Saturday, September 6, 2014

Mary Kom : An Inspiring Story told in an Insipid Way!


#MaryKom : Making a biopic is an arduous task, making a biopic on a thirty-one year old living legend requires lots of detailed research and technical skill ,but scripting a biopic like a bollywood potboiler is all about losing an excellent opportunity to inspire a generation .
Debutant director Omung Kumar had an awe inspiring story of an underdog from the farthest and most neglected corner of the country standing up against all odds to pursue her passion and bring laurel for the country.  Magnificent Mary’s life is about determination to succeed; it is about passion to perform. Her life is an example of indomitable human spirit. It is about overcoming barriers to achieve success.  And the film had the opportunity of having a double impact – of motivating the younger generation to follow their passion and work hard to reach the pinnacle and it could even have promoted boxing as a sport. To be honest it does try to show Mary’s life from an early childhood to her becoming a world champion , her marriage that was followed by a hiatus from Boxing and how she came back to become world champion even post motherhood .

But unfortunately it tries to pack too many punches in two hours and in the process just about touches upon each episode without trying to delve deep to reflect the inner conflict. It never bothers to build the character or story. And yes it ends as abruptly as it started- so much for storytelling using flashback as a technique!  The brilliance of a consummate artist lies in the depth of his art, Mary Kom – the film sadly stays superfluous in its approach. The entire effort of Omung and his screenplay writer Saiwin Quadras has been to use melodrama to keep the audience glued, so much so that, they even don’t spare the national anthem. They even failed to properly showcase the impact Onler (Mary’s husband) had on her life.  

As far as acting is concerned Priyanka Chopra packs a punch (pun Intended). In spite of obvious physical dissimilarity she is terrific as Mary and does complete justice to her role. She exudes tremendous energy and stays true to her character.  The support cast has barely has any significant role to play except Darshan as Mary’s Husband and Sunil Thapa as her coach.

Yes Mary Kom – the film may have been a below par attempt, but Mary Kom – the boxer is a phenomenal athlete whose story needs to reach every nook and cranny. Hers’ is a life extraordinary that deserves to be celebrated and the winning spirit needs to be incorporated. 

Just for that, in spite of its over dramatic tone go & celebrate Mary Kom.