Mary Kom biopic packs a powerful punch

Published Sep 15, 2014

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Mary Kom

Director: Omung Kumar

Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Sunil Thapa, Darshan Kumaar, Shishir Sharma and Zachary Coffin

Classification: tba

Running Time: 122 min

RATING: ****

 

Mary Kom is a biographical movie punctuated by action and emotion, which constitutes in substance as a thoroughly conventional drama. It isn’t the epic event as predicted by trade pundits but bares the stamp of Bhansali’s production style and contemporary cinema.

Plot

Mary Kom (Chopra) is impulsive, passion drives her to take to boxing. She falls in love and becomes pregnant at a time when she can least afford it, she wants to be a mother but is also disappointed that motherhood is stifling her fitness ability. Mary is a brave fighter who trains twice as hard to make an impossible comeback, even as she struggles to fulfil the responsibilities of motherhood.

Verdict

Director Omung Kumar presents his story with a simple and personal tone. An old-fashioned presentation, and a fine one, it epitomises the glorious days of its protagonist. Nothing boastful, nothing inconsistent, just enough to give us privileged glimpses of Mary Kom’s inspiring story.

It is thoughtful, unfashionable, measured, mostly honest, sometimes clumsy or remote, often exciting, occasionally moving and eventually surprising. The director expertly and gently guides you through the film’s wondrous maze of revelations. However, he seems to lose his effective hold on the viewer as the story shifts continuously between flashbacks and starts to turn into a love story.

Priyanka is commanding in her role, dramatically and physically, as she turns in another stirring performance.

The actress embodies the physicality of the role achieved after months of hard training. Priyanka tackles the rough world of female boxing and delivers another award-winning calibre performance

The supporting cast members are on top of their game with superb performances.

Recommendation

It’s in your face and gritty, packs the punches, blood and the pain.You’re going to need a bunch of tissues for this one.

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