Maidaan Review
Story:
Maidaan doesn’t shout its secular credentials; instead, it subtly showcases the power of inclusivity. It evokes the spirit of the soul-stirring 1980s song “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara.” The film begins at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, where the Indian football team suffers a humiliating defeat: Yugoslavia 10, India 1. An arrogant football expert, Prabhu Ghosh (Gajraj Rao) dismisses Rahim’s ragtag team as unworthy of international competition. Let’s have a look at the Maidaan Review.
Director Amit Sharma’s Maidaan, starring Ajay Devgn as Syed Abdul Rahim, the Indian football team’s coach from 1950 to 1963, is a film that reverberates with the echoes of a bygone era. While imperfect, it weaves a compelling narrative celebrating the forgotten legend and the glorious chapter in Indian football history.
Thoughts:
At a runtime of 3.02 hours, Maidaan is undeniably lengthy, yet its heartbeat lies in how it unfolds Rahim Saab’s journey. The story adheres to familiar sports film tropes—the underdog team’s improbable ascent from obscurity to triumph, akin to Lagaan and Chak De! India. But within this framework, Maidaan carves its path.
Ajay Devgn doesn’t merely portray a Muslim coach; he embodies a master tactician and a motivating disciplinarian. Draped in ethics and warm shawls, he becomes the emotional core around which a team rises. P.K. Banerjee, Chuni Goswami, Tulsidas Balaram, Neville D’Souza, Fortunato Franco, Peter Thangaraj, D Ethiraj, Yousuf Khan, SS Hakim, Jarnail Singh, and Ram Bahadur Chetri—all these luminaries are woven together in a string that recreates an era when football’s golden age mirrored the diversity and strength of a nation.
The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of Rahim saab’s dedication and sharp focus. He revolutionized Indian football—changing how players were selected, trained, and played. Each match becomes a matter of honor, and the team’s rise against all odds is palpable. The film’s pulsating heart gathers pace, culminating in a thrilling, moving finale.
Verdict:
Maidaan honors Rahim saab’s legacy and India’s golden past. It reminds us that beauty and strength reside in diversity. Amid morally hideous officials, apathetic ministers, and racist opponents, the film stands tall. It’s a tribute to a forgotten hero who shaped Indian football, and it leaves an indelible mark on the canvas of sports cinema.
Maidaan is a symphony of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of glory. It beckons us to remember the man who transformed a sport and the team that defied the odds. As the credits roll, we stand alongside Rahim saab, cheering for a victory that transcends the field—a victory etched in the annals of our collective memory.
Pros:
The Screen Play
Actors performances
Effective dialogues
Second Half
AR Rahman music
Cons:
Lengthy Scenes
First Half
Rating: 2.5/5