Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan was initially announced in 2019. The first poster, showcasing Ajay in a blue shirt and black pants with an office bag, sparked curiosity. However, due to multiple delays, the film vanished from the release calendar. I eagerly anticipated its big-screen debut, and I am pleased to say that the film was well worth the wait. The story kicks off with a football match in 1952 where India suffers a defeat of 1-12. This loss prompts the Football Federation of India, based in West Bengal, to question the then-head coach S.A. Rahim. Right from the start, Ajay Devgn embodies the role of a football coach perfectly. He maintains his grace in every scene, conveying his passion for the sport. Priyamani, portraying the supportive wife, becomes the audience’s voice in certain scenes. Gajraj Rao’s performance is so compelling that you may end up despising his character while admiring the actor.
Plot
Maidaan commences with the football coach’s determination to select his players without any interference from the federation. He is supported by an assistant and a president who stands by him. Early on, the director introduces key characters, such as Priyamani as the ideal wife and Gajraj Rao as the relentless sports journalist, whose football fervor is confined to Bengal. As the story progresses, Ajay handpicks a diverse squad from various regions of India and trains them to excel. Simultaneously, he must navigate internal politics within the Indian Football Federation.
Despite facing regional biases, Rahim remains steadfast in his goal of bringing glory to the nation. His tactics enable the young Indian team to perform admirably in the 1952 and 1956 Olympics, though they fall short of reaching the finals. This culminates in the most heart-wrenching segment of the film, offering viewers insight into the challenges coaches and players encounter. Not every battle is fought on the field. Following a devastating setback before the intermission, S.A. Rahim and his family unite to confront adversity and continue their pursuit of excellence.
Final Decision
Cricket and hockey have long been the pride of our nation, but there was a time when Indian football was hailed as the ‘Brazil of Asia’. This remarkable achievement was made possible by the efforts of Syed Abdul Rahim and his team. Maidaan is a film that showcases the indomitable spirit of a man and his defiance against death. However, there are instances where the film may feel a bit prolonged. The use of Bengali language may be unfamiliar to some viewers. Ajay Devgn’s Hyderabadi accent is limited to just uttering ‘Miyaan’. Additionally, there is an excessive amount of smoking depicted in the film. Although the filmmaker intended to portray the reason behind Rahim’s condition, the smoking scenes could have been easily trimmed from the Football Federation sequences to the Hyderabad house scenes. Despite these flaws, Maidaan stands as one of the finest sports films ever made in India. Overall, this 3 hours and 1 minute movie is a compelling watch and deserves a well-earned rating of 3 stars. Directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma.
