The commendable feature of films on ‘sports’ is they’re generally devoid of mindless crime, revenge, gore, violence & crude ingredients of full on desi potboilers. However, not all are so watchable or as well made as were movies like ‘Chak De’, ‘Iqbal’, ‘Mary Kom’ and ‘Bhag Milkha Bhag’ (naming just few), but those who love sports, get many uplifting messages worth emulating in life. Sports isn’t just a teacher but a leveler too!
We’ve all got used to OTT in-house viewing, visiting theatres is rare, a bit like visiting a doctor unless one’s forced to. We love to procrastinate, wait for it to come on Prime. There was home resistance against watching ‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’ at a nearby hall but for once I prevailed over my Mrs, promising her a treat but not disclosing the film’s story. For the curious, it’s a ‘cricket’ based drama & that’s why it couldn’t be missed by me !
An arranged marriage brings Mahendra, a failed district level cricketer and Mahima, a young doctor together & coincidentally having the same nickname, they become Mr. and Mrs.Mahi (Symbolically too, ‘Mahi’ is hugely significant in Indian cricket !). They soon discover their common love and passion for the game of Cricket. Eventually, Mahendra, who hates the drudgery of having to work in his father’s sports goods shop, yearns to get back to cricket field but faces repeated rejections from all quarters.
When things are going downhill, he accidentally spots big cricketing talent in his wife & encourages her to chase her dream of becoming a top cricketer and coaches her on this journey. It’s a process of discovery that’s arduous & challenging and the husband-wife duo slowly get to learn about individuality, chasing dreams & defeating insecurities. Coaches make endless sacrifices that go to make champions, yet have to keep away from spotlight. Apart from cricket, film also explores issues of trust and fame in relationships.
As expected, Raj Kumar Rao as the suppressed son, the supportive husband, and a man desperately seeking validation is understated and sincere and co-actors Kumud Mishra and Rajesh Sharma are impressive. There is also a memorable cameo by veteran Zarina Wahab, and one wonders why she isn’t seen more often in senior roles. However, it’s Janhvi Kapoor, who steals the show as she refreshingly brings serenity and poise to her portrayal and also emotes well in the dramatic scenes. This looks like the coming of age of the young actress in more meatier roles of substance, that can tap her innate talent.
‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’ isn’t a great sports film and it resorts to cinematic liberties in fairly liberal doses. It’s virtually impossible to succeed in the rat race of Indian cricket without going through the domestic circuit for years and millions of aspirants don’t make it big. Yet it’s ‘feel-good’ family flic for many reasons and carries the message that true victory lies in not only chasing dreams with commitment but finding fulfillment within yourself.
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