Maidaan

Maidaan is a riveting sports drama that brings to light the untold story of Syed Abdul Rahim, the man behind India's triumph at the Asian Games. Director Amit Sharma masterfully guides the audience through the world of football in India during the 1950s and 1960s. The cinematography and AR Rahman's evocative background score add to the overall charm of the movie. While the movie starts at a slightly leisurely pace, it quickly picks up momentum as we delve into the game strategies and discussions between Syed and the Football committee. Although the film's runtime could have been shortened, it is essential for the comprehensive build-up and understanding of the football scenario in India back then. The second half is an exciting ride, with the last 45 minutes being particularly captivating and elevating the film to new heights. The football match sequences are undoubtedly the best part of the film, and they are executed with precision and excitement. Ajay Devgn delivers an outstanding, award-worthy performance as Syed Abdul Rahim, capturing the essence of the character with ease. Priyamani was decent. Gajraj Rao also impresses with his portrayal of the supporting character. The young actors playing the football players, including Chaitanya Sharma, Amartya Ray, Tejas Ravishankar, Aaman Munshi, and Davinder Gill, among others, deliver remarkable performances that bring authenticity to the film. The movie concludes on a high note of sentimentality, with the end credit scenes featuring the real-life players adding an emotional touch to the narrative. Direction 4/5 Acting 4.5/5 Editing 3.5/5 Story 4/5 Screenplay 4/5.

The story is an inspired biography of Indian football team coach Syed Abdul Rahim. When I first watched the trailer I was like football and India? But then after researching I found out he was a coach between 1952 and 1962. His greatness can be taken into account by the fact that Indian team has failed to qualify for Olympics since his regime. The story is what I call an average encounter. It's more of the politics that goes on rather than the game itself. I was looking for more of a relationship between coach and players but that was absent. I am not big of a gamer especially when it comes to outdoor games. For someone like me a sports movie would do wonders if rules of the prevailing sports are described as well. This movie is no different and it disappoints in that matter. Sad mainly for female audience. With that said the movie takes u on emotional ride in last minutes. But the question is will you give up your 3 hours for last moments when a 5 minute video about Rahim on YouTube will give you more info than the movie. Watch the movie if your answer is yes.

I saw this last nite with my wife in Gaiety theatre Bandra n I loved the movie. There are no surprises here, what with it being based on a true story, but even if you're unfamiliar with what really happened, as I was, then u will be rejoiced to learn some astonishing facts about our football team under the guidance of Mr Abdul Rahim. Thankfully, Maidaan never takes its pedigree for granted, and delivers the goods largely by focusing on the roots of the victory instead of the cheap emotional payoff that other sports films are so obsessed with. Maidaan plays as a stellar reenactment of our amazing victory and it's elevated considerably by the always fantastic Devgn who got into the role of that of Abdul Rahim, the coach known as the architect of modern Indian football. Abdul Rahim is considered to be the greatest coach India has ever produced. His tenure is considered as a "Golden age" of Indian football.