Expectations

Bollywood is known for following the fads. One marriage related films become hit and everyone follows that trend. Similarly, it was witnessed in case of lost & found tales, three hero films, NRI romance and so on. The latest fad is about sports based bio-pics and we did witness some good ones in form 'Milkha Singh' and 'Mary Kom'. The latest to join this bandwagon is 'Budhia Singh - Born to Run', based on the real life happenings of a five year old kid from Orissa.

Being a small budget film with only Manoj Bajpayee's name to claim for, the expectation levels are minimal. Though, the curiosity level is high due to its trailer and the laurels of National award attached to it.

Story

'Budhia Singh - Born to Run' is a biographical story of a five year old street kid Budhia (Mayur Patole) who is rescued by a Karate teacher Biranchi Das (Manoj Bajpayee). In order to teach Budhia some discipline, Biranchi Das punishes Badhiya by making him run in his yard. At that time Biranchi Das discovered the hidden talent inside Budhia that he can run nonstop without affecting his health. Biranchi decides to train Badhia, so that he can make him run a marathon and eventually participate in the Olympics.

The 'Glitz' Factor

The incidents are narrated in a totally engaging manner. Every scene involving Mayur's running is brilliant. Along with these scenes there are many scenes between Manoj Bajpayee and Mayur which keeps you glued to the silver screen.

The marathon scenes especially the record breaking one has been shown in totally thrilling manner. The movie flows smoothly without being preachy or boring at any point.The cinematography is good and works in the favour of the film.

Music has very minimal scope in this film, yet 'Daud Daud' goes well with the flow of the film. The background music is superb.Director Soumendra Padhi manages to extract fantastically realistic performance from Mayur and other kids. He captures the right amount of honesty in Mayur and Manoj Bajpayee's eyes and body mannerism, due to which the movie connects with you at every level. He narrates the film in totally swift and engaging manner without going overboard at any point.

Manoj Bajpayee as always is fantastic in his work. Mayur Patole is outstanding and performs way beyond expectations. Shruti Marathe look good and essays her part with ease. Gajraj Rao and Chhaya Kadam lend good support.

The 'Non-Glitz' Factor

The pressurizing scenes of Manoj seemed bit forced. One fails to understand the director's point of forcing such scenes which had no relevance with the story of the film. It felt like they added it just to add some dramatic moments in the film. Also, the movie ends on a shocking note, leaving some questions unanswered. Tillotama Shome is wasted.

Final 'Glitz'

'Budhia Singh - Born to Run' is feel-good film worth a shot for everyone who appreciates realistic films. Its a strict no for all the masala film lovers. For others catch it fast before it runs away.