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  • Nikhil Bhagwat
    • Sep 9, 2014
    • 2 min read

 KO?… Well, just saved!- MARY KOM Review

Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Darshan Kumar, Sunil Thapa & others

Language: Hindi

Duration: 122 Minutes (2 Hours 2 Minutes)

Nikhil’s Rating: ***

Mary Kom, a boxer for those who know her, has been an iconic figure in the world of Women’s Boxing. The three-time world champion now has a biopic churned out by none other than Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The biopic is itself titled MARY KOM and it explores the highly inspirational life of the boxer. There is also an Autobiography of Mary Kom titled Unbreakable which she has co-written about her life. I have read the book. Hence, I was ecstatic when I heard about the development of a biopic.

Priyanka Chopra essays the titular role. She has played the role with her heart and soul. Words truly fail me when it comes to commenting on her acting. Right from her training sequences to her dialogue delivery, everything deserves applause. It would not be surprising if she wins industry accolades for her work.  Darshan Kumar as Onler Kom, Mary’s very supportive husband, is okay. Sunil Thapa as  Coach Sir, which is what he is named in the movie, is okay, but, most of the time, he is shown to be angry with her instead of being proud.

Omung Kumar’s direction is good but not great. I guess a more seasoned director could have handled the subject material better. The writers too should have paid much more attention to flesh out the story’s finer details! The director has narrated this iconic and very inspiring story well but apart from her boxing career, and Mary the caring mother, they have not delved into the more dramatic and fun elements of the “real” Mary Kom explored in the autobiography, which is what I was hoping to view. The story and screenplay, penned by Saiwyn Qadras is good but not great as it ought to have been. The other problem with the movie is the “filmy” climax. There are some typical moments too, which I did not expect. The editing by Sanjay Leela Bhansali leaves something to be desired!  Keiko Nakahara’s shot-taking is remarkable. It is visually stunning. The Boxing Choreography by Robert Miller is very realistic. The memorable songs are “Dil Yeh Ziddi Hai” sung by Vishal Dadlani and “Salaam India” which are both very catchy.

It is a film that is certainly watchable, but could have been far better. Read the autobiography if you want a more comprehensive view of her life.

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