Length: 124 minutes approximately
Director: Omung Kumar
Star Cast: Priyanka Chopra.
Indian biopics have always had the distinction of making
them as mixed up as possible. The ‘masala’ factor is something that drives most
of the films made in the country. In “Mary Kom”, an entertaining drama film,
the audience is so much hooked up to its climax, utilizing cinematic liberties
unapologetically, that the film finishes on a good note despite erroneous
handling of situations in some parts of the film.
The film starts with flashbacks and nicely switches on to
present although the use of flashback never felt required. So, without
investing much time in childhood portions, which most of the film in this genre
tend to fall far, “Mary Kom” transports immediately to this lady who is
uncontrollably waiting to box and is willing to convince her parents. The
problem in the film is its too linear at times and the depths of emotions are
pretty flat for audience. The initial boxing games happen in such quick spans
that its like you-blink-you-miss. For a film that’s accounting of India’s
sportswoman, the major light of the fight should have been the boxing games
rather than only dramatic twists in the film. Although, the surprising cheeky
humour in the film nicely fits into conversations and it gives the character
strong textural values. The virago-esque nature of Mary comes across with ease.
The film shifts its tone nicely post-intermission and picks
a flight. The proceedings feel brisk and equally engaging. The scene where Mary
ties her two kids back is one of the highpoints of the film and is added with
smart back-up dialogue for the scene. The intensity in the film does feel real
at portions, especially the training ones. The climax, as discussed earlier, is
supremely entertaining despite the fact that writer has manipulatively interwoven
two dramatic portions, including the final box game, just to add to the drama.
That climax reminds you of “Fashion”.
The writing has lots of fictions which is evident from the
way they are handled in the film. Although the points have to be given for some
sharp dialogues that sometimes change the momentum at many places. The songs
are not really breaking the pace of the film because all arrives at some
significant point in the film and are effectively used to push the story ahead.
Priyanka Chopra emerges life of the film. Although facially
its hard to digest her as a Manipuri girl, but her language and her posture
brings immense authenticity to the film. She’s so much with energy and subtlety
that its hard to not take her seriously. Also she kills it when it comes to
pre-climax banter with federation member, although that is the “Chak de India”
moment of the film.
Rest all actors do get to do their bit well. Mary’s coach is
excellent in his few little scenes although there are not many dialogues for
him to mouth.
A little more real and ingenious writing and some more in-depth
detailing would have done accurate justice to innumerable victories of our real
life Mary Kom. Yet, for what the film is, it’s a really well made film and
there are strong efforts to bring in the Manipur flavour, which seldom any film
has done as effectively as this one does. Priyanka Chopra displays fantastic
amount of talent and energy and infuses life in each scene. Although the story
settles in place more easily than what it happened in real life, and thus lack
of real feel of the film, but the final boxing game, Mary’s cheerfulness and
non-relinquishing nature does put the film in right spot. Not a film that you’ll
remember after 5-6 years down the line, yet, a promising one-time watch.
Rating- 3/5
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