[amazon_link id=”B00O1YBHCQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]
[/amazon_link]Rating : Good (3.3/5)
Genre : Drama
Year : 2014
Running time : 2 hours 2 minutes
Director : Omung Kumar
Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Darshan Kumaar, Sunil Thapa
Going in to see this move, I had my expectations set. This is a bio-pic and Priyanka Chopra stars. She does a great job in the lead role, and the movie is a good watch.
As you’ll probably know the film is about Indian female boxer Mary Kom, or “Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom”. We see Mary as a short-tempered school-going youngster, who’s got no trouble letting loose with her fists. She gets beaten up pretty soundly in the bargain, but that doesn’t deter her. When one day she comes across a boxing gym, and is exhorted by a teacher there to learn to fight properly, Mary has finally found her dream.
The path to her dream, though, is hard, and struggle filled. Her father thinks her penchant for boxing unnatural and is unsupportive. Mary struggles on, and wins many laurels. Then comes marriage and motherhood which completely yank her off her chosen career-path. Now boxing is but a distant mirage.
I liked this film, because honestly, how can you not like a film with such a gutsy protagonist? Priyanka is quite fabulous as Mary, and she looks very fit, every inch the boxer. I’d read criticism of the film where it was opined that a North-eastern actress should have been chosen to play Mary. While that might have its merits, I do think that choosing Priyanka to play the lead here made sense, because it gives the film a wide commercial appeal. India creates few true world champions (and why that is, is a different discussion), and even fewer films are made on the lives of those athletes. When the films are made though, we want to make sure they draw good crowds, so more folks know of the greatness of these sportsmen/women.
Darshan Kumaar plays Onler Kom, Mary’s supportive husband. It was heartening and moving to see the unstinting way he supports his wife. The rest of the supporting cast is also pretty good. I’m not too impressed with the choppy direction though. This is Omung Kumar’s first film as a director so there is hope. The songs are just about average.
Still, I’m recommending Mary Kom, to those of you who’d like to see a film which makes sense and spreads a good, positive message. This one is well worth your time.
Kidwise : This is a film about boxing, so lots of (violent) boxing bouts are present. Other than that, this is a pretty kid-safe movie.
