SOORMA : An inspiring biopic, well narrated.
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It’s July and its been raining biopics. One overhyped came with pomp and show and almost everyone went to watch it and the other entered the theatres quietly and has got its niche audience.
Soorma is the the classic and tragic example of how publicity, these days can make or break a movie. With a not-so-starry cast of Bollywood, led by Diljeet Dosanjh, joined by Taapsee Punnu and ably supported by Angad Bedi, the rest of the movie has a small role by Vijay Raaz and a cameo by Kulbhushan Kharbanda.
As far as the content goes, Shaad Ali, the maker sticks to facts with perhaps a small factual error here or there. Sandeep Singh who was the Indian Hockey team’s captain had innate talent, because despite running away from his hockey training at a young age because of his coach’s penchant for punishing his disciplies at the flimsiest of causes. He is happy in the family field’s where he’s given the seemingly innocuous task of keeping the birds away from the crops and it is then that he develops a unique technique discovered years later by his elder brother (Angad Bedi). His reason to return is obviously not the burst of talent , which is later but its the girl he falls for (Taapsee Punnu) . Indian woman hockey player.
Anyhow, to trim the details. he earns laurels and shoots umpteen goals in an international game. His nickname coined by the media “Flicker Singh” based on the technique he has of hitting goals. He is off for the World Cup when he is caught in a freaky accident ( as if especially designed by destiny )which leaves him paralysed waist down. The angst, sorrow and despair are soberly enacted. No theatrics except a natural burst of anger at his sheer helplessness by Dosanjh at his brother.
The rest of the movie is his steady fight and recovery in Holland and how he crosses different milestones ;standing, walking and finally running. Its a journey of grit , determination and courage and ofcourse of hope. Nothing over the top and shown in a tad fast forward mode is my only quibble.
The movie ends on a brillianty high note as Sandeep Singh recaptures his lost glory plus some more,overcoming all the odds.
Diljeet Dosanjh is brilliant and absoutely suited for the role. Angad Bedi, handsome to the hilt, is wonderful as the supportive elder brother and Taapsee Punnu is a good performer anyway. Vijay Raaz gives us some great scenes to remember.
Ultimately Shaad Ali is successful in showing us that how the human spirit can overcome multiple challenges, if the will-power is there. One individual’s life gives us so many life lessons that one feels like applauding when in the end the real life footage of Sandeep Singh is shown when he receives the Arjuna Award. A memorable movie with its heart in the right place, it is a must watch.
