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Movie Review : Saina
When movie Saina was released in theaters on 26 March 2021, I avoided to watch due to fear of Corona spread. At last, after a month, it is released on Amazon Prime and I watched the life journey of Saina Nehwal on small screen under ‘Work from Home’ mission. ‘Maar Dungi’ is the tagline of movie. While showing life stories of sports persons glorifying name of India on international level on screen, it is necessary that screenplay writer and director should be expert players of cinema media. The screenplay writers and directors of movies like Dangal, Merry Kom, Bhag Milkha Bhag, Pan Singh Tomar, Sala Khadoos, Budhia Singh are such experts. It was not made possible by the directors of Azahar or Sachin.
Before 14 years in 2007, Amol Gupte was much appreciated for story of TaareJameen Par and was honoured with many awards. Amol himself was to direct Taare… but Mr. Perfectionist Amir Khan was not ready to trust him and then he himself took the responsibility of Taare. After that, Amol directed three movies Stanly Ka Dibba, HawaHawai and Sniff out of which Stanly was appreciated by critics but all the three movies could not get commercial success. The purpose behind this detailed description is to convey that while watching Saina, the lack of commercial view of Amol Gupte can be experienced again.
In fact, the life of Saina till becoming No. 1 in world since her childhood to 2015 has no dramatic incidents which can entertain viewers like the movies of sports persons mentioned above. As a sports person, struggle of Saina is vast and inspiring, however, she did not face any financial, social difficulties or gender inequalities. So, while watching Saina we don’t find any dramatic or filmy scenes. Then in such situation some cinematic liberty is taken so that some curiosity can be created in viewers. But it seems that Amol has not taken it while preparing story and screenplay. But, in spite of this the movie is undoubtedly nice. It is said that, seasoning/ tadka poured after the dish is prepared enhances taste, that is not the case here.
We can see the journey of Saina started right from the mother’s womb. We feel proud to watch that how a school girl of eight years wins state level, national championships and plays Philippines Open Four-StarBadminton Competition at the age of 16 and becomes the first Indian girl and youngest Asian player to win it. Amol Gupte has nicely portrayed the contribution of her parents, strong support by friends, her coach, her training, break in career due to injury in leg and how she overcomes it and flies high again.
Though there is no drama in screen play, the effective acting of Parineeti Chopra and effective dialogues (Amitosh Nagpal) don’t allow the story to leave track. This journey becomes more interesting and inspiring with the songs ‘Chal Wahi Chale’ and ‘Parinda’ by creative lyricist Manoj Muntsheer and nice tunes by music director Amaal Mallik.
The biggest plus point of film Saina is beautiful and quality acting of Parineeti Chopra. In the language of badminton, it can be described as smashing. An underlined incidence of her international match when her beloved mother was hospitalized and acting of Parineeti is worth to watch with very nice reaction when she wins that match and receives a call that her mother is ok, really amazing! Not only acting but the physical hard work she undergone for this role is appreciable. In first half of the film, the weight gain by her to show somewhat fat Saina and then the weight loss as instructed by her coach, all is carried out with great efforts and hard work by Parineeti. It will not be surprising if Parineeti is selected for national award for this role. Initially, Shraddha Kapoor was selected for this role and shooting was started, but due of some technical issues she had to leave the film.
Actress Meghna Mallik, who played Ammaji in the TV serial Na Aana Ees Des Lado, has presented mother of Saina with soul. Manav Kaul has acted very nicely as coach Pulela Gopichand. Acing of Ishaan Naqvi as childhood friend of Saina is worth to appreciate.
Though the movie is on backfoot at fronts of curiosity, interesting content, drama, filmy style, it is worth watching once for successful and inspiring journey of pride of India Saina Nehwal as well as amazing acting of Parineeti.
Saina Movie Trailer:-
