Movie Review: BUDHIA SINGH BORN TO RUN Is Well Made Inspiring Yet Tragic Sports Biopic

Film released today and will open with below par numbers but good reviews can give it desired push at box office. Film might score in up market pledges but overall it will find tough at bo. Though it should lead at box office among new releases and that will be it's moral victory.

Friday, 5th August 02:00 PM IST

BUDHIA SINGH BORN TO RUN Is Well Made Inspiring Yet Tragic Sports Biopic

Pluses:

Outstanding performance of Manoj Bajpayee, superlative writing, authentically shot, Mayur Patole in title role is big surprise, Shruti Marathe deserves special mention, apt direction

Minuses:

Inconsistent dialogues, music is below par

Critic Rating:

4.5/5

BusinessRating:

1/5

Verdict:

Watch it for rare authentic and perfect sports biopic

DetailedAnalysis:

Shimit Ameen made probably first and finest sports drama 'Chak De!India' followed by Farhan Akhtar starre? another well made sports biopic 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. Now a debutant director brings another very interesting sports biopic.

We know the story of Odisha’s wonder-boy Budhia Singh, a running sensation who took media, politics and the world by storm in 2005-06. On his trainer’s insistence, he ran countless marathons before setting out on a successful Puri to Bhubaneswar run trail of 70 km. A darling of national and international media, Budhia was seen as a potential medal winner for India in 2016 Olympics. But he is still under a ban that prohibits him from long distance running.

This ban is a result of a long struggle between his coach and the child welfare department of Odisha. Budhia Singh – Born To Run is a documentation of the events leading to this ban.

A judo coach-cum-local political activist Biranchi Das (Manoj Bajpayee) discovers Budhia’s (Mayur Patole) gift for running, and starts training him. Das is self-obsessed, spirited and feisty. His fondness for Budhia makes him ignore his own family and other kids at his training centre. He knows the intricacies of local politics and is master at exploiting it. How this sports drama culminates as taut thriller is climax of the film.

Film has interesting and very different plot. It's super taut screenplay and authentic execution are outstanding. Film is lifted by superlative performances and brilliant climax.

Performance wise, Manoj Bajpayee as coach is first grade and he will beca strong contender for awards. He is not only true to the character but has right angst and layers throughout. Child artist Mayur Patole is new found talent and his rawness brings right emotions to audience. Shruti Marathe as mother is mind blowing. Rest of supporting cast is good too.

Film has decent editing. Background music is cliche. Cinematography is perfect, production design is outstanding and costumes are apt. Music is below par.

Director Soumendra Padhi has surprised on many counts. He made a film on not so popular sport in India, a very authentic sports film and very well written. He is as talent to look out for.

Go for this one if you have hunger for quality cinema!