Maidaan Movie Review: Maidaan is a touching tribute to Syed Abdul Rahim, the mastermind behind Indian football’s golden era, beautifully capturing his legacy and the emotions that come with it. We all know about India’s cricket, badminton, and field hockey successes. They’ve won medals and trophies to show for it. But football? That seems like a forgotten chapter.
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About The Maidaan
The film celebrates the inspiring real-life story of Syed Abdul Rahim. After a shameful 10-1 loss to Yugoslavia at the 1952 Olympics. Indian football coach Syed Abdul Rahim (played by Ajay Devgn) went on a mission. He travels across the country to find raw talents to build a team that will redefine Indian football’s fate. Under his guidance, India India won two gold medals in the Asian Games of 1951 and 1962, marking the beginning of a golden era in Indian football at the heart of Maidaan.
Maidaan Movie Review
The movie has a slow start and quickly gains momentum with the strategic game planning and engaging discussions between Syed and the football committee. Starting in 1952 at the Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. Led by Rahim, the Indian team impresses despite playing barefoot. It’s an interesting story of a sport that has faded from the nation’s memory.
However, the three-hour-long film sometimes feels stretched, especially when the drama feels exaggerated and overpowering background music competes with the storyline. What’s significant is that Syed Abdul Rahim is a Muslim, a courageous choice in present-day India. He is known as Rahim Sahab, he was born in Hyderabad but spent much of his career in Calcutta the heart of Indian football.
The first half sets the stage to help us understand the state of football in the country back then and how Syed Abdul Rahim recruited talented players. We also get a glimpse into his family life—Rahim is a loving husband and a father, but football remains his true passion.
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In one scene, a determined Rahim states, iska hisab chahiye mujhko. It’s enough to ignite the entire team. Some of the domestic scenes featuring Rahim, who is often seen smoking cigarettes and his faithful wife Runa (played by Priyamani) make you smile.
In the second half, Sharma increases the excitement and tension of the tournament as the Indian players put their hearts out on the field showcasing their blood, sweat, tears and bravery. The crowd scenes in the international parts feel believable, thanks to the impressive VFX, camerawork and editing in the final 30 minutes that impresses as it makes viewers feel we are right there on the field alongside team India.
Maidaan Movie Review: Final Thoughts
The director and cinematographer Tushar Kanti Ray deserve much credit for showing the football matches without any unnecessary slow-motion shots and overly dramatic scenes. AR Rahman’s skilful soundtrack and background score further enhance the magic of the film.
People need to learn about Syed Abdul Rahim’s story because he’s the reason India won at the Asian Games.
However, in the second half, I found one drawback Maidaan may not reach the heights of ‘Lagaan’ or ‘Chak De India’, but it will be remembered as one of the best sports dramas in recent Indian cinema and Director Amit Sharma deserves praise for this achievement.
Maidaan Trailer
Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars
FAQ’S
Who is Syed Abdul Rahim- Indian Football Coach
Syed Abdul Rahim was a famous Indian football coach. Born in Hyderabad in 1909, Syed Abdul Rahim coached India’s national team in the 1950s. Under his guidance, India won the gold medal at the 1951 Asian Games.
Is Maidaan Movie Hit or Flop?
It is too early to be definitively called a hit or flop. the movie just began its theatrical run. The audience seems to be impressed with the film’s direction, and story.