Even when you thought Parineeti Chopra was the apt choice to replace the original Shraddha Kapoor, the talented actress proves you wrong in every frame and in every sense.
Of course, Parineeti wasn’t the size the makers could have ordered to slip into Saina Nehwal’s venerable shoes. But then, the long hours of homework where she stayed at the former world number one Hyderabad house have paid off handsomely.
A player of varying moods, Saina was the best bet in women’s badminton until another Hyderabadi PV Sindhu arrived to upset that balance. The bitter rivalry between the two should be good material for another director to bring to the fore other aspects of the world of badminton. This should be another time and focusing on that will only divert attention away from the immediate job.
What the director has done is to bring out the emotional side of Saina and importantly, the exercises she has done to avoid injuries. A tough sport by any standards, fitness level and energy level must be on a high quotient for the aspirant to reach the pinnacle.
The audience is screened at how much weight the ace player puts on himself. He has a coach but preparations should start from him the night before. Distracting but like any teenage girl receiving orchestrated support from parents, Saina’s story is no different. As a teenage girl smells of success, it takes a lot to maintain that momentum and status. The practice is at a high level but she enjoys the challenge at every level and keeps it a step ahead of her rivals.
Indian badminton had seen unprecedented talent in Saina since Damayanti Thmbey (née Subedhar) in the 70s. From her own confession, Parineeti learned everything she knew about the sport and got through the intricacies of what it takes to become a professional. Getting deep into the character, the actress brings out various emotions, embracing the champion material. A champion has its inevitable ups and downs and the so-called back-breaking process is what separates the talent bank.
Parineeti is at her home turf, armed with the inputs that she has gathered hard from the time she came on board. Much like the ‘Three Idiots’ syndrome, there is no room for a second in life as a game. Saina had to get a dose of it early in her innings when she received a slap from her mother for winning the medal as runner-up in the Under-12 event. Knowing the equation and love in father-daughter affection, there is a familiar sight of her father comforting her. These segments are well brought out as the director does well to build on the momentum for the rise of a champion who doesn’t have a perfect backdrop for the luxury of a coach.
Consistent with her toughness, Saina took it to her stride, working on her shortcomings and working on her strong points. A fatal forehand is all it takes to improve upon his backhand clear and coverage of the court. At the highest levels, a player can’t stand a snag in her armor, a hard-line lesson she learns the hardest way on the courts.
Giving a nice leeway, Gupte delves moderately into the psyche of his characters and the conversations around the parents. Every parent wants the best for the child, but then, it also brings with it unwanted pressure that anyone can attract.
The director brings to the fore the romantic angle where Saina gets the much-needed support from her friend, with whom she ties the knot. Saina is a huge fan of the revered Shah Rukh Khan, who also finds a place in the plot.
To say that Parineeti has played her part would be clear. Unlike MS Dhoni where the cricketer had his share of love stories, the plot does not allow for such luxuries. Saina is the story of an ordinary girl who rises to stardom against all odds. Keeping it simple must have been the production house’s mantra. It scores heavily on that count alone.
Decision: The story of a gritty girl who works on her shortcomings and battles to win, Saina is a treat to enjoy.