What is it all about?
A searing, powerful and magnificently motivating on screen inspiration on the life, incidents and spirit of India’s boxing pride Mary Kom- five-time World Amateur Boxing champion, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Sanjay Leela Bhansali ‘Mary Kom’ by debutant director Omung Kumar has everything that "inspirational" true-life stories should be and rarely are. Taking full advantage of Priyanka Chopra’s magnificent talent and appeal that metamorphosis into the Indian women boxing living legend Mary Kom – today a mother of three children who has vowed to win GOLD at the 2016 Olympics, Priyanka Chopra in and as Mary Kom is undoubtedly one of the most impressive acting transformations on Indian celluloid. This India's most extraordinary success stories is a very satisfying picture that stretches an Indian heart with pride and collects all the awards and rewards for the makers and Priyanka Chopra.
The Story
Based on the incidents in the life of Indian women boxing legend Mary Kom, Karan Singh Rathore pens a dramatic tale of triumph against all odds. Starting with the teenage Mary Kom (Priyanka Chopra) who develops a passion for boxing and on ‘chai’ and ‘kela ‘diet during her training becomes a champion under her coach M. Narjit Singh (Sunil Thapa). A rice farmers daughter in Kangathei,Manipur, Mary finds first villain of her boxing in her father who changes after she becomes world champion. The script winks on the spirit of Mary Kom and pinches at the sports authorities’ indifference towards the sportspersons, and sports. Mary Kom comeback after marriage with her boyfriend Onler Kom (Darshan Kumaar) who runs a football academy is the major highlight. Mother of two and out of boxing ring for eight years Mary’s comeback is the most riveting part of this script. Of course, it’s dramatic, filmy and takes liberties but in the end it achieves by making the audience salute the women’s undying spirit.
What to look out for
A genuine cinematic work that entertains enlightens and inspires, ‘Mary Kom’ is a celebration of undying spirit, believe, faith, sportsmanship and the spirit of womanhood. Omung Kumar first attempt as director after stage shows, advertisements and art direction is commendable. His experience as an art director comes in handy as the first timer doesn,t take more than a minute to set the environment for the audience. The movie succeeds in impeccably capturing the spirit of Mary Kom thanks to Saiwyn Quadras engaging screenplay that has a continue undercurrent of emotions and Karan Singh Rathore, Ramendra Vasishth dialogues that takes a dig at the sports authorities indifference towards sports and sports persons with gems like ‘medal ke liye zindagi dav pe lagao aur phir zindagi jeene ke liye medal daav pe lagao’. The movie also throws light on the plight associated with North East Indians regarding their identity. Technically sound. Keiko Nakahara’s camerawork and editing by Sanjay Leela Bhansali,Rajesh Pandey and Namrata Rao is up to the mark. Art Direction by Vanita Omung Kumar and costume design by Isha Mantry and Rajat K Tangri are satisfactory. Rohit Kulkarni’s background score pumps up the proceedings. Shashi and Shivamm music is functional and fits in the film. Ziddi Dil is fine. Full marks to Shruti Mahajan and Parag Mehta for this perfect casting. Priyanka Chopra in and as Mary Kom fully and completely immerses in the role of the gritty never say die boxer. Rarely have we seen an actress completely sacrificing her glamorous avatar for the movie cause, Priyanka Chopra gives a thumping outstanding performance in Mary Kom. If you thought ‘Barfi’ was her best act then here is something more reverting and absolutely brilliant. Mary Kom’ is Priyanka Chopra’s best act of her career. Her fans will go crazy and the actress is poised to increase her fan base and her living room showcase with awards from this hauntingly mesmerizing act. Marvelously supported by Sunil Thapa who plays the coach. Darshan Kumaar as Mary’s lover is perfect. Last but not the least a sports flick without good sports action is a human being without religion. Boxing choreographer Robert Miller does a great job. The boxing scenes are tremendously exciting. Action director Parvez Shaikh does a marvelous job.
What not
The script takes cinematic liberties. Priyanka Chopra’s make up in a couple of scenes is not up to the mark.
Conclusion: Without any iota of doubt ‘Mary Kom’ is Priyanka Chopra’s best act ever, her exceptional act in the movie does more than make you think about boxing as a sport and women as sports person, it makes you see it to believe them and respect them.
Rating ****
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