Maidaan Movie Review: During my school days, the release of Shah Rukh Khan’s “Chak De! India” brought about unforgettable memories. I distinctly recall joining fellow movie enthusiasts in chanting ‘India, India,’ experiencing each victory as if it were a live match, and shedding tears as the film concluded. Nearly 17 years since its debut, “Chak De! India” remains a yardstick for sports films in Bollywood. As I entered the theater to watch “Maidaan,” I couldn’t help but anticipate comparisons with the iconic SRK starrer. However, the Ajay Devgn-led film took a different trajectory, yet shared one common trait: both offered an exceptional cinematic journey.
Directed by Amit Sharma, “Maidaan” revolves around the life of football coach Syed Abdul Rahim and the narrative leading to India’s triumph at the 1962 Asia Games. Alongside Ajay Devgn, the film features Gajraj Rao portraying a journalist and Priya Mani as Ajay’s wife. Additionally, the ensemble cast includes fresh talents like Chaitnya Sharma, also known as SlowCheeta, Madhur Mittal from “Slumdog Millionaire,” and others.
The film encapsulates the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of coach Syed Abdul Rahim, renowned as SA Rahim. Rahim not only grapples with forming a formidable team but also confronts challenges from a corrupt football federation, vindictive journalists, and even protesters. His goal? To propel India onto the global stage through the medium of football.
If I were to sum up “Maidaan” in one word, it would be exhilarating, albeit in segments. Let’s address the lengthy three-hour runtime, shall we? Is it worth enduring? I’d say yes. Director Amit Sharma refuses to compromise on duration, ensuring a substantial cinematic experience. A film like “Maidaan,” with its multifaceted narrative covering Rahim’s personal struggles, team dynamics, the political landscape affecting the sport, and the intense matches, demands time. Amit takes full advantage of this time to immerse viewers in every twist and turn of the story.
This meticulous approach significantly enhances the impact of the climactic moments. “Maidaan” evidently learns from the shortcomings of past sports dramas in Bollywood. For instance, consider ’83, which, despite its well-etched characters, lacked depth. Amit skillfully rectifies this by adopting a more holistic approach.
#OneWordReview…#Maidaan: POWER-PACKED.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) April 9, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️#Maidaan is, without doubt, one of the finest sports-based films made in #India… Captivating second half, brilliant finale and an award-worthy act by #AjayDevgn are its biggest strengths… Fitting tribute to #TeamIndia… pic.twitter.com/4vmDWpmzgw
However, despite the film’s overall excellence, “Maidaan” isn’t without its flaws. One prominent issue is its tendency to dwell excessively on dramatic scenes, which could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative. Additionally, the predictability of certain plot points may deter some viewers, and the film’s pacing may seem uneven to some, with several low moments preceding the highs. Yet, in my view, “Maidaan” mirrors the unpredictable nature of a football match—each match is unique, with its own highs and lows. Despite these writing issues, the film manages to captivate the audience’s attention throughout its runtime.
In this football match of talent, Ajay Devgn emerges as the star striker. While Shah Rukh Khan portrayed an expressive coach in “Chak De! India,” Ajay’s portrayal of Rahim is a departure, relying more on subtle expressions that speak volumes.
Ajay’s magnetic presence keeps viewers deeply engaged with his character, while Gajraj Rao delivers a standout performance as the vindictive journalist, inciting strong emotions from the audience. It’s a testament to Rao’s versatility, reminiscent of his impactful performance in “Black Friday.”
The ensemble cast portraying the football team also shines brightly. Priya Mani’s on-screen charisma is truly enchanting, effortlessly capturing the audience’s attention. Her ability to establish chemistry with any co-star is evident once again in “Maidaan,” further cementing her talent.
On the cinematography front, Tushar Kanti Ray and Fyodor Lyass, along with the assistance of CGI and VFX, skillfully capture the essence of the sport, bringing football to life on screen. However, certain shots, particularly in the second half, evoke memories of “Chak De! India.” As for the music, while AR Rahman’s background score is commendable, the songs fail to leave a lasting impact as hoped. Nonetheless, “Maidaan” marks a refreshing departure from loud, patriotic films, maintaining the spirit of nationalism through well-written dialogues crafted by Ritesh Shah and Siddhant Mago.
In conclusion, “Maidaan” is a must-watch. The film evokes the same emotions as “Chak De! India” and guarantees at least one moment of enthusiastic applause before you leave the theater.