MS Dhoni: The Untold Story Genre: Biopic Director: Neeraj Pandey Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Anupam Kher, Rajesh Sharma, Bhumika Chawla, Kumud Mishra, Disha Patani, Kiara Advani, Harry Tangri Being screened at QFX Cinemas Kathmandu From birth to the most remarkable moment of winning the Cricket World Cup in 2011 against Sri Lanka, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story tells of the ups and downs of Indian cricketer MS Dhoni. It is an inspiring story about how a talented boy from a small place makes it big. Portrayed by Sushant Singh Rajput, Dhoni’s achievements in Indian cricket history have been chronicled in the film, no more and no less. The film strikes a chord with the audience in the first-half. From a goalkeeper to a cricket prodigy — the untold story of Dhoni — strikes a chord because the story is inspiring, not the direction! But the film runs out after intermission. The unravelling of the untold story of Dhoni almost stops here, and the second-half becomes tedious as Dhoni soars to become one of the most iconic figures in cricket. It is presented through clips of matches chronologically where he hits sixes and fours. But we are not watching matches here, which makes the film limited just to Dhoni the cricketer. Also the film is marred by Dhoni’s love story which comes along with songs and romance. And everything adds up to make the film a three-hour watch, which is long and boring for any film in this day and age. The fault of the film lies in the script which has only focused on Dhoni’s journey of hitting sixes and fours, and some lows in Dhoni’s life. His accomplishments are inspiring and it comes across in the film, but the film fails because Dhoni as a person doesn’t come through due to which one may lack empathy for the character. Dhoni, as a person, has not been explored in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story which is sad as this could have given the needed edge to the film. Dhoni is considered one of the greatest Indian cricket captains. However, this aspect has not been justified in the film. Let alone cricket as a game, even the politics surrounding Dhoni and cricket are left untouched. The film has paid attention to the details to make it real and realistic. The details about the cricket, matches and the haircut of Dhoni are intact. The actors add to it. Rajput as Dhoni looks and plays like a cricketer. He has justified the role — he is a natural. The supporting actors including Anupam Kher as Dhoni’s father, his sister in Bhumika Chawla along with other actors who have played his friends and people who have supported Dhoni on his journey have enhanced the performance aspect of the film making it funny, emotional and inspiring. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is not for everyone. The film is for cricket fans and fans of Dhoni.