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Ghoomer Review: Saiyami Kher Is On A Firm Wicket, Pulling Off Physically Demanding Role

Ghoomer review: abhishek bachchan is a formidable presence as the grouchy mentor who nearly drives himself and his ward to the ground..

Director R Balki pulls out the stops and squeezes every ounce of mush from a supercharged sports comeback drama that has no room for grey areas. Perpetually in power-hitting mode, the no-holds-barred Ghoomer drowns at times in its own emotional over-spin, especially in the climax.

The screenplay written by the director in collaboration with Rahul Sengupta and Rishi Virmani showcases an extreme and inspiring fictional instance of the human spirit triumphing over all odds. No complaints there. If only Ghoomer did not deliver everything in the kind of dollops tat it does, it might have left something to the imagination and been more true-to-life.

A young batting sensation, Anina Dixit (Saiyami Kher), loses her right hand in an accident after she has been named to play for India against England. An alcoholic ex-cricketer, Padam "Paddy" Singh Sodhi (Abhishek Bachchan), turns at her home and tells the distraught and understandably sceptical girl that it isn't the end of the road for her.

And thus begins the arduous process of training on a 22-yard pitch created in the self-appointed coach's backyard. Paddy grants Anina no quarters and slave drives her into overcoming her disability and learning the tricks of a left-arm spinner's trade. Thanks to the spirited lead performances and a few scenes that pull at the heartstrings, this story of human tenacity does have its moments.

No matter how contrived the exercise might seem as it unfolds and wends its way through unbridled melodrama, it makes for a rousing tale that reaches an expected crescendo in a packed stadium where every stroke and every ball is accompanied by breathless and triumphalist commentary (with Amitabh Bachchan doing the honours in a cameo), festive drumbeats and the shrillness of choral abandon.

The hard-drinking Paddy's career was cut short by an on-field injury and the vagaries of the selection process. He is a bitter man. But in a heart-to-heart with his transgender housekeeper and round-the-clock sounding board Rasika (Ivanka Das), the failed cricketer talks about life being a game of magic rather than of logic.

The film takes the assertion seriously and spins a yarn that takes liberties with both cricket and the physics of spin and momentum while laying all its store by the female protagonist's dogged determination to tide over the hurdles that she faces.

The film's propensity to embrace excess with all its might should not matter because Ghoomer , despite the wide berth that it gives to considerations about what is possible and what isn't in a serious game of international cricket, has no dearth of heart. Who does not like an underdog story that reminds us of the human capacity to dig deep and soar when matters hit rock bottom?

Ghoomer is inspired by the story of the real-life Hungarian shooter Karoly Takacs, who won a gold medal in the 25 meter rapid fire pistol event at the 1948 London Olympics and repeated the feat at the 1952 Helsinki Games. He had only one hand - his left - to work with, having grievously injured his right arm in a grenade blast during military training.

The athlete is duly mentioned before Anina's story gets underway so that the audience knows that there is a precedent in sporting history but only in a discipline that has little in common with cricket.

By no stretch of the imagination can cricket be a baayen haath ka khel . The film, therefore, demands willing and whole-hearted suspension of disbelief as it goes about paving the way for an improbable comeback saga that ends in unprecedented fashion.

There is drama aplenty out here and the enormity of the obstacles in Anina's way are accentuated by Paddy's unrelentingly overbearing approach to coaching, which is defined most starkly when he makes Anina bowl on a pitch strewn with buffalo dung so as to limit the margin of error for his ward. Pronto, it helps the girl improve her accuracy.

Out of the blue, Anina and Paddy decide that more speed is what the one-armed tweaker needs. Nobody tells them that the spinner's art is much more about variations in line, length and flight than about pace. At one point in the film, mention is made of Bishen Singh Bedi, who also makes a fleeting appearance, being the greatest left-arm spinner the world has ever known. But no, spin having been mastered, it is 'pace' that Paddy ordains for Anina. And thereby lies a tale that serves to give the film its title.

There are times when Paddy comes across as a shockingly insensitive lout - he has a huge grouse against the world and appears to take his anger out on the hapless Anina. It is another matter that the girl is projected as a character who has the courage to take the challenges on the chin and labour on.

The occasional unequal clashes between the divergent personalities - one has lost everything, the other has nothing to lose, with the line separating the two often blurring - yields tension and heartburn and renders the turnaround tale all the more poignant and awe-inspiring.

It is not that Anina does not have a support system at home. Her hard-nosed grandmother (Shabana Azmi) is the scorekeeper who helps the girl keep her feet firmly on the ground. She also whips up a concentration-boosting smoothie for Anina. Rely on atmavishwas (self-confidence) rather than on andhvishwas (blind faith).

The latter - superstitions and the power of the divine - is represented by Anina's doting dad (Shivendra Singh Dungarpur). Also in her life is Jeet (Angad Bedi), her childhood pal and punching bag who has just returned from the US.

Jeet tries to be help even when Anina wants him to leave her to her own devices. While there is just a hint of a romance between the two, theirs is a low-intensity version of the love-hate relationship that develops between Paddy and Anina.

Saiyami Kher is always on a firm wicket pulling off a physically demanding role with great panache. She looks and acts the part of a cricketer who claws her way back into the reckoning, transforming herself from a batter to a bowler with just one hand at her disposal.

Abhishek Bachchan is a formidable presence as the grouchy mentor who nearly drives himself and his ward to the ground.

As for the film as a whole, if nothing else, it knows its target and gets there but with a bit too much of avoidable huffing and puffing.

• Cast Saiyami Kher, Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Angad Bedi, Amitabh Bachchan
• Director R Balki

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Ghoomer Review: A Triumph Of Spirit & Sport, Abhishek Bachchan & Saiyami Deliver Strong Performances

Ghoomer Review: Amid the huge craze of OMG 2 and Gadar 2, R Balki's Ghoomer has finally hit the theatres today (August 18). Featuring Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher, Shabana Azmi, and Angad Bedi, the film is a sports drama and its trailer received a positive response from moviegoers. Wondering how the movie is? Well, let's analyze it.

GHOOMER STORY REVIEW:

At the center of the narrative is Anina (Saiyami Kher), a promising cricketer who aspires to don the Indian jersey. Her dreams take a tragic turn when she loses her right hand in a devastating accident. As she grapples with despair and uncertainty, her journey intersects with Padam Singh Sodhi (Abhishek Bachchan), a former cricket champion. Director R. Balki skillfully navigates their path, weaving a tale of societal obstacles and personal battles, all underscored by his signature storytelling prowess.

Ghoomer is a remarkable sports drama that seamlessly blends heart-wrenching emotions with exhilarating entertainment. This film stands as a testament to the power of human resilience and determination in the face of daunting challenges.

GHOOMER ACTING REVIEW:

The performances in Ghoomer are commendable. Saiyami Kher's portrayal of Anina is a study in subtlety, gradually blossoming into a portrayal of unshakeable strength in the latter half. Abhishek Bachchan, as Padam Singh Sodhi, delivers a sincere and earnest performance, capturing the essence of his character's journey from start to finish. Angad Bedi, in his role, effectively contributes to the ensemble, while Shabana Azmi's portrayal of Anina's grandmother strikes a chord and resonates deeply with the audience.

The film's cinematography captures the highs and lows of the characters' lives, offering a visual tapestry that mirrors the emotional rollercoaster they ride. The sports sequences are engaging, and the film's pacing keeps viewers invested in the characters' growth and ultimate triumphs.

GHOOMER OVERALL VERDICT:

Ghoomer is more than just a sports drama; it's a celebration of the human spirit's unbeatable will. With its compelling performances, poignant storytelling, and a message of unwavering determination, Ghoomer is a good watch for those seeking a cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.

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Ghoomer Movie Review : A poignant and powerful tale of human resilience

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Ghoomer Review: Earnest, Sincere and Formulaic

Director: R. Balki

Writers: R. Balki, Rahul Sengupta, Rishi Virmani

Cast: Saiyami Kher, Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Angad Bedi

Duration: 135 minutes

Available in: Theatres

When you hear the word “ghoomer”, you probably think of Deepika Padukone , resplendent in red, performing the traditional Rajasthani folk dance in  Padmaavat  (2018). But in writer-director R. Balki ’s new film, the word refers to a bowling delivery in which the one-armed Anina ( Saiyami Kher ) specialises. She first does a circle and then flings the ball, which gives her incredible speed and which also throws off the batter. It’s Anina’s winning move, taught to her by her alcoholic coach Paddy ( Abhishek Bachchan ). Paddy was once an India level player himself but now, he’s such a washed-up wreck that in a few scenes, we see him lying face down, drunk, on the floor. 

A Tale of Determination & Miracles

This story is fiction, but the idea of a one-armed bowler is inspired by the Hungarian shooter Karoly Takacs, who was only the third ever athlete with a physical disability to compete in the Olympic Games. After his right hand was seriously injured, Karoly trained with his left and won two Olympic golds.  Ghoomer  also references cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who despite being blind in one eye, captained the Indian cricket team. I don’t know enough about the game to tell you whether Anina’s incredible transformation is possible, but what is a sports film without a miracle? 

The most striking part of  Ghoomer  is Balki’s staging of Anina’s accident. She’s a rising cricket star and then in one night, her dream is shattered. What happens is horrific and the scenes afterwards capture the anguish and the enormity of the tragedy. In one scene, Shabana Azmi , playing Anina’s grandmother and her biggest cheerleader, sits in silence by her bed. Her expression says it all. In another, Anina angrily pushes away her boyfriend Jeet ( Angad Bedi ) because she can’t bear the idea that he might be feeling sorry for her. Saiyami Kher is terrific here – she is like a ball of hurt. As is Azmi, who exudes warmth and wisdom. She has an unerring ability to nail so many emotions with one look. Bedi is also lovely as Jeet, a man who isn’t afraid of being upstaged by the woman he loves. 

Abhishek Bachchan's Compelling Role in Ghoomer

Balki and his co-writers, Rahul Sengupta and Rishi Virmani, have also written a compelling character for Abhishek Bachchan who plays Paddy. The has-been player who reclaims his glory by mentoring other players to victory against incredible odds is a movie cliché. In Hindi cinema, it was done best by Shimit Amin and Shah Rukh Khan in  Chak De! India  (2007). But Balki gives Paddy a mean edge which is intriguing. Paddy can be awful. He’s abusive and insulting to everyone around him including Rasika, his house help and rakhi sister. Rasika is a transwoman who Paddy has supported and enabled. The function of her character is to show that underneath the acerbic exterior, Paddy is a generous, good man, but Rasika is written with such little depth that she comes off as a woke checkbox that the film is ticking rather than a flesh and blood person.  

But Abhishek Bachchan goes the whole hog with Paddy.  The actor lets go of vanity and trying to be likeable. Paddy is, as Jeet says, a psychopath, but he’s only hurting others because he’s so wounded himself. Bachchan dons Paddy’s misery and frustration with elegance, but Paddy needed more layering. Balki gives him a monologue in which Paddy expounds on logic and magic, and it gives us an insight into why he behaves the way he does, but the psychology is superficial. Also, the ending twist undermines what’s gone before. I can’t reveal more but it made me question everything that Paddy has done for Anina.  

Efforts and Challenges in Film

Ghoomer  brims with sincerity and effort. Especially Kher’s work – she has a unique beauty and even when the plot gets fantastical – Anina’s return to the Indian team is remarkably easy – Kher stays convincing. Yet,  Ghoomer  never becomes memorable because the film is too formulaic.  The underdog sports story has now been done to death by Bollywood. And the elements that make this one stand apart aren’t explored with enough precision. The second half especially becomes a slog as we get a long stretch of a cricket match in which, of course, winning finally rests on Anina’s one arm and her ghoomer. Amitabh Bachchan appears here as a commentator and he is of course, every inch, a legend, but it feels like Balki is using him to push us to feel emotions that the script doesn’t organically elicit in us. 

Still, in the last few minutes, the match comes to life and culminates into a crescendo.  Ghoomer  needed more rousing moments like that. 

Ghoomer Review by Anupama Chopra

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• Ghoomer Movie Review: Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher Elevate R Balki's Predictable Cricket Drama About 'hope'

Ghoomer movie review: Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher elevate R Balki's predictable cricket drama about 'hope'

R balki returns to director's chair for the third time in less than a year to tell a story of hope and never giving up starring amitabh bachchan, saiyami kher and shabana azmi..

• Movie Name: Ghoomer
• Critics Rating: 3 / 5
• Release Date: Aug 18, 2023
• Director: R Balki
• Genre: Drama

"Your left hand has to earn the right to bowl", says a drunkard cricket coach to a right-handed batter, who has to become a left-handed bowler, not out of choice but because she has no other option. Anina (played by an effective Saiyami Kher) does not only have to learn to live but fight out of her misery to fulfill her dream of playing for India, which was cut short in a heart-wrenching manner.

Director R Balki claimed at the trailer launch that during the writing process of the film, they got to know about the Hungarian shooter, Karoly Takacs, who won two Olympic gold medals in 1948 and 1952 in the 25m pistol shooting event, both with his left hand after his right hand was seriously injured. The film is not in any way related to the Hungarian athlete but his life has surely inspired 'Ghoomer'. 

Balki takes that story and transforms it into a tale of a woman cricketer. It's an interesting spin given there are not many films made on women's cricket in India apart from Shabaash Mithu and Dil Bole Hadippa. Ghoomer looks and feels like a sports biopic, which it isn't and Balki - minutes into the film - throws that notion away by getting straight to the point rather than beating around the bush.

Anina, whose name remains the same whether read from left or right, is a promising young cricketer, who gets selected in the Indian cricket team without even playing for her state. But an unfortunate accident threatens to take that dream away from her. She has lost all hope, which leave alone an athlete, any human being would, in that situation and wants to die.

Enters Paddy sir, a failed cricketer, who wants to feel what it is like to win. " Kaise marogi, pankhe se rassi tanga ke, ya bedsheet baandh ke? (How will you die, by hanging a rope to the fan or with a bedsheet?)" asks Padam Singh Sodhi (played by Abhishek Bachchan in the role of a lifetime), who isn't the one looking to sympathise with Anina here.

What will sympathy do? How long will it last as Anina has her whole life in front of her? Paddy Sir is a pragmatic being, who believes in making a new start, who wants Anina not to give up, not for society or her family but for herself. Anina is born and brought up in a supportive family with her two brothers, her father and her cricket-fanatic grandmother (played by Shabana Azmi).

The film very early establishes the fact that she is a cricketer and it is not looking down upon the fact that she is a woman. There is a beautiful love story woven into the narrative but I would have liked a bit of back story of Jeet's character (played by Angad Bedi). Jeet is the only member of the extended family, who is an outsider and shows a bit of sympathy, for which there's no room, as made abundantly clear. 

Ghoomer never makes the audience feel pity for Anina or her situation, which could have happened very easily. Balki treads the path very carefully and it is visible even in how the accident is staged. There's no slow-motion or heavy background music in the backdrop, it just happens. 

Ghoomer is similar to films like 'Dangal' and 'The Way Back' (starring Ben Affleck) where the coach's journey is as important as the player, or the team and Bachchan as Paddy Sir is given a free hand. The writing by Rahul Sengupta and Rishi Virmani has let Bachchan loose, who is an alcoholic, speaks whatever comes to his mind and doesn't mind saying things the other person may not like, even to her friend cum caretaker, Rasika (played by Ivanka Das). 

Anina, on the other hand, has to start from scratch. From just doing the basics with her left hand to first unlearn and then learn. Saiyami gives it her all. She has a few rough edges but plays the part with confidence and maturity and being a cricketer herself, it was probably a tailor-made role for her.

The second half does become a little too emotional and conveniences in the screenplay start to show but Balki with strong characters ensures that neither he loses the grip on the screenplay and nor lets the audience move their eyes away from the screen. Bachchan has hit out of the park in a role, which could be career-defining. Paddy Sir also gets emotional and has gotten a whole monologue to his name to reveal his backstory, the bits of which are in the trailer as well, but he knows where to use that side of his. The dialogue writing for Bachchan, especially, is exceptional. A better music though could have really lifted some of the high points of the film, the last 30 minutes in particular.

Overall, the film is a good watch but not without its flaws. Balki's love for cricket is widely known, starting from his first film 'Cheeni Kum' and with the help of sports director Dhruv P Panjuani, the sport feels and looks authentic apart from the fake crowd noise. Ultimately, the film is about hope and staying resolute because when life gives you lemons, make a lemonade and drink it up.

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Ghoomer Movie Review: Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher’s powerful performances will leave you awestruck

After watching Ghoomer you will surely come out of the theatres feeling happy and emotional at the same time.

Language: Hindi

Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Saiyami Kher, Angad Bedi and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur

Director: R Balki

The magic of  Ghoomer is definitely going to touch the hearts of all. R Balki’s filmmaking has the power to make you feel all the emotions at the same time whether it is happiness or sadness. The performance of Saiyami Kher will steal your heart and will teach all that with perseverance you can achieve anything and everything in life even with just one hand. Ghoomer  revolves around Anina, a young batting prodigy, who loses her right hand in an accident.

The story goes this way, a night before making her debut in the Indian cricket team, Anina (Saiyami Kher) loses her right arm to an accident. The best thing about this movie is that it makes you believe in the unbelievable. And then again it doesn’t make you lose your concentration in the magic of the Ghoomer . R Balki has a unique style of his own and is a true master maker in making cinema with no bias on gender or ageism.

When you are in the hands of a good director, you are bound to see brilliant performances. Who would have thought that Saiyami Kher will give such a dedicated performance. The fact that she is a cricketer turned actress she was able to give a genuine performance and do justice to a physically demanding role. And as for Abhishek Bachchan , I would say it is his comeback film. Ghoomer is going to be a gamechanger for him. Slowly and steadily, Abhishek is learning the craft and we all hope that he doesn’t get lost in the maze of Ghoomer .

Shabana Azmi is known for her craft and here she plays the role of a grandma who is an expert in understanding cricket and takes true interest in her granddaughter’s performances. Her knowledge about rules and history of cricket is spot on. She knows it all like the back of her palm. Azmi is shown as a Roger Federer fan who believes in the Stoic philosophy of suppression of emotion. An expert in cricket appreciation, she without fail makes spinach, ginger, celery and lemon juice for her granddaughter which she believes will help her focus in her game. Ghoomer gives emphasis on training our minds before training our bodies.

Anina’s grandma truly believes that her granddaughter has the potential to make it big in the world of women’s cricket. Grandma is definitely not ready to settle down with anything mediocre for her granddaughter. She thinks if you can have a batsman who cannot bowl in a team, why is it that you cannot have a bowler who cannot bat.

Paddy (Abhishek Bachchan), Anina’s coach is a hard taskmaster and is unapologetically toxic when it comes to teaching bowling to a woman who has just lost her hand and has been a batsman. His career came to a halt because of an on-field injury and was never given  a chance to play. Ghoomer makes you think about those sportsmen who are not given  a second chance to prove themselves due to on-field injuries just like our soldiers. It is this rejection that makes Paddy the impolite person that he is.

Paddy shares a very peculiar relationship with Anina and is verbally abusive too. And not just her student Anina, but to his house help too, he is rude and harsh. There is a backstory to his life as to why he is the way he is. But he is the one who makes Anina believe that with just one hand, she can be a bowler for the Indian cricket team. It is he who teaches her to come out of self-pity and fight like a fighter.

Ghoomer is an inspiration from the real-life story of the late Hungarian shooter Karoly Takacs, who won a gold medal in the rapid fire pistol event at the 1948 London Olympics with his left hand after his other hand was seriously injured. The film teaches you to dream big and it is the faith in your dreams that will give it a start. So, believe in yourself first and in those who have belief in you!

Rating: 3 and half out of 5

Lachmi Deb Roy is the entertainment editor of Firtspost, Network18. She reviews films and series with a gender lens. Her interviews are called 'Not Just Bollywood' because she takes huge interest in world cinema. OTT over theatrical releases is her preference unless and until its a King Khan film. She takes interest in fashion, food and art reviews too. see more

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Ghoomer Review: Abhishek Bachchan And Saiyami Kher's Brilliant Act Elevates This Human Drama

Written By : Sonil Dedhia

Edited By: Shrishti Negi

Last Updated: August 18, 2023, 12:50 IST

Mumbai, India

Ghoomer U/A

• 18 August 2023 | Hindi
• 2 hrs 15 mins | Sports drama
• Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher, Angad Bedi, Shabana Azmi
• Director: R Balki
• Music: Amit Trivedi

Ghoomer Review: Abhishek Bachchan looks every bit the disgruntled coach and takes the cake when it comes to being grumpy all the time.

Sports movies by their very nature tend to be predictable, formulaic affairs. They seldom deviate from traditional narratives such as the rise of an underdog, the comeback of a temporary waylaid, the transformation of a rebel star into a team player, and the redemption of a tireless, committed coach who wants to give their life another chance through someone else.

R Balki’s Ghoomer uses cricket as a metaphor to tell the story of a woman cricketer who rises against all odds, but in the process of telling this story, the director fails to rise above the clichés of the genre. Nevertheless, he does succeed in creating a credible world and, thanks to affecting performances from its principal players, gives us characters that we can care about.

Inspired by the story of Károly Takács, the late Hungarian right-hand shooter who won two Olympic gold medals with his left hand after his other hand was seriously injured, Balki gives you a poignant and powerful tale of human resilience through cricket.

Anina (Saiyami Kher) is on her path to becoming a famous woman cricket player (by representing India); her abilities are aided by being a good batswoman and her family including her grandma (Shabana Azmi), father (Shivendra Singh Dungarpur) and boyfriend (Angad Bedi). On a few occasions, an inebriated former bowler named Padam Singh Sodhi aka Paddy (Abhishek Bachchan) violently bursts her ideal bubble. Soon after, Anina has a freak accident that causes her to lose her right arm, further entwining her life with Sodhi’s.

Although the idea is lovely, the narrative comes across as convenient and occasionally even confusing because certain emotions are overrepresented especially in the first half. The emotional stakes appear flimsy. Like, the final match that they play in the film is shown to make Anina look like the hero. To highlight Anina’s abilities despite her limitations, the final match’s handy narrative downplays the strengths of her other teammates. Despite a promising beginning, the game turns out to be pretty gimmicky.

The second half significantly improves the screenplay and an emotional commitment to the characters’ journey. Once the film enters the sports montage and underdog journey territory, it’s on surer footing. The director takes care of the technicalities of cricket without delving into them too much. And the sprinkles of humour throughout the film help ease the intensity.

The story does not have any twists and turns and runs on predictability. It is to Balki’s credit that he still holds the audience’s interest right down to the last ball and a lot of credit goes to the actors who bring the story to life with zealous honesty.

It helps that Kher has excellent form as a batswoman since we can sense Anina’s unwavering devotion to the game. She is convincing because of her love for the game off the camera also. Kher’s performance is endearing even outside of the pitch, and her connection with Azmi gives the movie a deeper perpective. Anina is devastated and angry after experiencing a great loss and learning that she might never be able to play cricket again; an expressive Kher effectively conveys both sides of her anguish.

Bachchan looks every bit the disgruntled coach and takes the cake when it comes to being grumpy all the time. He is an ideal example of the archetypal mentor figure since he has turned into a brazen recluse as a result of getting the raw deal in life. He speaks quickly to everyone; he encounters and drowns all his sorrows in a bottle of whiskey every night. He shares a home with his rakhi sister Rasika (Ivanka Das), as both of them share a love-hate relationship. His depiction of a damaged alcoholic, a fatally flawed and wounded soul, fighting his inner demons, is captivating especially the monologue sequence where he agrees to be a loser all his life and wants to taste victory just once.

Azmi, as usual, is first rate and even she has her moments in the film. Bedi and Dungarpur lend good support to the film. Amitabh Bahchan’s cameo will leave a smile on your face.

Ghoomer sticks to familiar ground as far as a sports film goes, Amidst all the faux sentimentality, we still get a protagonist that we can’t help rooting for. That is the film’s real success.

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Ghoomer Review: Saiyami Kher-Abhishek Bachchan Film Is a Poignant Underdog Tale

'ghoomer' starring saiyami kher and abhishek bachchan hits theatres on 18 august..

There is something about an underdog story with the backdrop of sports that is yet to lose its appeal. The passion and resilience required to master a sport in itself is reflected in the main character’s desire to tackle strife. The latest film in this vein is R Balki’s Ghoomer starring Saiyami Kher and Abhishek Bachchan. 

Abhishek Bachchan in a still from 'Ghoomer'. 

(Photo Courtesy: YouTube)

Anina is on the way to cricketing stardom (by playing for India); her skills are bolstered by a red hot bat and her grandmother’s (Shabana Azmi) research and ‘concentration smoothies’. Her perfect bubble is occasionally rudely crashed by an alcoholic yesteryear bowler Padam Singh Sodhi (Abhishek Bachchan). Soon, a freak accident results in Anina losing her right arm and her life becomes further intertwined with Sodhi’s. 

This is, give and take a few scenes, what the first half of Ghoomer presents. We see Anina’s indubitable passion for the game and it helps that lead actor Saiyami Kher has impeccable form as a batsman. Because of her own love for the sport and her experience on the pitch, she is convincing as the passionate and boisterous Anina. 

Saiyami Kher as Anina in a still from 'Ghoomer'.

Even beyond the pitch, Kher’s act is charming and her chemistry with Azmi adds an extra layer to the film. Having suffered a huge loss and under the realisation that she might never play cricket again, Anina is left heartbroken and enraged – both aspects of her grief are adequately portrayed by an expressive Kher. 

In the way that it is shot and performed for the first half, Ghoomer has captured the charm of 2000s mainstream Bollywood – think Chak De! India or Dil Chahta Hai.

There is a coming-of-age quality to it even in the absence of teenage protagonists.

And yet, it is difficult to feel a connection with the story in the first half; the emotional stakes, though established, feel like they’re on a shaky foundation. 

The second half picks up considerably, both in terms of screenplay and an emotional investment in the character’s journey. Once the film enters the sports montage and underdog journey territory of the sports drama genre, it’s on surer footing. 

The best thing about Ghoomer is that Anina’s characterisation is never intended to be pitiful as is often the case with the representation of disability in cinema – the film never posits that her skill as a sportsperson was adversely affected by the accident. In fact, the way the film’s title ‘Ghoomer’ is incorporated is captivating.

A still from 'Ghoomer'.

Abhishek Bachchan as Sodhi makes for the perfect mentor archetype – after being handed the short end of the stick in life, he has become a brash recluse. He is short with everyone he meets and has never met a glass of whiskey he didn’t like. He lives alone with his extremely helpful and kind sister Rasika (Ivanka Das) who he, obviously, doesn’t treat very well. 

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Through Anina, however, he finally sees an opportunity to experience the euphoria of being a victor. It’s commendable that R Balki and his co-writers Rahul Sengupta and Rishi Virmani present yet another interesting take on a morally gray mentor. 

Sodhi is supposed to be a smart alec and a champion of the ‘tough love’ campaign while rarely displaying moments of kindheartedness. Bachchan carries out this act well.

At the same time, a trans character in the film is seemingly indebted to Sodhi and that is somehow supposed to justify the fact that he speaks kindly to her perhaps twice in the entire film. By resigning the character to being comic relief, the film misses out the opportunity to create a movie duo with equally sharp-tongued characters living in the same space (and, of course, the added opportunity of empathetic inclusion). 

In her scenes with Anina, however, the character does get to explore more nuance. And it's refreshing to see more trans actors get more mainstream space and recognition.

Saiyami Kher and Ivanka Das in a still from 'Ghoomer'. 

(Photo Courtesy: YouTube) 

Despite the film’s reliance on hammy background music and slight exposition, Abhishek Bachchan is delightfully restrained in his performance. It is this intuitive restraint that elevates his character on screen. 

Balki specialises in smart one-liners, something that’s supposed to give characters an edge. Here, the dialogue writing comes off juvenile in places and well-written in others – perhaps this is because a balance between the Yoda-esque preaching (and quips) and genuine human dialogue is absent for the most part. 

For instance, a dialogue like ‘ pyaas lag rahi hai, khelne ki pyaas’ (I have a thirst, a thirst to play) adds nothing to the film but the well-placed Roger Federer joke is delightful. Ghoomer suffers because there’s not enough attention to what could be left out – some scenes seem unnecessary and others don’t get enough screen time.

Speaking of the cast, Shabana Azmi is, as always, an absolute delight to watch on screen. She adds a quiet sensibility to her role that matches perfectly with the role her character plays in Anina’s life. She is generous with her advice but stingy with her praise; technically Anina has two mentors in the film.

Ghoomer encapsulates a phrase Master Yoda says, “Always two there are, no more, no less. A master and an apprentice.” The film, at its core, is a poignant telling of the story of a master and an apprentice, a teacher and a student, a mentor and a mentee. 

Angad Bedi and Shabana Azmi in a still from 'Ghoomer'. 

It helps that Bachchan and Kher have an intense acting chemistry, playing off of each other in every screen – even if the former sometimes outshines the latter. The little details added into the way Kher reconnects with the sport, like using her understanding of momentum to add more speed to her spin, strengthen the story.

Angad Bedi as Anina’s childhood friend and partner-in-crime gets to showcase his skills much more here than he did in Lust Stories 2 and what a delight that is for all of us! 

Moving to the technicalities, the camerawork is decent in the wider shots but the close ups are shoddy – the shot designs sometimes do not mesh into each other as seamlessly as they should. Crisp editing, too, would’ve made the film more watchable than it is. 

A still from 'Ghoomer'. 

However, credit where credit is due, cinematographer Vishal Sinha structures the cricket scenes beautifully. The second half is buoyed by the cricket match – there is suspense, intrigue, and a satisfying climax to the film and a character that we have come to be invested in.

With Saiyami Kher’s obvious efforts into understanding the visual language of the film and Abhishek Bachchan’s steady but effective act, Ghoomer ends up being an enjoyable watch, with its second half almost succeeding in steamrolling over the faults of the first. 

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‘Ghoomer’ movie review: Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher pitch it right in this uplifting sports drama

Director r balki spins a heartwarming tale that celebrates gutsy people who are not defined by physical and emotional limitations in this cricket drama.

August 18, 2023 01:12 pm | Updated 01:26 pm IST

A still from ‘Ghoomer’

R Balki’s latest celebration of human resilience impresses with its winsome depiction of people with disabilities and the will to bounce back against the odds. To put his point across, the writer-director has rightly chosen the game of glorious uncertainties that has seen champions like Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and B.S. Chandrashekhar.

Anini ( Saiyami Kher ) is a flawless batter on the verge of making her debut for India when she meets with a freak accident that results in the amputation of her right arm. How she returns to the pitch as a spinner with the help of an alcoholic coach (Abhishek Bachchan) seeking redemption forms the crux of the story.

It is a staple premise of sports drama that demands more than a little suspension of disbelief, but the treatment makes it relatable and engaging. There is so much consumption of cricket that its representation on the big screen often feels staged and fake, but here there is hardly any gap. Balki knows the intricacies of cricket well and it reflects in the representation of the game and the debates that surround it. For instance, the film talks about how the rules are stacked in favour of batters or how you have to earn a bit of magic to become a bowler worthy of taking a wicket. The role of science and arts in conjuring up this magic makes the turnaround of Anini all the more charming; so does the role of fate and belief when things go horribly wrong.

Saiyami may have to work a bit more on her acting game in scenes outside the stadium, but as a cricketer, she has got the body language and the emotional makeup of a sportsperson absolutely right. The style, the snark, and the sensitivity all come across seamlessly. Her bat swing is credible, her graceful bowling action could create a stir in the real world, and her style of celebration after snaring a wicket is worth copying.

However, the lifeline of the film is Abhishek Bachchan who has rediscovered form and has delivered one of his most touching performances of his career as Paddy, a one-Test wonder who was left to languish in domestic cricket after an injury on the field. As somebody whose identity is getting dissolved in alcohol, Paddy is a strange combination of bitterness, hope, insolence, and restraint. When Paddy says he knows what a loser feels like and now he wants what a winner experiences, the emotion hits home.

The narrative is dotted with some interesting characters who represent a progressive outlook without being didactic. Shabana Azmi as the sporty grandmother of Anini, and Sivendra Singh Dungarpur as the god-fearing doting father are welcome departures from the Hindi film stereotype where fathers are usually shown to be carrying the kit and the mothers and grandmothers turn up with  pooja ki thali.  Here, for a change, the  dadi  is a Roger Federer fan who doesn’t like to express emotions.

As for carrying the kit, we have Angad Bedi as the boyfriend who doesn’t mind playing second fiddle to a prodigy. Then there is Ivanka Das, a trans character, who adds a layer to Paddy’s life. Their bonding is one of the highlights of the film. So does the entry of Amitabh Bachchan as the chirpy commentator who names Anini’s unique action after the Rajasthani folk dance. A bit over the top, his part provides the energy that cricket symbolises in the country.

Having said that, Balki’s narratives are often hamstrung by self-awareness. Each scene is like a 30-second advertisement that has to entertain and deliver a message. He puts all his research on the subject in the dialogues and makes sure he underlines it. A film is more like a Test match where the craft doesn’t need to be shown but felt. But here, there are passages where it feels like you are being reminded by the director that you are watching a thought-provoking film where the characters are progressive and everyone has a way with words.

In fact, it seems the same characters are moving in different films. The grandmother here sounds like an extension of Zohra Segal from  Cheeni Kum  and Neena Gupta of Balki’s segment in  Lust Stories 2 . Just that the setting is different. Similarly, at one point, Anini starts talking like the grown-up version of Sexy of  Cheeni Kum . This is Balki’s style — at times, it becomes a bit too much — but here it impedes the flow of  Ghoomer  a lot less than some of his previous works.

Ghoomer is currently running in theatres

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Ghoomer Movie Review

Ghoomer Devesh Sharma , Aug 18, 2023, 16:47 IST

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Ghoomer Movie Review: On the whole, GHOOMER rests on Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher’s performances and some wellexecuted scenes.

On the whole, ghoomer rests on abhishek bachchan and saiyami kher’s performances and some well-executed scenes. but the narrative is too quick and the trailer ended up showing nearly the whole story., ghoomer review {2.5/5} & review rating.

GHOOMER is the story of a physically challenged cricket player. Anina ( Saiyami Kher ) has always been interested in cricket since she was a child. She resides with her father (Shivendra Singh Dungarpur), grandmother (Shabana Azmi) and brothers Anuj (Piyush Raina) and Tishu (Akshay Joshi). She pursues the sport even while studying and gets shortlisted for the selection process for the Indian cricket team. While she’s on the crease, the session is interrupted by a drunken Padam Singh Sodhi aka Paddy ( Abhishek Bachchan ), a failed player. In a drunken state, he bowls to Anina and gets her out. He publicly concludes that she’s unfit to be selected. Anina, however, gets selected. At a celebratory dinner, Paddy lands up to get his share of alcohol. When he sees that Anina is one of the selected players, he insults her and the management that selected her. Anina bursts out crying and leaves. While returning home in her boyfriend Jeet’s (Angad Bedi) car, she meets with an accident. The doctors try their best but are not able to save her right arm. Anina, obviously, is shattered. The selection team looks for her replacement. Anina feels like a burden as she struggles to do normal chores after the amputation. On her birthday, Paddy meets her. He’s the only one who doesn’t take pity on her and advises her to become an expert bowler with her left hand. Anina rejects his proposal and blames him for her situation. Slowly, she warms up to this idea and begins her training under Paddy. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

R Balki's story (co-written by Rahul Sengupta and Rishi Virmani) is intriguing. It is inspired by Karoly Takacs, a Hungarian right-hand shooter, who won two Olympic Gold medals with his left hand after his right hand was seriously injured. R Balki's screenplay is different from the other sports films and peppered with very entertaining and dramatic scenes. However, a few developments are very quick and unconvincing. R Balki's dialogues are witty and sharp and are sure to raise laughs.

R Balki's direction is quite nice. While the first half is around 50 minutes long, the second half’s runtime is nearly 80 minutes. Yet, one doesn’t mind as a lot is happening in the film. The way he depicts Anina’s hardships after she goes through the amputation is moving. Her training scenes are gripping and very convincing. But what works very well are the scenes between Anina and Paddy. Some of the memorable scenes here are Anina and Paddy’s first meeting, Paddy humiliating Anina at the dinner, Paddy asking Anina to clear the bushes in his backyard and even cook food and Anina’s meeting with Paddy on Diwali.

On the flipside, the film is too quick at times. A few developments are convenient, especially in the cricket match in the climax. Paddy makes a shocking revelation to Anina but nothing much happens about it after this dramatic sequence. And the major problem with the film is that the trailer ended up showing too much of the story. An important plot point is also depicted in the promo. A lot of buildup happens in the film with regard to this development in the film. However, when it unveils on screen, it won’t surprise the audience as they have already seen it in the trailer.

Ghoomer | Official Trailer | Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami, Shabana Azmi, Angad Bedi | R Balki

Speaking of performances, Abhishek Bachchan shines. He’s totally into his character and rocks the show. It won’t be wrong to say that this is one of his most accomplished performances. Saiyami Kher, too, gives her best. This is not an easy role at all and it’s evident that she’s given her blood and sweat in convincingly playing a cricketer. Shabana Azmi is adorable. Angad Bedi is decent as a supportive boyfriend. Piyush Raina and Akshay Joshi are wasted. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur is decent. Ivanka Das (Rasika) leaves a mark. Amitabh Bachchan adds to the starry presence. His character is cute; however, some of his dialogues are not audible. Others are good.

Amit Trivedi's music is well woven into the narrative but is not of chartbuster variety. The title song is the most memorable track of the lot.  'Dil Dum Chahalla', 'Taqdeer Se Taqraa'  and  'Purnaviram'  are soulful but don't get registered properly. Amit Trivedi's background score is much better.

Vishal Sinha's cinematography is weak in the car scene but overall, it’s appropriate. Sandeep Sharad Ravade's production design is memorable, especially Paddy’s house. Aesha Merchant's costumes are stylish yet realistic. Double Barrel Communications & VC Studiioz' VFX is great. The amputation looks quite real. Special mention should also go to Dhruv P Panjuani's sports direction. Nipun Ashok Gupta's editing is too quick in some scenes.

On the whole, GHOOMER rests on Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher’s performances and some well-executed scenes. But the narrative is too quick and the trailer ended up showing nearly the whole story. Moreover, at the box office, it will face a tough time since last week’s releases, GADAR 2 and OMG 2, continue to remain super-strong.

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SUPER MOVIE. Abhishek Bachhan & Siyami Kher have acted very well. Direction is superb. Abhishek…

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Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher will be seen as left-handed cricketers in this film, which is a fictional story set against the backdrop of cricket. Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher will be seen as left-handed cricketers in this film, which is a fictional story set against the backdrop of cricket. Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher will be seen as left-handed cricketers in this film, which is a fictional story set against the backdrop of cricket.

• Rahul Sengupta
• Rishi Virmani
• Amitabh Bachchan
• Shabana Azmi
• 76 User reviews
• 15 Critic reviews
• 5 wins & 9 nominations

Top cast 99+

• Anina's Dadi

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• Trivia Abhishek said the F word by saying "Pucking Pustrated".

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• mohitutwani
• Aug 17, 2023
• August 18, 2023 (India)
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‘Ghoomar’ Movie Review – A Tale of Triumph

Balki, Saiyami and Abhishek pitch in to bowl you over in a refreshing story of the human spirit in the feel-good sports movie Ghoomer.

It had been a long time since I had watched a Bollywood movie in a theatre, and I was craving for a feel- good, clean movie which I could watch with my daughter. So, we took a much-needed break from work commitments, school projects and the anxiety of the upcoming examinations and decided to watch this sports-survival drama. So, here’s my honest review of the movie Ghoomar.

Table of Contents

What is the Story of Ghoomer About ?

Ghoomer is inspired by the story of the real-life Hungarian shooter who had only one hand – his left– to work with. He won a gold medal in the 25-meter rapid-fire pistol event at the 1948 London Olympics. 

Ghoomar is not about the politics within the team, the selection committee or the financial struggles of a sportsperson. It breaks free from the norms of a sports movie to give you a powerful story of human resilience and the drive to rise above all challenges. 

Directed by R. Balki, the film stars Saiyami Kher, Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Angad Bedi, and Amitabh Bachchan among others. 

The story is about Anina (Saiyami Kher), a flawless batter who was selected to play for the Indian team. However, she meets with an accident that leads to the amputation of her right arm. Her dreams are shattered; she loses all will to live when Padam Singh Sodhi aka Paddy (Abhishek Bachchan), an alcoholic ex-bowler of the Indian cricket team coaches her against all odds. Anina becomes Paddy’s purpose through which both Anina and Paddy find fulfilment. Anina makes a comeback as a spinner and achieves her dream to play for India. 

Ghoomar promises to be an inspirational, emotional and progressive family movie. Ghoomar’s simple storyline may not have any surprises for its viewers but even in its predictability, it is a thrilling joy ride for the audience. I found myself celebrating Anina’s success, and regretting the fateful accident, sympathising with her struggle to revive and relating to the angry outburst of Paddy. Its story of human resilience in adversity strikes the right chord with the audience.

R. Balki manages to charm the audience throughout the movie with entertaining and witty dialogue, which is a winner. Paddy drives a message when he says, “Right se bhi Anina aur Left se bhi Anina”. He reveals his tragic journey when he says, “Loser kya mehsoos karta hain…..I know…I also want to know winners kya mehsoos karte hain”. One cannot help but smile when Anina tells her Dadi (Shabana Azmi), “Kitna underacting karogi, thoda emotions toh dikhao”. 

Is Ghoomer a Good Movie?

Balki is well-informed about the intricacies of cricket, and it shows in the issues that he raises about the game. For instance, the film talks about how the game favours the batsmen. He also relates the sport to science and psychology while showing how Anina uses the knowledge to her advantage. Though the struggle and eventual success are well depicted, the movie would have fallen flat had it not been for its interesting characters, plot and vivid storytelling that keeps us hooked. Balki addresses some important issues seamlessly in the story through his characters. 

Dadi is endearing as the strong, sporty, unsentimental grandma who calls herself a Roger Federer fan and pushes Anina to fulfil her destiny. Sivendra Singh Dungarpur plays Anina’s adorable, god-fearing father and is a welcome change from the stereotypical depiction of gender roles in Hindi films. Similarly, Angad Bedi, Anina’s boyfriend doesn’t mind carrying the cricket kit for her. Ivana Das is shown as a trans character shunned by her family and supported by Paddy and their bonding is one of the highlights of the film. 

Saiyami pulls off her character as a cricketer very efficiently. She has the right body language, and her game technique and acting both show credibility. Shabana Azmi’s role may be small, but she charms us with her wit every time she comes on screen. She stands rock solid with Anina throughout her struggle and her strong presence in the protagonist’s life is undeniable. Angad Bedi plays the role of a supportive boyfriend with ease. His frustration after the accident, his acceptance when Paddy tells him not to interfere and his joy every time Anina overcomes a hurdle seems natural and not forced upon him. 

Ghoomer is a Well Thought and Performed Film

However, it is Abhishek Bachchan who is the true lifeline of the film. He has delivered a touching performance as Paddy, a one-test wonder who lives a secluded life and attempts to drown his sorrows in alcohol. His didactic and ruthless personality is layered with bitterness, hope, regret, focus and recklessness but one cannot help falling in love with him. 

Amit Trivedi’s music is soulful and evokes the right emotions. So does Vishal Sinha’s photography. Amitabh Bachchan’s cameo is refreshing and provides a much-needed breather in the drama towards the end of the film. 

What Didn’t Work for Ghoomer

There are many reasons to watch the movie, the most important of which is its feel-good factor. It inspires us to be positive, optimistic in any situation, especially the most challenging ones. 

The first half of the movie builds the characters beautifully and progresses the story well to look forward to the second half. 

However, the movie slowly loses its grip after the intermission. Balki adds too much drama in an attempt to raise our spirits. The melodrama is unbridled where every stroke and every ball is accompanied by breathlessness and a dancing frenzy. The film drives itself to excesses because by no stretch of the imagination can cricket be a ‘baayen haath ka khel’. 

Despite it all, the movie is sincere, affecting and moving.  

Can you Watch Ghoomer with Your Children? 

By all means, yes! There are many lessons to be learned from the film and there are inherent positive messages that the movie conveys for children. The film is about hope in adversity and a ‘never give up’ attitude which are important values for children. In fact, we should make it a point to watch sports-themed movies with kids . There are a lot of lessons that even we, as adults can learn from watching these films.

My daughter certainly felt inspired after watching the movie and proceeded to set a few goals for herself once we were back home. So Ghoomer does achieve its purpose. 

To Conclude my Review of Ghoomer

“Yeh zindagi logic ka nahi…magic ka khel hai”. Ghoomar talks about passion, sincerity, resilience and hope. It is family friendly which sets it apart from the overdose of loaded content. It is made with earnestness, taking us along the dream magically spun by Balki.

All in all, we Indians love a good masala movie and Ghoomer has all the right ingredients for a flavourful dish. 

Our Verdict: Watch the movie and get Ghoomered into this feel-good joyride. 

Author : Mansi Gadre

Mansi gadre, 10 feel-good ways to celebrate raksha bandhan 2023, what is the right way to shower, related articles, why are positive affirmations important for kids, 7 reasons holding you back from financial success, a feel-good travel guide to ayodhya, varanasi and lucknow, how to set new year resolutions, the feel good way, leave a reply cancel reply.

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‘Ghoomer’ review: Spin without control

Emotional and sporting authenticity is sacrificed for feel-good gimmicks in r. balki's ‘ghoomer’.

Abhishek Bachchan is punched in the nose once in Ghoomer , and it’s not enough. Padam Singh Sodhi played one test for India and is now a mean drunk. He’s terrible to Rasika (Ivanka Das), a trans woman he supported but now treats as an emotional punching bag, even though she’s the only one who cares for him. He uses his coaching of Anina (Saiyami Kher) to unleash a series of slights, humiliations and sadistic character-building exercises. Writer-director R. Balki wants us to feel this is Paddy’s redemption story as well as Anina’s, but my dual wish was to see her succeed and for Paddy to get his face rearranged by a different person every 15 minutes.

The Anina we see at the start of the film is a prodigiously talented batter about to break into the Indian team. Her trial goes well—save for an appearance by a drunk Paddy, who saunters onto the field drunk, insists on bowling one delivery, and somehow knocks her stumps over. Anina nevertheless makes the cut, but driving home late at night with her boyfriend, Jeet (Angad Bedi), she has a freak accident. Her right arm, which bears the brunt of the injury, has to be amputated. 

Also read: Our heroines deserve better

Paddy enters her life again, and we get a taste of how he’ll treat her for the rest of the film as he jokes about missing arms. He offers her a lifeline: you will play cricket for India again. It’s not so surprising that the competitive Anina, after a period of dark retreat, is curious enough to seek him out. But I can’t understand why her family—supportive grandmother (Shabana Azmi), solicitous father (Shivendra Singh Dungarpur) and two brothers—would let her join the world’s shadiest recovery program without so much as a question about Sodhi’s intentions (or capabilities—‘played one test and has been drunk since’ isn’t a huge endorsement). Only poor, sweet Jeet protests at Paddy’s rudeness, but is disregarded by both oppressor and oppressed.   

There’s a lot of The Karate Kid in Ghoomer— exacting teacher puts talented pupil through hell to toughen them up. Anina’s first task is to clear the undergrowth near Paddy’s home, dig up the soil and make a pitch. We see her progress as an excruciating montage, swinging a scythe as she screams in apparent catharsis and a rousing song plays. When she’s unable to hit the right length—remember, she’s a right-hand bat who’s just begun to try and become a left-arm spinner—Paddy puts cow dung on the areas of the pitch she shouldn’t be bowling. Instead of throwing the ball at his head, Anina proceeds to land every subsequent delivery on a perfect length, and later tells a confused Rasika, “He’s a genius.” 

Ghoomer is inspired by Károly Takács, a Hungarian shooter who, after his right hand was injured, trained himself to shoot with his left hand and won a gold medal at the 1948 Olympics. There’s a big difference between Takacs’ case and the fictional one of Anina, though. I’d imagine that for a pistol shooter, a hand that doesn’t work is not a debilitating problem. But it is for bowlers, who need both arms to reduce pressure on the one that’s throwing. The film has a doctor point this out, which spurs Paddy to come up with  a quixotic solution: Anina will twirl during the run up, which will generate the necessary momentum while reducing strain.

Maybe because it’s former adman Balki at the helm but Anina’s new action feels more like a brand launch rather than something that might plausibly happen on a cricket field. Amitabh Bachchan in the commentary box immediately calls her a ‘ghoomer’ instead than a spinner, people in the stands twirl whenever she comes on to bowl. In other ways too, the film resembles advertising. Apart from Paddy’s drunk scenes, which are nicely shot but pure sentimental bait, the film has the bright, impersonal lighting of a commercial. Characters speak in punchlines that have the bland snappiness of ad-speak.  

Bachchan is unable to land his performance on a length: he’s too broad to be sympathetic, not broad enough to get the laughs he’s going for. Kher is a bit bland for the sort of tempestuous fighter she’s playing, but she’s a convincing cricketer—you can see this especially in the initial stretch of the film, where she often bats without the help of creative editing (most cricket films cut between the moment of delivery and the impact with the bat). Ghoomer avoids another pitfall of cricket films by focusing all its attention on one match instead of reducing many games to a handful of moments. But the central gimmick negates these decisions. Anina’s deliveries, which zip past batters who are barely able to see them, never feel realistic. No one even brings up whether a fielder with one arm might cost the national team (the question of her batting is at least raised and then dismissed). 

There’s a late twist that cheapens everything that came before. This feels in character for a film that would rather be clever than genuine. 

Also read: Film review: ‘Mission Mangal’ orbits its own source material

• FIRST PUBLISHED 18.08.2023 | 10:01 AM IST
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Padmaavat review: Nothing new to offer

'As the film progresses, you tire of the been-there seen-that spectacle.' 'You want a story. You want good dialogue, not the corny words you are hearing.' 'You want an emotional connect. You want a tighter film.' 'Sadly, with Padmaavat , that's not what you get,' says Savera R Someshwar.

It's not easy being Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

It's not easy when opposition, violent at that, rolls over like an angry black cloud, threatening to engulf your latest dream -- just as it had threatened your earlier ones -- preparing to destroy it even before it can completely take shape.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a man of tremendous courage to have faced all the problems he has -- from violent protests, to death threats against him and his lead actress, to state-wide bans, to court cases, to threats of jauhar -- and to refuse to curtail his creative process, to step back from his latest film, Padmaavat .

Yet, given all of this, there is no denying the fact that a film takes on a different life when it releases.

It will be subject to praise, to criticism, to disdain, to love.

It now has a new master, the viewer, who will decide its fate not just at the box office but, more importantly, in their hearts.

And so it will be with Padmaavat , which has -- during its making -- faced tremendous opposition from royalty to commoners alike.

There is no doubt -- and this is something that the film-maker has proved time and again -- that when it comes to mounting a magnificent spectacle, Bhansali has few challengers in the Hindi film industry.

Padmaavat 's locations are majestic, the costumes glorious, the make-up perfect and the songs lovingly choreographed (ah, yes, the special effects could clearly could do with more finesse).

His queens -- Deepika Padukone as Padmavati, Aditi Rao Hydari as Mallika Mehrunissa and Anupriya Goenka as a barely there as Nagmati, Maharwal Ratan Singh's first wife and the Maharani of Chittod -- look suitably gorgeous and carry off their exquisite costumes with grace and ease (Yes, Deepika's nubile waist has been digitally draped in the Ghoomar song to soothe offended sensibilities).

His kings underscore, and re-underscore, their stated characters to ensure there is no confusion.

Shahid Kapoor as Maharwal Ratan Singh and the hero in this saga is suitably courageous, even if he is shown to completely ignore his first wife on the arrival of the second.

Ranveer Singh as the rapacious, power-loving Allauddin Khilji is suitably bestial in his gluttonous appetite for the pleasures of the flesh as he wolfs down chunks of meat and sates his physical desires with equal enthusiasm, throwing in guttural growls to express almost every emotion -- from rage to lust.

Both sport suitable scars as witnesses to their bravery in the battlefield.

There is no subtlety here; black is black and white is white and Bhansali, clearly, wants no shades of grey in his magnum opus .

The 'good' Hindu hero, mostly dressed in creams and whites, is heroic and honourable; the 'evil' Muslim villain, mostly dressed in black, is shown to be animalistic, with no control over his desires, be it political or carnal.

A romance with his male slave, Malik Kafur -- Jim Sarbh, who seems confused as to whether he is acting in a film or performing in a play -- otherwise hinted at, is clearly outlined when Ratan Singh's minister disparagingly refers to him as Allaudin's begum.

Padmavati's perfection too needs contrast to be highlighted -- her beauty blinds the equally beautiful Mehrunissa who feels her husband cannot be blamed for his obsession; Nagmani has to be shown as a petulant wife against the perfect partner that is Padmavati.

It is this play of black and white that is the foundation of the confusing fairy tale world Bhansali has created.

In this world, a princess who seems to have great faith in Buddhism is also a hunter.

In this world, a princess can get close to a man she does not know.

In this world, a missive by an enemy king as a challenge for battle can set afire by a Rajput queen even before her husband, the king, reads it.

In this same patriarchal, masculine world, Rajput soldiers readily take orders from the younger queen.

The biggest tragedy of Padmaavat is that it has nothing new to offer. We've seen Bhansali create similar picturesque frames before.

We've seen those overhead shots showcasing dance performances.

The dialogues are stilted and old-fashioned -- ' Loha lohe ko kaatha hai ,' Singh explains his decision to battle solo with Allaudin.

There are familiar references to both mythology and history.

Padmavati, who is hunting a deer, accidentally shoots Ratan Singh like Prince Dashrath did Shravan Kumar. Only, here, it results romance and not a tragic death.

She brings her husband back from the jaws of death, like Savithri did Satyavan.

Like the soldiers hidden in the Trojan horse, Padmavati sneaks in Rajput soldiers as her maids.

If Babur inspired his war-weary soldiers by renouncing wine in the battle against Rana Sangha, Allaudin inspired his siege-weary army by flinging the Khilji flag to the ground.

Bhansali even pays tribute to the famous climax of Ketan Mehta's Mirch Masala . But that powerful, unforgettable, climax become a farce here.

And as the women move towards the giant pyre, Bhansali employs a couple of unnecessary shots that leave a bitter taste when he focuses his camera on a couple of child brides and a heavily pregnant woman. It smacks of a cheap attempt at evoking emotions.

Which is what Padmaavat misses out on.

As the film progresses, you tire of the been-there seen-that spectacle.

You want a story.

You want good dialogue, not the corny words you are hearing.

You want an emotional connect. You want a tighter film.

Sadly, with Padmaavat , that's not what you get.

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