We have seen many biographical sports films where the artiste playing the role of the legendary sportsperson is required to not only be perfect on adopting the style but also the body language of the character. Total involvement into the character is very important. Sushant Singh Rajput playing the role of Former India Cricket Captain M.S.Dhoni in his biographical sports film, was the best example. No wonder this film was highly appreciated. Moreover the well presented screenplay of this film also played an important role in the film’s success.
Now, we find another biographical Sports film ‘Saina’ based on Ace Badminton player Saina Nehwal, which has been released on Amazon Prime Video. Directed by Amole Gupte and produced by T Series and Front Foot Pictures, this film stars Parineeti Chopra in title role of Saina, right from the age of 17 while her childhood role has been played by Naisha Kaur.
The film focusses more on the motivation received by the Shuttle Queen from the parents especially the mother to take up this sport, in spite of the high cost involved to play at the competitive level. Saina who takes up keen interest in this game right from her childhood, is shown making sharp progress with the right kind of coaching made available to her. And as we all know her entering into the international circuit was all due to her advance training received from her coach Pullela Gopichand. In the film we find his name as Rajan ( Played by Manav Kaul) who runs his coaching academy for advance training to selected would be champions.
So, as the film’s screenplay progresses with selected interesting matches to show Saina’s progress from state level to National level and international level, we find her most dedicated coach Rajan asking her to focus more on her game, instead of other distractions. The strict discipline forces her to leave this academy, when we notice her downfall after suffering a serious leg injury. But, with encouragement coming from her childhood friend kashyap and her mother, she bounces back after joining another reputed coach to fulfil her dream of becoming a World No. 1 player.
Director Amole Gupte has not only taken lot of efforts with the help of his cinematographer Piyush Shah to present every action match scene with perfection, but has also captured the emotions of the champion in all those important scenes, during her interaction with her mother, coach and her close friend Kashyap. But, all this was possible only because of the finest response coming from actress Parineeti Chopra, who has put in her heart and soul to present the character of Saina very realistically.
Adapting with not only her perfect playing style, but also body language, simplicity, wasn’t an easy job. But, the versatile actress has made it possible with her finest performance. Full marks to her for the same. At the same time, she has received very good support from other artistes like Manav Kaul her coach, Meghna Malik & Shubhrajyoti Barat as her parents, P. Kashyap her childhood friend and practice partner( whom she later marries) and few others.
Certainly a worth watch film for all sports lovers. Don’t miss it.
Rating ( ****1/2)