There is very standard templatized approach for sports dramas and biopics and this one too is no different. This inspiring bitter-sweet story of late bloomer is told with simplicity and at the same time with heart at the right place approach. It teaches the value of patience, persistence and determination. Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. That exactly who Pravin Tambe is. The man who fought all odds and believed in Apna Time Ayega. All one needs is one good over. But how many us are willing to wait and keep on adjusting to what life throws us.
The movie starts with Rahul Dravid addressing a public forum where he wanted us to hear the story about Praveen Thambe who signifies passion on cricket field. Then the rest of the journey is being told from the perspective of a voice over narration from a journalist played by Parambrata Chattopadhyay.
Shreyas Talpade (one of the underrated actors) nails this role to perfection in this inspiring biopic. The lower middle class Mumbai family setup reminded me of Harshad Mehta's Scam. Its a lovely family which cares, being supportive and at the same time speculative and criticizes. It does have bit of loaded dramatic and emotional moments but i didn't mind as it was not preachy at any time. The screen play did wobble many a time but the earnest performances kept the story moving along. There was more of family drama than sports drama.
There are many relatable moments for me in this film, being part of small clubs and galli cricket it all felt so familiar. But life took different priory and the game of cricket is just now limited to watching in TV and these kinds of movie brings back those memories. I would like to dedicate this chotu review and film to my childhood friend Thanu Moorthy who is now settled in Kenya. His passion for cricket is unbelievable and he continues to find time and play cricket no matter how busy he is. Thats a rare spirit. And when he shares his batting scores with us, it brings a smile.
I did not enjoy that much the rivalry between Tambe and Parambrata Chattopadhyay who plays a sport journalist but in the end some of those why factor is being explained. Few scenes could have been avoided in that aspect. Overall its a good attempt and most of the cricket lovers will enjoy which all felt familiar and at the same time different.
Verdict - 3.5/5(One for the underachievers)