
The much-anticipated sports drama “Maidaan,” starring Ajay Devgn, is set to grace screens on April 11 with a full-scale release, preceded by paid previews scheduled for the evening of April 10. Having been privileged to attend a special premiere of this biographical film, we offer you an exclusive, in-depth review well ahead of its official release.
Story :
n the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, the Indian football team suffers a tough defeat against Yugoslavia. This loss brings ridicule from news agencies upon our players. Indian team football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, portrayed by Ajay Devgn, analyses the reasons for the defeat to the Football Federation of India. He expresses the need for fresh talent to revitalize the team. Rahim embarks on a nationwide search for new players, beginning in his hometown of Hyderabad. The film follows Rahim’s journey, highlighting the challenges he encounters at every turn.
Positive Aspects :
Maidaan stands tall among India’s best sports dramas. While its trailer might give you a sense of déjà vu, the movie swiftly dispels any doubts once you’re seated in the theater. It’s packed with thrilling moments, gripping emotions, and intense drama.
Ajay Devgn, a three-time National Award winner, shines yet again, embodying the legendary football coach Syed Abdul Rahim with remarkable precision. His portrayal will likely etch Rahim’s memory in our minds for years to come. Few performances linger in our hearts post-movie, and Devgn’s Rahim Saab is one such gem. He’s undoubtedly a strong contender for this year’s National Award.
The football matches are captured with breathtaking finesse, immersing us in the action as if we’re right there on the field. The production quality and visual effects transport us into the heart of the game.
The cinematography and AR Rahman’s electrifying background score add depth to the narrative, especially during the intense final moments of the matches. The ensemble cast, including Chaitanya Sharma, Davinder Gill, and others, deliver commendable performances, deserving equal praise for their dedication.
Maidaan also sheds light on the political hurdles hindering India’s progress in international sports without overdramatizing events, keeping them grounded in reality. Gajraj Rao’s portrayal will evoke genuine dislike, showcasing the actor’s finesse. Priyamani impresses despite limited screen time.
Overall, Maidaan delivers an authentic and riveting portrayal of sportsmanship and the challenges faced in its pursuit.
Negative Aspects :
Despite its strengths, Maidaan isn’t without flaws, and its lengthy runtime is a notable issue. Shortening the duration could have made a stronger impact, particularly by trimming some scenes in the first half.
While the first half has its moments and sets the stage for thrilling moments later on, the slow pace can sometimes test patience. Some scenes feel dragged out, and the focus on family drama could have been executed more effectively. Although Priyamani delivers a solid performance, her character could have been fleshed out better.
Technical Elements :
Recently, it seems like many big movies overlook the small details, but the Maidaan team went above and beyond. They paid close attention to even the tiniest aspects, like how they display text on the screen, making sure it seamlessly guides us through the story and timelines. The background score by AR Rahman, the cinematography by Tushar Kanti Roy and Fyodor Lyass, and the visual effects by Redefine enhance the overall cinematic experience, drawing us in completely.
Boney Kapoor and ZEE Studios spared no expense on Maidaan, and it shows in every frame. Hats off to them for creating such an impressive film without cutting corners on scale or budget. Director Amit Ravindernath Sharma did a commendable job portraying the life of Syed Abdul Rahim and the obstacles he faced. The movie celebrates the dedication and hard work of our football players, who were often underestimated. However, the director could have paid more attention to pacing and the film’s lengthy duration.
Conclusion :
Overall, Maidaan does a good job telling the story of the legendary Indian football coach Syed Abdul Rahim. It’s a celebration of the golden era of Indian football. Ajay Devgn’s acting is outstanding. The football scenes, music, visual effects, and camera work all add to the experience. Some parts in the first half feel too long, and the movie could have been shorter. However, the exciting second half and plenty of thrilling moments make Maidaan worth watching. I recommend it.
Piktalk.com Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewed by Team Piktalk