New Delhi: In R Balki’s latest offering, “Ghoomer,” Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher’s impactful performances come to the forefront, adding depth to an emotionally resonant narrative.
Headlined by a talented ensemble, including Shabana Azmi, Angad Bedi, and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the film weaves a tale of ambition, empathy, and sportsmanship. With a dash of sentimentality and an exploration of the human spirit, “Ghoomer” hits the right chords to connect with its audience.
Director: R Balki
Cast: Angad Bedi, Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Saiyami Kher
Rating: 3/5
Where to Watch: Theaters
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Anina (Saiyami Kher), a cricket prodigy with a promising future. Supported by her grandmother (Shabana Azmi), father (Shivendra Singh Dungarpur), and boyfriend (Angad Bedi), Anina’s life takes an unexpected turn when a tragic accident results in the loss of her right arm.
Amidst her shattered dreams, ex-cricketer Paddy (Abhishek Bachchan) emerges as a guiding light. Paddy encourages Anina to embrace bowling and resurrect her aspirations to represent the Indian national women’s cricket team. “Ghoomer” delves into whether Anina accepts his mentorship and the underlying reasons that drive Paddy’s determination to help her.
High Points of the Plot
“Ghoomer” skillfully taps into the emotional resonances of the sports drama genre. Drawing inspiration from Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic line in “Chak De! India,” where he emphasized the significance of intention in building a team, “Ghoomer” navigates a similar emotional territory.
The film combines intent and desire with the struggles of an ambitious athlete facing a life-altering setback. Anina’s journey becomes a compelling emotional arc that resonates with viewers on a human level. The narrative’s ability to evoke empathy becomes its primary strength.
The dialogues blend seamlessly with the narrative, reinforcing the character dynamics. Amit Trivedi’s evocative background score complements pivotal moments, enhancing the film’s emotional depth. Director of Photography Vishal Sinha’s adept lensing captures the essence of “Ghoomer.” The film’s title track by Amit Trivedi and the poignant lyrics of ‘Purnaviram’ contribute to the overall impact of the narrative.
The casting, orchestrated by Shruti Mahajan, is spot-on, and Sandeep Sharad Ravade’s production design seamlessly integrates with the storytelling.
Low Points of the Plot
While the film successfully captures poignant moments, there are instances where emotions appear contrived and overplayed, affecting the narrative’s overall flow. Certain character reactions, particularly Shabana Azmi’s, seem inconsistent with the initial strong character setup. A pivotal sequence during Diwali night intended to showcase Anina’s growth becomes convoluted, diluting its impact.
The narrative’s attempts to highlight Anina’s triumphs by overshadowing her teammates’ performances in the final match feel contrived and gimmicky. The crowd’s visual effects in the stadium detract from the authenticity of the scenes.
Performances
Abhishek Bachchan shines as Paddy, delivering an outstanding performance that showcases his versatility. Saiyami Kher brings subtlety and impact to her portrayal of Anina, making her character relatable and inspiring. Shabana Azmi, although justifying her role, could have had a more involved character arc. Angad Bedi and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur contribute commendably to the ensemble.
Final Verdict
“Ghoomer” presents a mixed verdict, as its heart lies in its emotive resonance while the mind grapples with occasional narrative inconsistencies. The film’s strength lies in its ability to forge a human connection with its audience. Despite its flaws, the genuine emotional core makes “Ghoomer” a worthwhile watch.