Taapsee Pannu is the saving grace of this formulaic biopic based on the cricketer Mithali Raj.
Read Full Shabaash Mithu Movie Review –
Director: Srijit Mukherji
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Vijay Raaz, Mumtaz Sorcar, Brijendra Kala
Rating: 2.5/5
Runtime: 2h 36m
Storyline:
Shabhaash Mithu chronicles the highs and lows in the life of Mithali Raj; the former test and ODI captain of the women’s national cricket team. She is also the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket.
A young Mithali Raj (Inayat Verma) is scouted by coach Sampath (Vijay Raaz) after he witnesses her natural cricket talent. He also takes under his wing another enthusiastic kiddo – Noorie, who’s lying through her teeth to her conservative Muslim Abu to make it to the practice.
Mithali (Taapsee) makes it to the national team but her struggles are only just beginning. From toughing it out among the seniors to striving to overcome sexism and lack of equal opportunities in cricket, the film follows Mithali on her journey to the World Cup.
What Do We Think:
Shabaash Mithu is as run-of-the-mill as it gets. Nothing particularly stands out in this predictable film.
Inayat Verma, who plays the younger Mithali is a delight to watch. On the contrary, the attempt to make Taapsee look young doesn’t land. The emotion and the story, as the women’s team try to establish their identity is hard-hitting in bits and pieces. But none of the cricket scenes are nail-biting. Quite generic, in fact.
Hit Or Miss:
Go and catch it in theatres if you’re a cricket buff or curious about the life of Mithali Raj! If not, you can watch HIT: The First Case.
