M.S. Dhoni: An Untold Story – Movie Review

Directed by Neeraj Pandey and starring Sushant Singh Rajput in the lead role, M.S. Dhoni: An Untold Story enlightens the childhood and the early life of one of the most decorated Indian Cricket Team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The film gives us a brief tour about Dhoni’s tough struggle before making it to the National Team, the decisions and the sacrifices he had to make, his first job as a ticket collector in a railway station, his relationship with his family, ex-girlfriend and his wife. Piecing together the significant moments from his young manhood, the film also compounds a highlight reel of all the crucial moments from his eminent career like winning the first ever T20 World Cup or endearing the win of the fifty over World Cup nearly after 28 years.

With well over three hours of runtime, this film had a lot to offer, set up and develop but in the end, it still leaves with many crucial questions which are left without being answered or displayed. It felt more like a celebration of the person other than being a memoir that gives us more insight and understanding of the illustrious icon. Don’t get me wrong, the first half of the film provides us few enlivening moments about how Dhoni transpired himself from a football goalkeeper to cricket wicket-keeper and from a TC to the captain of the Indian Cricket Team. But in the second half of the film up until the climax where we get to explore the sentimental relationship with his ex-girlfriend and current wife was tedious to watch and it felt like they’re just crammed in there to complete the storyline.

When portraying a person who was admired and beloved all over the country, the performance should be accurate and flawless and SSR went above and beyond with his portrayal in the film. His body language, charisma, and mannerisms were spot on and he brought the much-needed authenticity to the character when needed. Other supporting characters like Anupam Kher and Kumund Mishra gave few exceptional performances that were noteworthy

On the whole, they’re many encouraging and inspiring moments in the film that were fascinating to watch. And discovering that hard work and struggle that he had to go through to achieve his goal was truly amazing to watch. With that being said, with a three-hour runtime, this film still feels like a half-baked hagiography where we are left with unrequited questions and dilemma.

Rating – 2.75/5 | Grade – C+

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