Shabaash Mithu

Shabaash Mithu (2022) : Movie Review -

Taapsee Pannu is known for her female-centric films, and the latest addition to the list is Mithali Raj's biopic, "Shabaash Mithu." Cricket may be a religion in India, but mind you, we don't have any blockbuster films made on cricket in Bollywood. Even the last big films like "Jersey" and "83" didn't do well at the box office. Srijit Mukherji's sports biographical is a little different and surely an important film for the encouragement of women in sports in our country, but the cinematic value is below par. The film struggles to play on the front foot and makes the game damn boring.

The film follows the life of Mithali Raj (Taapsee Pannu), the Captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team, from childhood to the World Cup Final. Shabaash Mithu takes off in 1990, when little bindass girl Noorie meets little dance lover Mithali, and they form a bond of close friendship. Noorie begins playing gully cricket with Mithali for fun, but a cricket coach, Bhatia (Vijay Raaz), notices talent in the small Mithu. There begins the journey of Mithu's illustrious cricket career and the struggle to bring equality to Indian women's cricket. Like Mithali's dreams, the script of Shabaash Mithu also struggles, but unlike Mithali's dreams, it fails to find success. Priya Aven's writing looks incomplete and immature on many occasions, especially in the screenplay. There are many scenes where you notice blunders, and it hurts more when you realise that you are watching a film based on true events. Cinematic liberty is not an issue here, but the way it has been used is definitely one of the biggest faults.

Taapsee Pannu doesn't look like Mithali Raj except for the blue jersey scenes from the matches. Taapsee looks like Taapsee, and while she does a good job as Taapsee, that's not what we asked for, is it? Nothing matches Mithali's delivery, accent, or expressions. At least that's how it looks most of the time, but the people who have seen a lot of Mithali Raj on TV, be it interviews, matches, or any commercial appearance, will be able to judge better. Ostensibly, Taapsee's portrayal of Mithu just doesn't look congenial. Vijay Raaz as coach may sound unrealistic in a few scenes, but the rest of the time, he picks the right words. There is a big cast of players, and all have done pretty okay jobs.

In terms of technical aspects, Shabaash Mithu is a poorly executed sports drama. The cricket scenes are either shot destitutely or have been merged into each other after seeing spiteful footage. You don't see a single cricket shot that looks complete. I mean, even that live cricket match coverage is much better than this edited and rehearsed action. The final 20 minutes of World Cup matches provide good visuals, though. The music is also disappointing as far as the audio is concerned. However, the situational values are kept intact. Sirsha Ray's camera work captures a couple of beautiful frames, but otherwise it's a strictly average show. Speaking of editing, Shabaash Mithu has got as long of a runtime as a T20 match. I hope you'll be able to sit in the stands until this long match is over.

Srijit Mukherji is still looking for that break in the Hindi film industry. He made a below-average film like "Begum Jaan," and his most recent social hunt, "Sherdil," wasn't any good either. Now he adds another underwhelming film to his Hindi filmography with Shabaash Mithu. The major issue with the film is its direction. Mithali's story just doesn't get the kind of vision it deserves. The daily soap patterns are visible on screen and you feel like going home and catching the "Anupama" instead. Why this small screen vision for a theatrical release? Is OTT responsible for this? Filmmakers aren't just thinking big; maybe the small screens of mobile phones and OTT subscriptions have forced them. Shabaash Mithu would have looked better on the small screen because it would have hidden many nuances there. On the big screen, the fumbles are visible, like crystal clear. As a whole, Shabaash Mithu delivers a defensive film from the backfoot that would have been better suited in the pavilion than out on the field.

RATING - 4/10*

The film is very well written with the storyline focusing on women's cricket receiving recognition through the eyes of Mithali raj. The bharatnatyam reference is brilliant and her childhood story is intriguing. The music although could have been a little better.

Another boring biopic. Bollywood you need to learn when to stop. We are done now with these same old biopics. This movie has nothing entertaining.

Acting was average. Script was poor. Music worst.

The first biopic on the life of a Indian Woman cricketer, Shabaash Mithu is finally here with Taapsee Pannu portraying the iconic character. To begin with, I was hoping to see Anushka Sharma make an appearance as Jhulan, who the former is set to portray in Chakda Xpress. But that was wishful thinking.

Shabaash Mithu chronicles the events from the life of one of the greatest female cricketers ever. From her childhood, when her friend Noorie introduced her to cricket to the glorious run at the 2017 Cricket World Cup.

Shabaash Mithu is like those football video games wherein the creators did not have the lisence to use the names of the players. Except for Mithali Raj, all her teammates have had their names changed. Even BCCI is renamed. Women's cricket had to go through a lot to reach where it is now. The film focuses a lot on the struggle of the women's team and rightfully so!

Taapsee Pannu features in her third sports biopic (after Rashmi Rocket & Saand Ki Aankh) and she does justice to her role. Brijendra kala has got a permanent position with the Cricket Board. The rest of the cast doesn't have the intended impact. The only tournament that is recaptured is the 2017 WC. But the events don't tug at your heartstrings despite Kailash Kher's patriotic number.

Shabaash Mithu could have been much better if they skipped the songs for the sake of the plot and used real names/places. But nevertheless, it does bring to light the struggles of the women's cricket in India and how Mithali Raj became an icon not just in India but across the globe.

Shabaash Mithu, directed by Srijit Mukherji, is an inspirational sports biopic that chronicles the life and career of Mithali Raj, one of India's most celebrated women cricketers. Starring Taapsee Pannu in the titular role, the film aims to highlight Mithali's journey, her struggles, and her achievements, while also shedding light on the broader context of women's cricket in India.

Plot Summary The movie follows Mithali Raj's life from her early days, showcasing her passion for cricket and her determination to excel in a male-dominated sport. The narrative delves into her formative years, her training under the guidance of her coach (played by Vijay Raaz), and her rise to become the captain of the Indian women's cricket team. It highlights key moments in her career, including her record-breaking performances and the challenges she faced both on and off the field.

Performances Taapsee Pannu delivers a powerful performance as Mithali Raj, capturing the cricketer's spirit, resilience, and dedication. Taapsee's portrayal is both nuanced and inspiring, bringing authenticity to the character and doing justice to Mithali's legacy. Her transformation into a cricketer, both in terms of physicality and demeanor, is commendable.

Vijay Raaz stands out as Mithali's coach, providing a strong emotional anchor to the story. His portrayal of a supportive yet demanding mentor adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the importance of guidance and mentorship in shaping a sportsperson's career.

The supporting cast, including Brijendra Kala, Devadarshini, and Mumtaz Sorcar, contribute effectively to the film, adding layers to the story and enriching the portrayal of Mithali's journey.

Direction and Cinematography Srijit Mukherji's direction brings a heartfelt and engaging narrative to life. He successfully captures the essence of Mithali Raj's journey, balancing the emotional and inspirational elements of the story. The film's pacing is steady, keeping the audience invested in Mithali's struggles and triumphs.

The cinematography by Sirsha Ray is visually appealing, capturing the intensity of cricket matches and the emotional moments with equal finesse. The on-field action sequences are well-shot, providing an immersive experience for the audience.

Music and Soundtrack The music by Amit Trivedi complements the film's narrative, with tracks that enhance the emotional and motivational aspects of the story. The background score effectively underscores the key moments, heightening the impact of Mithali's journey.

Themes and Impact Shabaash Mithu delves into themes of perseverance, gender equality, and the pursuit of excellence. The film not only celebrates Mithali Raj's achievements but also highlights the broader struggles faced by women in sports. It addresses issues such as gender bias, lack of support, and the need for equal opportunities, making it a socially relevant and thought-provoking film.

The movie serves as an inspiration for aspiring sportspersons, particularly young girls who dream of making a mark in the world of sports. It showcases the importance of hard work, determination, and the courage to break barriers.

Conclusion Shabaash Mithu is an inspirational and well-crafted biopic that pays tribute to Mithali Raj's extraordinary journey. Taapsee Pannu's stellar performance, coupled with Srijit Mukherji's heartfelt direction, makes for a compelling and engaging watch. The film not only celebrates the achievements of a cricketing legend but also raises important questions about gender equality in sports. While it may follow a familiar biopic template, its powerful performances and motivational message make it a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts and those looking for an inspiring story of grit and determination.