User reviews

The film is very well written with the storyline focusing on women's cricket receiving recognition through the eyes of Mithali raj. The bharatnatyam reference is brilliant and her childhood story is intriguing. The music although could have been a little better.

The first biopic on the life of a Indian Woman cricketer, Shabaash Mithu is finally here with Taapsee Pannu portraying the iconic character. To begin with, I was hoping to see Anushka Sharma make an appearance as Jhulan, who the former is set to portray in Chakda Xpress. But that was wishful thinking.

Shabaash Mithu chronicles the events from the life of one of the greatest female cricketers ever. From her childhood, when her friend Noorie introduced her to cricket to the glorious run at the 2017 Cricket World Cup.

Shabaash Mithu is like those football video games wherein the creators did not have the lisence to use the names of the players. Except for Mithali Raj, all her teammates have had their names changed. Even BCCI is renamed. Women's cricket had to go through a lot to reach where it is now. The film focuses a lot on the struggle of the women's team and rightfully so!

Taapsee Pannu features in her third sports biopic (after Rashmi Rocket & Saand Ki Aankh) and she does justice to her role. Brijendra kala has got a permanent position with the Cricket Board. The rest of the cast doesn't have the intended impact. The only tournament that is recaptured is the 2017 WC. But the events don't tug at your heartstrings despite Kailash Kher's patriotic number.

Shabaash Mithu could have been much better if they skipped the songs for the sake of the plot and used real names/places. But nevertheless, it does bring to light the struggles of the women's cricket in India and how Mithali Raj became an icon not just in India but across the globe.

Feel good sports drama about underdog stories we can relate. Srijit Mukherji couldn't avoid its cliché-ridden but sincere childhood moments in first half was kinda hard to resist. Taapsee did all the cricket scores with her emotional actions and expressions.

Why Tapsee ? Mithali is a great cricketer. They should've made better movie or documentary by her own would have justified. Waste of money watching this. Just watch her real videos on YouTube better that wasting time in this.

As we all know Shabaash Mithu is a biopic based on the life of Mithali Raj. What I liked here is that it didn't follow the common template that is generally followed in a Bollywood Biopic. May be that's why it doesn't have that high moments, this may be one of the reason it got mixed reviews, but I liked it.

There are really some good moments specially in the first half. The childhood scenes were too much fun to watch. Both the child actors acted beautifully. Taapsee acted differently in compared to other films of her, still she was okay, loved Vijay Raaz. The only negative point I found is its length, otherwise it's really a good film, I loved it.

Available on Netflix & Voot Select.

© MandalBros.

The film is a biographical drama that shows *Mithali Raj's* life as a cricketer & it showcases her personal life as well..!!

Tapsee is *good for nothing* here👎.., Our star cricketer, Mithali Raj, deserves better casting & a better film ..., This movie is very boring & slow.

It disappoints..!!

Decent movie about the coming of age of Indian women's cricket. Taapsee is a versatile actress. Overall the film has a low/medium budget vibe. None of the actors actually seemed to know how to play cricket. The camera would cut away and not actually show ball being fully bowled or batsman hitting a shot. Maybe that is true for other cricket/sports movies but it was very apparent in this one.

FAILS TO DELIVER- devoid of hard hitting & engrossing drama while the screenplay is far stretched. The lead doesn't look like Mithali Raj nor her mannerisms justifies the character. Cricketing scenes are poorly executed with no elevating & inspiring moments.

Amazing movie. I was kind of glued to my screen. Tapsee Pannu was amazing as usual and other characters too did justice to their role.

What kind of Indian are those who hate these kind of movies. 83 didn't do good and based on the rating I think this one too didn't do good. Why?

This movie portrays the true story of what these girls go through. I always wonder how different is Virat or other cricketers from this team? Didn't these teams represent India at the end of the day? Then Why one is worshipped and one is ignored. Shame on us. I hope it is watched by everyone to show our love for this team.

I don't know much about the game of Cricket nor the person the film is based on and while this film suffers from the usual cliches of a sports biographical drama, I thought it was well-done in most aspects. It was sufficiently engaging and informative about how it was for women cricketers before getting attention on a national and international level. This film highlights the biases women faced in the sporting industry and how they are being viewed as inferior compared to their male counterparts. Taapsee Mannu gives a strong central performance as the titular character, the progression of her story is inspiring and a delight to watch. I liked the climax and how the game is being shown as if it's being televised on live tv, which adds a sense of realness. Unfortunately, this film is inescapably predictable, some parts are boring, and other than its inspiring message, there's not much left to it.

Another boring biopic. Bollywood you need to learn when to stop. We are done now with these same old biopics. This movie has nothing entertaining.

Acting was average. Script was poor. Music worst.

Such a nice watch. Top notch acting by everyone. Tapasse Pannu is targeted by people for being liberal. But everyone should watch this movie and give it a chance. I connected with it a lot. There are a lot of bad movies which have been rated higher.

I've personally never seen a movie about women's cricket and I was happy to see this representation brought to Bollywood. I personally felt Taapsee portrayed Mithali Raj wonderfully in the movie, showing a calm, confident, and hard working character. I also enjoyed the tropes of friendship while also including the realities of the discrimination women face in sports. I felt Inayat Verma ( the little girl who plays a young Mithali) was the STAR of this movie. She was adorable and portrayed the character well. The first act was strong, but I felt the movie fell off in the second and third act. Overall the movie was motivating, and educated me about women's cricket but was not as entertaining and didn't flow as well as it could have.

I had really high hopes for this movie. But this movie falls flat on the promise of being even remotely as good as the trailer. Mithali Raj is one of the greats of Indian cricket. Her story is really inspiring and motivating to all sports enthusiasts and people in general. But that never comes across during the course of this 2hr 30mins movie. Tapsee has had the same expression on her face in a lot of her films and she does the same expression in this one as well. Womens Indian cricket faces a lot of challenges. And all of that is overshadowed by bad acting. Also, why have so many songs been added in a sports biopic unnecessarily? Mithali Raj has been reduced to a mere character in her own biopic, unworthy of her stature in Indian cricket history.

Shaabash Mithu is a biopic that attempts to be different from other biopics. This film doesn't have the usual tropes that are found in an Indian biopic, instead the director has tried to keep things a bit more on the realistic side. It's a journey of a hero, but you won't find any loudness or emotional outbursts or melodrama or scenes that give you goosebumps, because that's not how real life is. The characters of this film are extremely grounded and understated; the actions of characters may seem unusual by movie standards, but that is only because the director has tried to keep things as close to reality as possible. I was actually quite impressed with this approach, as the over the top, high voltage drama approach has been used so many times, that there is no excitement left in it at all. It's quite ironic, that this understated way of storytelling, which is being criticized by many for being boring, actually had my intrigue and kept me engaged for almost the entirety of the film.

The first time I saw Taapsee Pannu in a film, I found her to be an extremely talented actress; but over a period of time, what happened was that Taapsee did a number of films in which the stories kept changing, but her role and style of performance remained the same. It always felt like she was playing herself in every film, and not a particular character. What didn't help either was that a new film of hers appeared every few months. So, I was quite relieved to see her finally play a character and not herself in Shabaash Mithu. Throughout the film she remained true to the character handed out to her, and expressed beautifully the various emotional states of Mithali, without ever going over the top. Casting Taapsee to portray Mithali was also a good decision in my honest opinion, as she does resemble Mithali Raj in quite a few scenes. Sai Pallavi could also have been a fantastic choice to portray Mithali, but this being a Hindi film, it's easy to see why an actress from south wasn't selected.

Taapsee may be the lead actress of this film, but her performance is not the only one that stands out. Two of the most memorable performances of the film have been given by child actresses Kasturi Jagnam and Inayat Verma, playing the roles of Young Noorie and Young Mithali respectively. Those two young girls capture your attention as soon as they appear on screen and leave you surprised with their sparkling performances. I really hope they find the right guidance and plenty of opportunities because both of them are exceptionally talented. I was so intrigued by their storyline that I just wanted the movie to be about those two little girls.

The majority of the film was paced very well and managed to engage me so well that for the first hundred minutes or so I didn't even bother to check my phone even once. Quite often I have noticed Biopics not having any kind of flow at all, as various random events from the protagonist's life are put together to showcase his or her journey. In order to cover as many events and milestones as possible, more often than not scenes are cut very quickly not allowing them the breathing space they deserve. Thankfully, no such problems occur in 'Shabaash Mithu' as there is a natural and organic flow in the film and at no point did I feel that the director was rushing through with the story.

Shabaash Mithu is a good film but not a great film because it does have it's fair share of shortcomings. The length of the film is a bit too much; after having watched it for about two hours, I got a little tired and just wished for it to get over soon. After Mitali settles into the Indian cricket team, the screenplay starts slipping; it almost felt like the writers and director didn't really know how to proceed further. Also, the cricket world cup wasn't depicted properly at all; I remember how excited I was to watch the matches played in 'Chak De India', and every single match managed to intrigue me as it was depicted beautifully; unfortunately, Shabaash Mithu just couldn't do the same, as the matches flashed by and I didn't care for them at all. The music of the film is extremely lackluster; Amit Trivedi has shockingly failed to deliver even a single memorable song in the film.

Shabaash Mithu is a movie that constantly tries to steer clear of all the predictable tropes associated with a biopic, a move that wasn't received very well by the critics, but I don't consider it to be a bad decision at all. It's much better to experiment and make mistakes, than to adopt the herd mentality and stop being creative. Shabaash Mithu chronicles the story of a hero who thoroughly deserved a biopic because of her immense contribution in transforming women's cricket in India; a story that would compel you to find out more about women's cricket in India. This film puts the spotlight on issues that are relevant not only for female sportspersons but women in general, and makes an effort to give them the respect that they have always deserved.

Mithali Raj deserved a better actor to portray her role and better director to convey the story. Seeing Taapsi Pannu makes you wonder what qualifies her as an actor. The story and acting could have been done so much better but everything has been thrown into drain.

Mithali Raj is an champion and she deserves so much more.

The story had a great potential to be one of the best sports movie but it turned out to be pretty much flat throughout. Poor direction. Doesn't make you feel connected until the very end when they receive the appreciation and applause.

Shabaash Mithu (2022) : Movie Review -

Taapsee Pannu is known for her female-centric films, and the latest addition to the list is Mithali Raj's biopic, "Shabaash Mithu." Cricket may be a religion in India, but mind you, we don't have any blockbuster films made on cricket in Bollywood. Even the last big films like "Jersey" and "83" didn't do well at the box office. Srijit Mukherji's sports biographical is a little different and surely an important film for the encouragement of women in sports in our country, but the cinematic value is below par. The film struggles to play on the front foot and makes the game damn boring.

The film follows the life of Mithali Raj (Taapsee Pannu), the Captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team, from childhood to the World Cup Final. Shabaash Mithu takes off in 1990, when little bindass girl Noorie meets little dance lover Mithali, and they form a bond of close friendship. Noorie begins playing gully cricket with Mithali for fun, but a cricket coach, Bhatia (Vijay Raaz), notices talent in the small Mithu. There begins the journey of Mithu's illustrious cricket career and the struggle to bring equality to Indian women's cricket. Like Mithali's dreams, the script of Shabaash Mithu also struggles, but unlike Mithali's dreams, it fails to find success. Priya Aven's writing looks incomplete and immature on many occasions, especially in the screenplay. There are many scenes where you notice blunders, and it hurts more when you realise that you are watching a film based on true events. Cinematic liberty is not an issue here, but the way it has been used is definitely one of the biggest faults.

Taapsee Pannu doesn't look like Mithali Raj except for the blue jersey scenes from the matches. Taapsee looks like Taapsee, and while she does a good job as Taapsee, that's not what we asked for, is it? Nothing matches Mithali's delivery, accent, or expressions. At least that's how it looks most of the time, but the people who have seen a lot of Mithali Raj on TV, be it interviews, matches, or any commercial appearance, will be able to judge better. Ostensibly, Taapsee's portrayal of Mithu just doesn't look congenial. Vijay Raaz as coach may sound unrealistic in a few scenes, but the rest of the time, he picks the right words. There is a big cast of players, and all have done pretty okay jobs.

In terms of technical aspects, Shabaash Mithu is a poorly executed sports drama. The cricket scenes are either shot destitutely or have been merged into each other after seeing spiteful footage. You don't see a single cricket shot that looks complete. I mean, even that live cricket match coverage is much better than this edited and rehearsed action. The final 20 minutes of World Cup matches provide good visuals, though. The music is also disappointing as far as the audio is concerned. However, the situational values are kept intact. Sirsha Ray's camera work captures a couple of beautiful frames, but otherwise it's a strictly average show. Speaking of editing, Shabaash Mithu has got as long of a runtime as a T20 match. I hope you'll be able to sit in the stands until this long match is over.

Srijit Mukherji is still looking for that break in the Hindi film industry. He made a below-average film like "Begum Jaan," and his most recent social hunt, "Sherdil," wasn't any good either. Now he adds another underwhelming film to his Hindi filmography with Shabaash Mithu. The major issue with the film is its direction. Mithali's story just doesn't get the kind of vision it deserves. The daily soap patterns are visible on screen and you feel like going home and catching the "Anupama" instead. Why this small screen vision for a theatrical release? Is OTT responsible for this? Filmmakers aren't just thinking big; maybe the small screens of mobile phones and OTT subscriptions have forced them. Shabaash Mithu would have looked better on the small screen because it would have hidden many nuances there. On the big screen, the fumbles are visible, like crystal clear. As a whole, Shabaash Mithu delivers a defensive film from the backfoot that would have been better suited in the pavilion than out on the field.

RATING - 4/10*

Shabaash mithu is a biography drama sport directed by srijit mukherji.

Its a good film i can say. Taapsee pannu has acted separately than what she does in her other films. Vijay raaz shines in his role. Other characters don't have much of a life. The screenplay, in the second half, jumps timeline suddenly and it literally looks very mediocre. No buildup, nothing. The music is good but we have got much greater music from amit trivedi. You should watch this for the legacy of mithali raj. I rate it 7.8 out of 10.

Shabaash Mithu is one such prime example of an innings which certainly loses its momentum after a promising start.

Taapsee proved it yet again that why she is being considered as one of the finest actors that we have.

Vijay Raaz like always is simply outstanding as Mithali's coach Sampath. The music is pretty good. Some of the scenes are really meant to move you at a time. But the main problem starts with the second half where this film terribly lost its track.

The film could have been a celebration of the entire women's cricket as a whole rather than mostly being centred to its protagonist only. The stats as well as the timeline could have been more accurate and clearer than it has been shown in the film.

Also I don't why but Srijit Mukherji directing a Hindi project seems to be a different person than Srijit Mukherji directing a Bengali project. Being a fanboy of this person's craft, it is really a matter of disappointment for me.

One time watchable.

I seriously wouldn't have known about Mithali Raj and what an excellent player she is if I hadn't watched this movie. Hats off to Bollywood for making such movies and increasing awareness of what amazing female sportswomen we have in our country. The movie depicts the struggle of an Indian sportswoman when it comes to family, culture, society, etc etc. It also shows how they don't get the public and media attention to be known to the world, how they don't get good coaches to train them, how they don't get the opportunities to play frequent matches, how they don't get sponsors and what not. A very good movie from Bollywood. South Indian movies don't make anything like this.

Shabaash Mithu, directed by Srijit Mukherji, is an inspirational sports biopic that chronicles the life and career of Mithali Raj, one of India's most celebrated women cricketers. Starring Taapsee Pannu in the titular role, the film aims to highlight Mithali's journey, her struggles, and her achievements, while also shedding light on the broader context of women's cricket in India.

Plot Summary The movie follows Mithali Raj's life from her early days, showcasing her passion for cricket and her determination to excel in a male-dominated sport. The narrative delves into her formative years, her training under the guidance of her coach (played by Vijay Raaz), and her rise to become the captain of the Indian women's cricket team. It highlights key moments in her career, including her record-breaking performances and the challenges she faced both on and off the field.

Performances Taapsee Pannu delivers a powerful performance as Mithali Raj, capturing the cricketer's spirit, resilience, and dedication. Taapsee's portrayal is both nuanced and inspiring, bringing authenticity to the character and doing justice to Mithali's legacy. Her transformation into a cricketer, both in terms of physicality and demeanor, is commendable.

Vijay Raaz stands out as Mithali's coach, providing a strong emotional anchor to the story. His portrayal of a supportive yet demanding mentor adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the importance of guidance and mentorship in shaping a sportsperson's career.

The supporting cast, including Brijendra Kala, Devadarshini, and Mumtaz Sorcar, contribute effectively to the film, adding layers to the story and enriching the portrayal of Mithali's journey.

Direction and Cinematography Srijit Mukherji's direction brings a heartfelt and engaging narrative to life. He successfully captures the essence of Mithali Raj's journey, balancing the emotional and inspirational elements of the story. The film's pacing is steady, keeping the audience invested in Mithali's struggles and triumphs.

The cinematography by Sirsha Ray is visually appealing, capturing the intensity of cricket matches and the emotional moments with equal finesse. The on-field action sequences are well-shot, providing an immersive experience for the audience.

Music and Soundtrack The music by Amit Trivedi complements the film's narrative, with tracks that enhance the emotional and motivational aspects of the story. The background score effectively underscores the key moments, heightening the impact of Mithali's journey.

Themes and Impact Shabaash Mithu delves into themes of perseverance, gender equality, and the pursuit of excellence. The film not only celebrates Mithali Raj's achievements but also highlights the broader struggles faced by women in sports. It addresses issues such as gender bias, lack of support, and the need for equal opportunities, making it a socially relevant and thought-provoking film.

The movie serves as an inspiration for aspiring sportspersons, particularly young girls who dream of making a mark in the world of sports. It showcases the importance of hard work, determination, and the courage to break barriers.

Conclusion Shabaash Mithu is an inspirational and well-crafted biopic that pays tribute to Mithali Raj's extraordinary journey. Taapsee Pannu's stellar performance, coupled with Srijit Mukherji's heartfelt direction, makes for a compelling and engaging watch. The film not only celebrates the achievements of a cricketing legend but also raises important questions about gender equality in sports. While it may follow a familiar biopic template, its powerful performances and motivational message make it a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts and those looking for an inspiring story of grit and determination.

Sameer lodaya

The movie is clean bowled on the first ball

Tapsee failed to replicate mithali in every sense she can't even managed to play normal cricket in the movie itself..loose body language ,low on energy ,slow execution, no emotions in her struggle, no sporty attitude, flop songs ,these are all the qualities in the movie..Vijay raaz is always good

Movie would had got more recognition if it was released directly on OTT.

And apart from her performance, the emotion of silent perseverance makes the film fresh in it's emotional material.

Slightly sloppy writing at the climax, and could have done a lot better with adult Noorie's casting.

Overall, an entertaining bollywood inspirational film that can be enjoyed with the family after a long day.