Maidaan Film Review: Ajay Devgn delivers an outstanding performance in this compelling sports drama.
The film chronicles the remarkable journey of SA Rahim, India's most esteemed football coach, as he dedicates a decade to leading the sport into its Golden Era.
Review:-
The dedication and effort displayed on the field during the Golden Era of Indian football, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, led to the team being affectionately referred to as the Brazilians of Asia. Notable players such as Chuni Goswami, P K Banerjee, Peter Thangaraj, Tulsidas Balaram, Jarnail Singh, and Pradyut Barman achieved remarkable success by securing gold medals at the Asian Games in 1951 and 1962, and they also achieved an impressive fourth place at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, marking the highest finish in the nation's history. While these athletes are celebrated for their on-field accomplishments, Maidaan pays tribute to Syed Abdul Rahim, recognized as India's greatest football coach and manager.
In the concluding match of the 1962 Asian Games between India and South Korea, Rahim (portrayed by Ajay Devgn) inspires the football players with a compelling address about the significance of unity. He emphasizes that although there will be 11 individuals on the pitch, they will function as a singular team. This sentiment is echoed throughout the entire cast and crew of the film. The direction by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, the screenplay by Saiwyn Quadras, the cinematography by Tushar Kanti Ray, and the captivating soundtrack and background score by AR Rahman collectively elevate the film to a level of excitement comparable to that of the FIFA finals. Additionally, the sports directors of photography, Fyodor Lyass, Tassaduq Hussain, and Christopher Reed, warrant special recognition for their efforts in recreating the final match, which is sure to keep audiences thoroughly engaged.
The film captures the essence of the Indian football team, which faced numerous challenges, while also highlighting Rahim as a strategic thinker and an innovative coach. He recognized the country's potential to become a football powerhouse and assembled a top-tier team by selecting the finest talents and maximizing their abilities. This was achieved amidst the political struggles within the football federation and opposition from a prominent sports journalist, Roy Choudhary (Gajraj Rao), who served as his most vocal critic.
The film's standout feature is its ability to convey a wealth of information about the period, the football team, and Rahim's individual struggles in a remarkably concise manner, all while maintaining a strong narrative flow. Viewers will find themselves engaged, inspired, and emotionally affected from start to finish.
Ajay Devgn delivers a remarkable performance as Rahim, embodying a larger-than-life persona while maintaining a quiet, dignified presence. Priyamani excels as his wife Saira, leaving a strong impression in every scene. Gajraj Rao, portraying the cunning journalist, delivers an outstanding performance. The ensemble cast, featuring Chaitanya Sharma as PK Banerjee, Amartya Ray as Chuni Goswami, Davinder Singh as Jarnail Singh, Tejas Ravishankar as Peter Thangraj, Aryann Bhowmik as Neville D’souza, among others, convincingly brings to life the legendary figures they represent.
Maidaan is an essential viewing experience on the big screen, offering both an exhilarating atmosphere and exceptional narrative. The film resonates with the sentiment expressed in the dialogue, ‘Kismat haathon se nahi, paeron se likhi jaati hai,’ as the cast and crew deliver an impressive performance.
🎬 Movie: Maidaan
📅 Year: 2024
🔊 League: Tamil
🔅 IMDB: 8.0
