The Maiden Legacy : My quick take on movie “Maidan” (Theatrical Release)
Looks like we have a Bumper harvest of Biopics in Bollywood, after Veer Savarkar, The Goatlife, Chamkila now comes Maidan, a biographical account of Indian Football coach Syed Abdul Rahim who gave us the ‘Golden phase’ of this great game.
In a cinematic landscape often dominated by tales of individual heroism, Maidan emerges as a refreshing ode to the power of teamwork, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. Set against the backdrop of post-independence India, the film transports audiences back to the 1950s and '60s, a time when the nation was still finding its footing in the world of international sports.
At the heart of the narrative lies the remarkable journey of Indian football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, brilliantly portrayed by Ajay Devgan. Through his unwavering commitment, strategic brilliance, and unyielding belief in his team, Coach Rahim transforms a barefooted ragtag group of players into formidable contenders on the global stage.
In Maidan, every frame is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of an era marked by both triumph and adversity. From the bustling streets of post-colonial India to the electrifying atmosphere of packed stadiums, the film immerses viewers in a world where dreams collide with reality and perseverance reigns supreme. Team VFX has to be commended for their efforts.
But Maidan is more than just a sports drama; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As Coach Rahim and his team face insurmountable odds, they teach us invaluable lessons about determination, sacrifice, and the importance of chasing one's dreams against all odds.
AR Rahman's soul-stirring melodies serve as the perfect backdrop to this epic saga, while Manoj Muntashir's poignant lyrics add depth and emotion to every scene. Together, they weave a musical tapestry that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression. Incidentally, this is the hat-trick scored by AR after Chamkila and The Goatlife.
Movies 3 hours+ length might be a tad long, maybe the makers would have chopped off the portions of personal life of coach it would have made the plot more crisper, secondly Ajay Devgan is like Peter Pan who doesn't age in this 10-year drama, this seems bit unconvincing. Thirdly, even though the makers have painstakingly hand picked the actors who look exactly like the real players, however Ajay Devgan and the real Bhashir Bhai have no similarity at all. Gajraj Rao’s antagonist who is in “Utpal duttish” avatar is bit caricaturish.
If one overlooks these few things, one will find Maidan Epic, Nostalgic and Inspiring movie to watch. Might not be as great as Chak-de or as inspiring as 1983 or Bhag Milkha Bhaag, but still has enough moments to keep you on edge of your seat and cheer for Team India’s glory. By the way the choreography of all matches shown is simply matchless, take a bow makers.
As the credits roll and the echoes of victory reverberate through the theater, Maidan stands not just as a movie, but as a celebration of the human spirit and a timeless testament to the enduring legacy of Team India.
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