Budhia Singh: Born to Run

Amazing story telling can be seen in the movie. Budhia, the long distance runner kid was a prodigy, but the kind of twists and turns that entails his life due to political pressures and interests is beautifully narrated by the movie. The movie constantly revolves around the relationship between the coach and the student; coach's undying spirit to make Budhia an Olympic runner; Budhia's spirit to run; the politics being played around Budhia's success story; the strange role of Budhia's mother. All in just one package, that too beautifully done. You just enjoy the journey. One can see the strong performances by each character. The best one is by the coach, Manoj Bajpayee, as usual. The kid has given the best he could. Coach's wife's role can also be seen as being played well by Gita. Overall a good acting, story and emotions.

I was on a flight and had seen all the mainstream movies on offer when I chanced upon Budhia Singh : Born To Run. I vaguely remembered reading about this film when it was released but somehow never got around to seeing it. Now was the opportunity!

What a film. I was entranced from beginning to end with the saga of wonder runner Budhia and his ill fated coach Biranchi Das .

The unknown child actor Mayur Patole was exceptional as the super runner boy Budhia. Manoj Bajpai was superlative as Biranchi Das. Actually everyone essayed their role brilliantly. The sets were realistic, the editing tight and the plot held the interest throughout. How much of it was from the true saga and how much embellished I do not know. Suffice it to say that this is an exceptional film.

The conflict remains of whether the child Budhia was pushed too hard for his age or not,or whether his talent was being given the push it deserved to make him a marathon champion. By all accounts, Budhia is not doing well in his SAI hostel.

If you have missed this movie, do see it.

Rarely, we stay back and see the end titles of a movie. Budhia Singh, makes you stay, till the very last title is shown. The true story of a 5 year old marathon runner, who went in to history and record books, by running a 65 km marathon in Orissa - inspires and connects us, to the very real world of Budhia. Here nothing is perfect. A mother who sells him off, a coach who is strict and singly focussed on making him a marathon runner, a media that swings from his side to the other, a government that is vehemently opposed to his running, imposes a ban even. A very real world. What does Budhia do. He runs. No complications stop him or affect him. Mayur is brilliant in portraying that simplicity of Budhia the child. Manoj bajpayee as his stubborn coach is just superb. Inspiring true story, excellently told and acted. Must-watch.

Great performance by the kid Mayur. And by Manoj as always.

There are many forgotten heroes in India, Budhia is just one of them, if someone is making efforts to introduce them then please cooperate!