Film Review: Sachin: A Billion Dreams

Director: James Erskine

Cast: Sachin Tendulkar, Anjali Tendulkar, Mikhail Gandhi (as young Sachin)

Release Date: May 26, 2017 (INDIA)

Running Time: 2 hrs 19 mins

CBFC Rating: U

STORY:

Based on the celebrated and immensely revered life of God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, the film is a biographical with the living legend himself narrating his cricketing and personal life in substantial details in most part. If not Sachin, then the film has either his family, match commentary or news bulletins or mates from cricket field, including legends like Sir Vivian Richards, sharing the Sachin story throughout the screenplay. The childhood of the Master Blaster is either through documented pictures and interview but largely through biopic format with actors portraying real life characters, including  that of Sachin.

SCRIPT:

Sachin's life is mostly been an open book, with very few controversies. Living a public life since the age of 14 when he became the youngest to play in a Ranji tournament, Generations of Cricket loving Indians have grown up to reading and watching everything about him. The script therefore is mostly a brilliant ensemble of huge archival footage from the long and illustrious career of the cricketing legend.

The new parts are his childhood, his family, the personal video footages with his kids and a little bit from inside the dressing room. One is likely to enjoy the real life training of Arjun Tendulkar as a bonus. The childhood story is endearing and bound to bring smiles on the naughtiness of Sachin as a kid, and the part about him growing up with cricket practices alongside regular school is sure to at least make #lifegoals like learning time adherence from the cricketer himself.

There is enough laughter moments in the film, especially the talk of Sachin's injuries like that of his always troubling Tennis elbow which used to make everyone in the country become "expert on human anatomy."

The India-Pak rivalry, the loss of his father, the Sachin vs Warne matches and the world cup losses and the subsequent win in 2011, it's all in there. Sachin shares time period of Match Fixing allegations and Greg Chappell coaching but they are a bit sketchy, unlike he how clearly mention about his initial captaincy period in 1993 dividing the dressing room into two groups. 

The Script could have been more insightful in terms of the dressing room talks and relationship between the team-mates, even if as a narration, like Sachin locking himself inside the room for 2 hours after one particular loss. It is clear that the film was written for the love of Sachin Tendulkar and for the audience members to re-live the stadium atmosphere of the SACHIN SACHIN chants. It is too positive, straight and simple.

PERFORMANCES:

Sachin Tendulkar is probably one of the most soft spoken celebrity in the country. So you would not really expect a narration in that voice. But it's the magic of Sachin that his voice works. Even if you are not a Sachin or cricket fan, him narrating one of the most inspirational life story is bound to root for him and join the SACHIN chant.

The film is biographical, so any score of performance comes from the childhood parts of the film. Mikhail Gandhi as the young Sachin is as endearing as the legend's most famous childhood pic with the curly haired him holding a bat half naked. It's a sincere performance that will leave an impression. The teenage Sachin is wonderful with his strong eyes and how he trains, showcasing the legend's technical upbringing.

There is a host of cricketers from around the world, commentators, experts and cinema legends Amitabh Bachchan and Lata Mangeshkar sharing their Sachin story in the screenplay and it's all a real treat. If only wishes were horses, one may wish to have seen alleged rival camp members like Mohammad Azharuddin and Vinod Kambli share their part.

The cricket audience reactions throughout the film, either from inside the stadiums or from news archives are very well researched for final edit. They carry good emotions.

PRODUCTION:

Emmy nominated Director and co-writer James Erskine is loyal to Sachin Tendulkar - the God of Cricket. The script does leaves quite a bit uncovered. The screenplay is sketchy but there are enough moments that make up for the jumps.

The dialogues and narration are a mixture of hindi, english and marathi. So be prepared to cope up with the subtitles when needed.

Music by AR Rahman is good as stand alone but the lyrical part of original compositions don't gel with the screenplay. The Sachin chant is very well utilised, and so is the positioning of Rahman's decade old Vande Mataram composition. Background score by the music maestro is however very effective.

Cinematography is very effective and will evoke déjà vu and emotions, even if you are not much of a cricket buff. It just tugs your Indian heart. Editing by Avdhesh Mohalla is pretty neat and praiseworthy in terms of the archival footage available. In terms of film's length, it will not bore you.

FINAL WORD:

The movie is an experience from the word go. If you have ever seen the God of Cricket at work, you can relive the experience. If not, then this is your opportunity to know what it feels like. The film is about realising your destiny as the only way in life, the very way Sachin always lived for cricket and the country. Sachin: A Billion Dreams is a must watch, despite the shortcomings of the script. Go ahead and chant SACHIN.. SACHIN.