Shabaash Mithu

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.

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..!!

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.

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.