Every cricket fan knows the name, but watching his journey unfold on the big screen is an entirely different experience. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, directed by Neeraj Pandey, is a biographical drama starring Sushant Singh Rajput as the titular character. Set across various Indian cities, from the small town of Ranchi to the grand stadiums of international cricket, the film explores the life and career of one of India’s most celebrated sports icons, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The film spans Dhoni’s early struggles, personal life, and rise to cricketing glory, blending elements of sports drama, biopic, and an emotional human story.
The plot of the movie traces Dhoni’s journey from being a football goalkeeper in a small-town school to becoming the captain of the Indian cricket team. It begins with his humble beginnings, where Dhoni is encouraged to play cricket by his school’s sports coach, despite his love for football. The story beautifully captures his transition from being a ticket collector at the Kharagpur railway station to a national cricketing sensation. Along the way, Dhoni faces numerous challenges, both professional and personal, and the film showcases how he handles these adversities with calm and resilience. The narrative is interspersed with moments from crucial matches, life-changing decisions, and Dhoni’s relationships, particularly focusing on his family and two significant women in his life. While the film is a chronicle of Dhoni’s triumphs and trials, it doesn’t shy away from showing the quieter moments of doubt, failure, and reflection.
One of the most striking aspects of the movie is Sushant Singh Rajput’s performance. He truly embodies Dhoni’s persona, capturing his stoicism, calm demeanor, and the occasional glimpses of vulnerability. Sushant’s portrayal is not just an imitation; it’s a nuanced performance that delves into the cricketer’s psyche. His body language, especially the way he mimics Dhoni’s signature helicopter shot and his confident yet modest stride on the field, is impeccable. More importantly, Sushant brings out Dhoni’s emotional depth—his internal struggles, frustrations, and moments of self-doubt. Whether it’s Dhoni’s interactions with his family or his solitary moments as he reflects on his career choices, Sushant’s performance anchors the film, making it more than just a sports biopic.
Another standout element is the direction by Neeraj Pandey, who manages to make the film both grand and intimate. The match sequences are filmed with precision, capturing the tension of the game and the pressure on Dhoni. Yet, Pandey does not let the sports angle overshadow the human drama at the heart of the story. The pacing is deliberate, giving enough time for Dhoni’s personal journey to develop. The film doesn’t rush through his life events but instead takes its time to explore his relationships, particularly his bond with his father, played by Anupam Kher, and his love interests. The father-son dynamic is particularly moving, with Kher delivering a grounded performance that adds emotional weight to the story.
Cinematography by Santosh Thundiyil plays a significant role in shaping the movie’s tone. The film uses vibrant visuals to capture the lush cricket fields, the chaos of Dhoni’s small-town life, and the high-energy atmosphere of international cricket matches. The lighting shifts depending on the phase of Dhoni’s life being portrayed—his early days are depicted in softer, natural light, while his cricketing years are filmed with more intensity, reflecting the pressure and thrill of the sport. The cinematography shines particularly in the cricket match sequences, where the action is filmed in a way that makes you feel like you’re in the stadium, rooting for Dhoni.
The film’s music, composed by Amaal Mallik, adds emotional depth to the narrative. Tracks like “Kaun Tujhe” and “Phir Kabhi” beautifully underscore Dhoni’s romantic relationships and his personal struggles, while “Besabriyaan” perfectly captures his drive and ambition. The soundtrack doesn’t overpower the scenes but subtly enhances the emotional beats of the film. The background score is equally effective, heightening the tension during pivotal cricket matches and quieter moments of introspection.
Costume design deserves a mention as well, especially in how it mirrors Dhoni’s evolution. From his schoolboy days in simple sportswear to his railway job uniform and eventually the cricket whites of Team India, the wardrobe choices emphasize Dhoni’s journey across different phases of his life. The attention to detail extends to the cricket gear, which looks authentic and adds to the realism of the cricketing scenes.
One aspect of the film that stands out is its ability to balance the larger-than-life cricketing success with Dhoni’s personal battles. It doesn’t overly glamorize his success but shows the grit and determination behind it. The film also touches on the theme of destiny and hard work, illustrating how Dhoni’s life is a blend of the two. There’s a constant tug between his family’s expectations, his passion for cricket, and the societal pressures of securing a stable job, which many Indian viewers will find relatable. The movie also subtly critiques the Indian cricket selection process and the immense pressure placed on young athletes.
Overall, the film succeeds in being both an inspiring sports story and a heartfelt human drama. It’s not just for cricket lovers, but for anyone who has ever had a dream and worked relentlessly to achieve it. The performances, especially by Sushant, carry the film, while the direction, music, and cinematography elevate the storytelling. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story is a fitting tribute to one of India’s most loved cricketers and serves as a reminder that behind every success story is a journey filled with challenges, determination, and sacrifice.
If you’re looking for a biopic that’s more than just a chronological account of events, this film is a must-watch. It strikes the right balance between showcasing Dhoni’s cricketing accomplishments and his personal struggles, making it an emotionally engaging and inspiring film for viewers of all ages.
