#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.
