Trailer Review - M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

The face of Bollywood is undergoing a major transformation with the rising trend in biopics of famous personalities. Striding on the same path is Fox Star Studios, Inspired Entertainment, Arun Pandey and Friday Film Works' joint venture M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. Based on the decorated life of Indian cricketer and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the film is directed by the critically acclaimed director, Neeraj Pandey. Starring Sushant Singh Rajput in the titular role, the movie also features Kiara Advani, Rajesh Sharma, Bhumika Chawla, Anupam Kher, Gautam Gulati, Shreyas Talpade and Ram Charan in pivotal roles.

The trailer launch spanned across multiple Indian cities, graced by the presence of both, the real and reel M.S Dhoni. Pandey's intentions have invariably been clear - Mahendra Singh Dhoni needs no introduction, but his story does. The three-minute trailer describes his struggle from absolute obscurity to heights of fame. After realizing his inclination towards sports, a young Dhoni is selected by his coach, played by Sharma, as a goalkeeper for the football (soccer) team. However, he is soon pushed into cricket and trained for wicket-keeping, albeit involuntarily, as he preferred batting. Despite an authoritarian father's desire to see him as an employee for the Railways, Dhoni manages to fulfil all his dreams. The turning point comes when Dhoni takes a leap of faith and quits his job of a Ticket Checker; beginning an era that is yet to see an end. The trailer also happens to cover the not-so-pleasant aspects - a common man's view of sports, the politics, the hardships and conditions. Watch out for the Dhoni-chant, it is guaranteed to raise goosebumps.

If we thought Pandey had delivered his best in Special 26 (2013) and Baby (2015), we are terribly wrong! His passion is consistent and given how writing a sports drama is a gruelling job, Pandey is outstanding. The long-shots of the cricket stadiums are stunning, all credits to cinematographer Santosh Thundiyil. Although, we were slightly disappointed with editor Shree Narayan Singh, as the trailer seemed a little brusque.

Nonetheless, we have one winner - Sushant Singh Rajput. He not only breathes life into Dhoni's character, but alsosingle-handedlysteers the story into the right direction. Post essaying the role of a detective in Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015), Rajput's sincerity is evident in every frame. We applaud his courage of portraying a living legend on the silver screen. Being the acting luminaries that they are, Kher and Sharma are effortless. Chawla and Advani essay significant roles but are only seen in the first and latter halves of the trailer, respectively.

Writer: Anushka J.

Editor: Gunia K.

Graphics: Ayesha S. andNadia N.