Maidaan Review

'Maidaan': Ajay Devgn Scores Big in this Gripping Tale of Triumph and Determination

"Maidaan '' is a movie of inspiration that focuses on the part played by Syed Abdul Rahim in Indian football directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma. Ajay Devgn plays the lead role along with a strong supporting cast: Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, and Rudranil Ghosh.

Rahim is a hardworking man who had to build a strong team from scratch, and the terrible loss at the 1952 Olympics as the setting against it is Rahim's story. Rahim, on the other hand, keeps the fire alive in his heart with his powerful inspiration and dedication to the sport. With that, it becomes their mission to take Indian football onto the world stage, even when the game is fraught with a host of problems, be it political interference, adversarial media, and all.

"Maidaan" is a history and coming-of-age film. It is about how football in India has developed over the time, with much focus on Rahim. Some of the other eminent personalities who have gone ahead and changed the pages of Indian football history include PK Banerjee, Chuni Goswami, and Tulsidas Balaram.

Ajay Devgn, is a coach who wants to make real champions, is ready for the task. While Gajraj Rao is superb as the sports reporter who turns the eternal villain, Priyamani does the wifely support of Rahim in her role marvelously. Rudranil Ghosh draws you in with his powerful performance as the tough bad guy.

The first half of the movie seems to set things up very well for his goals, but the second half really does get so deep into the difficulties he faces. That said, it quickly moves on to the next part and finally has an exciting ending, though the pace slows down a bit.

But, above all, full marks to director Amit Ravindernath Sharma and cinematographer Tushar Kanti Ray for filming the football sequences so sensitively and without overdoing it. A.R. Rahman's soulful music fits in just right and doesn't take away from what's happening on screen.

"Maidaan" is an expansive and expensive production, and every frame shows the big money that Boney Kapoor and ZEE Studios pour into it. If the film holds its own, it should be one that makes Rahim's memory proud. Here are some things to think about: pace issues and a pretty long runtime.

"Maidaan" is a touching ode to Syed Abdul Rahim's life and the great times he brought to Indian football. However, Ajay Devgn's power-packed acting and high-voltage football sequences make it an enjoyable watch to the extent of any other Indian sports drama. And the credit here goes to the director, Amit Sharma, for bringing this touching narrative and winning hearts.

Verdict: "Maidaan" delivers a stirring portrayal of India's football legacy, anchored by Ajay Devgn's powerful performance as coach Syed Abdul Rahim.