Maidaan (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – Inspired by the Indian national football team coach and manager Syed Abdul Rahim, who is regarded as the architect of Indian football.

My Take – Though India remains a country where cricket continues to be worshiped as the ultimate sport, a massive amount of people, particularly from the states of West Bengal and Kerala, still continue to throng towards football.

Indeed, while the current national team rarely gets any form of attention from the media, this latest from director Amit Ravindernath Sharma (Badhaai Ho) heads back to a forgotten period between 1952 to 1962, aka Indian football’s golden era, a time when the newly independent nation was a powerhouse in Asia. Serving as a testament and celebration to the indomitable spirit of the champions and the visionary who shaped their destiny – Syed Abdul Rahim.

The pioneering football coach whose immense contribution revolutionized the sport and earned the team the moniker “Brazil of Asia” as they won gold at the 1951 Asian Games and 1962 Asian Games, and became Asia’s first ever football team to qualify for the Semi Finals of 1956 Summer Olympics.

However, like the fortunes of Indian football, this Boney Kapoor production’s journey also had been jinxed because of several reasons. While principal photography commenced August 2019 and it experienced long delays due to COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Nisarga ultimately ending in May 2022. Even it release date shifted twice due to impending post-production works, finally allotting itself a slot as an 2024 Eid release.

Thankfully, led by a powerhouse performance from Ajay Devgn, the resulting film is a stirring biographical drama that is not only a treat for football enthusiasts but also quite a delight for cinema lovers. A visual sport spectacle that deserves a must-watch on the big screen for the thrilling experience and outstanding storytelling. As it immortalizes the unsung hero, after whom India never qualified for the Olympics.

Sure, its 181 minutes run time and at times melodramatic approach might deter some viewers, but what’s a sports film without a bit of a drama on the field and off it. A cinematic triumph that lauds a coach who was as good as his team.

Spanning from 1952 to 1962, the story follows Syed Abdul Rahim (Ajay Devgn), the chain-smoking Indian football coach who after facing an embarrassing defeat at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Finland requests the federation to allow him to select his own team so he can take complete onus of their performance in the game.

Despite the internal politics within the football federation mostly led by Shubhankar (Rudranil Ghosh), pressure from a vindictive and influential sports journalist, Roy Choudhary (Gajraj Rao), political unrest and protests, Rahim refuses to bow down to the system. He travels the nooks and corners of the country and handpicks the best boys, and trains them further on their legwork and more importantly, teamwork. All in order to make Indian football shine internationally at the next Olympics and Asian Games.

Back at home in Hyderabad, he’s a loving husband determined to teach English to his wife Saira (Priya Mani), and also a doting father to their children. Even when he faces a professional and personal setback, he soon bounces back with reinforced confidence and conviction.

Though the film starts at a slightly leisurely pace, it quickly picks up momentum as it delve into the game strategies and discussions between the coach and the Football committee. The initial build up helps to understand state of football in country, politics in the sport, lack of basic kits and internal battles and fighting with the system.

Here, director Sharma‘s deft hand ensures that every frame pulsates with the energy and emotion of the era, transporting audiences to a time when football was more than just a game-it was a beacon of hope and unity. The film isn’t just about victories on the field; it’s a deeply human story that delves into the complexities of ambition, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

It beautifully shows Rahim’s character arch and takes us through his highs, lows, sacrifices he made, obstacles he crossed and how he maintained his composure while doing all this.

But where it truly inspires is in its exhilarating match sequences, balancing visual grandeur with gritty realism captivating and elevating the film to new heights. The football match sequences are undoubtedly the best part of the film, and they are executed with precision and excitement.

Russian cinematographer Andrey Valantsov’s camera breathlessly follows the men running with purpose for their dignity and the pride of the nation. Making the audience feel the passion the men possessed, together they capture the pace, the thrill, and the raw appeal of the game. The cries and celebration of the players feel real.

Complementing the narrative is A.R. Rahman‘s music which enhances the emotional moments and adds to the overall cinematic experience. In the pantheon of Bollywood sports biopics, it’s a winning underdog story that raises a deserving champion.

Performances wise, Ajay Devgn completely embodies the real-life coach, imbuing Rahim with a quiet resilience that is as compelling as his fiery motivational speeches to his players. Even with a quiet demeanor and subtle personality, he stands his ground with his players and the authorities. The film also allowed him to tap into many shades of a human personality, as Rahim tries to perfect the part of a husband, father, and coach.

Despite a lesser screen time, Priyamani leaves a lasting impact. Gajraj Rao and Rudranil Ghosh also impress in negative roles. Rishab Joshi as S. S. Hakim, coach Rahim’s son, has a very pleasant screen presence, and he wins you over in a scene during a conversation after his father has made the tough choice to drop him from the team.

The football players comprising of Chaitanya Sharma, Amartya Ray, Tejas Ravishankar, Aaman Munshi, Davinder Gill, Tejas Ravishankar, and Peter Thangaraj manage to stand out. On the whole, ‘Maidaan’ is a riveting sports biopic that stirringly celebrates Indian Football’s unsung hero.