Camera and Producer: Abhishek Ranjan
Editor: Prashant Chauhan
Looks like the season of biopics is upon us. Close on the heels of Sanju we have Soorma, based on the real life story of hockey star Sandeep Singh. Now the thing with biopics is that we already know the story. So, this urge to have the rug pulled from under our collective feet is a tad difficult to be satisfied. Sanju, despite being accused of being too kind to Sanjay Dutt – to the extent of whitewashing his mistakes – did manage to put up a compelling drama.
‘Soorma’ on the other hand is spectacularly underwhelming.
The story of one of India’s best drag flickers is punctuated by a dramatic accidental gunshot that threatened to end Singh’s shining career. But the fact that he made a successful comeback and went on to bring more glory to his team and country, is a testament to his tenacity and willpower. Director Shaad Ali wastes too much time trying to set the ball rolling.
Young Sandeep doesn’t want to train under his ruthless coach. Then he grows up to meet a girl who plays hockey and decides to return to the sport. Why the coach is so obnoxious remains unanswered throughout the film. Events play out but we remain strangely detached.
Diljit Dosanjh and Taapsee Pannu are sincere, no doubt with full commitment to their roles. Pannu, as Harpreet, plays centre forward herself and dreams of being part of the national squad. It is her story that is sacrificed at the altar to let Singh be the sole recipient of our attention.
The screenplay remains tepid and drags. The characters just seem to be going through the motions. The songs come in every few minutes and steal the sense of urgency necessary in a sports flick. Dosanjh’s onscreen brother, played by Angad Bedi, is impressive but has a limited role. As for others, only Vijay Raaz stands out as a coach with an enviable chutzpah and also the best lines.
The film ends with real footage of Sandeep Singh receiving his much deserved Arjuna Award. What should have been a rousing denouement is just a retelling of events in the most obvious and uninspiring fashion.
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