Outstanding stuff... was eagerly waiting for this.. be it direction, acting, music, screenplay, cinematography ... outstanding in all departments. It starts slow but gradually grows on you.. and reaches the pinnacle by the time it ends. Selection of support cast is faultless. Every player character looks real and a professional footballer.. Gajraj Rao has this uncanny habit of surpassing himself with each outing.. Priyamani has brought her character of wife to life.. finally Ajay Devgan... will be surprised if he misses on national award for this. Rehman is at his best. Music takes this fare to different level.. and Amit R Sharma. Take a bow. Each scene is so well crafted, it looks like poetry in motion. Expectations set with Badhai Ho have been surpassed... go watch it.
87 Reviews
True IMAX experience for Indian Football fans..!!
rxpggvd13 April 2024
I watched this movie with no idea of the storyline but I can't even stand from my seat in movie running time. Despite of its 3 hours running time, there is not a single moment where you want to blink your eye specially movie second half.
It's a must watch for every Indian to live our glorifying football history. IMAX experience is above the expectations .
BMG was above average and it's make you feel every moment.
I never experienced football experience like this in IMAX and the director makes us feel proud of our history.
Loved every frame of the movie...!!
It's highly recommended for an IMAX.
It's a must watch for every Indian to live our glorifying football history. IMAX experience is above the expectations .
BMG was above average and it's make you feel every moment.
I never experienced football experience like this in IMAX and the director makes us feel proud of our history.
Loved every frame of the movie...!!
It's highly recommended for an IMAX.
What a Movie!!
priyasingh-9718011 April 2024
It is really a must watch movie.... Ek ek scene aap ko bandh k rkhega.. I wonder how some people call these kind of historic movies as boring and deny watching them by compare these movies with romantic films... There's no competition for this man....
Firstly toh get to know about history and it inspires you to do more research on our historic moments
Secondly the way this movie was presented, no one could feel bored, every scene brings in a new hope and happiness by watching our heroes succeeding towards victory...
Ajay Devgan Sir and the whole cast played an excellent role in making this film a blockbuster.
How SA Rahim's family and Anjan Da supported him... The team proved themselves as a true follower of their guru... Every single emotion was clearly reflected by the actors...
Bs emotional kr diya Ajay Devgan ki movie ho aur maza naa aaye aisa kbhi hua h kya... Awaiting for your next film Sir :)
I would personally suggest everyone to go watch this film.
Firstly toh get to know about history and it inspires you to do more research on our historic moments
Secondly the way this movie was presented, no one could feel bored, every scene brings in a new hope and happiness by watching our heroes succeeding towards victory...
Ajay Devgan Sir and the whole cast played an excellent role in making this film a blockbuster.
How SA Rahim's family and Anjan Da supported him... The team proved themselves as a true follower of their guru... Every single emotion was clearly reflected by the actors...
Bs emotional kr diya Ajay Devgan ki movie ho aur maza naa aaye aisa kbhi hua h kya... Awaiting for your next film Sir :)
I would personally suggest everyone to go watch this film.
A Rousing Celebration of Indian Football's Unsung Hero
sushantsawant-7812111 April 2024
Ajay Devgn scores a tour-de-force performance in Maidaan, the inspiring biographical drama about Syed Abdul Rahim, the unsung hero who defied all odds to revive Indian football in the 1950s and 60s.
As the fiercely determined coach, Devgn is a force of nature, rallying his rag-tag team to overcome lack of funds, facilities and support through sheer willpower. The young actors portraying the players match Devgn's intensity with wonderfully naturalistic acting.
Director Amit Sharma transports viewers to that era through lush period details and deftly balances the personal drama with exhilarating, innovatively-shot match sequences. The climactic 1962 Asian Games final is a genuine goosebump-raising triumph.
But the soul of Maidaan lies in its simplicity and understated tone in depicting Abdul Rahim's against-all-odds journey. In the pantheon of Bollywood sports biopics, it's a winning underdog story that raises a deserving champion. An entertaining, uplifting must-watch!
As the fiercely determined coach, Devgn is a force of nature, rallying his rag-tag team to overcome lack of funds, facilities and support through sheer willpower. The young actors portraying the players match Devgn's intensity with wonderfully naturalistic acting.
Director Amit Sharma transports viewers to that era through lush period details and deftly balances the personal drama with exhilarating, innovatively-shot match sequences. The climactic 1962 Asian Games final is a genuine goosebump-raising triumph.
But the soul of Maidaan lies in its simplicity and understated tone in depicting Abdul Rahim's against-all-odds journey. In the pantheon of Bollywood sports biopics, it's a winning underdog story that raises a deserving champion. An entertaining, uplifting must-watch!
Beyond Cinema: An Immersive Journey into Human Emotion and Storytelling Mastery
vireshrenukoot10 April 2024
From the moment the lights dim and the screen flickers to life, it's evident that this isn't merely a cinematic outing; it's an immersive journey into the depths of human emotion and storytelling mastery. Ajay sir's portrayal on screen is nothing short of mesmerizing, a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication to his craft. With each nuanced expression and captivating dialogue delivery, he effortlessly draws viewers into the heart of the narrative, ensuring that every moment leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
But it's not just about the performances; it's about the meticulous attention to detail that transforms a mere movie into an unforgettable experience.
But it's not just about the performances; it's about the meticulous attention to detail that transforms a mere movie into an unforgettable experience.
M-A-S-T-E-R-P-I-E-C-E
AMOGHREVIEWS13 April 2024
A Magical Experience Created By The Trio Of Ajay Devgn, Amit Ravindernath Sharma & A. R. Rahman... Sports Drama Is A Popular Genre In Indian Cinema, But Very Few Movies Belonging To It Have Left Their Impact On Audience's Mind, Such As - Chak De India, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, MS Dhoni & Dangal... Talking About "Maidaan", I'll Say That It's Superior Then The Above Mentioned Films And Will Gain Cult Status In Coming Years... If You Are Planning To Watch Any Film Right Now, Book Tickets For It & Witness The Golden Era Of Indian Football & Inspirational Journey Of 'Syed Abdul Rahim' Who Lived & Died For The Game... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Cheers For Indian Football
navreview11 April 2024
A football biopic of a inspiring football coach who is determined to bring footballing glory for the country. Though movie start is sluggish makes little impatient to watch but builds up slow and steadily to end on a perfect emotional note.
The initial build up helps to understand state of football in country, politics in the sport ( ever present in any sporting association of the country), lack of basic kits ( players representing country barefooted) and internal battles and fighting with the system. What makes movie watchable is the overall winning spirit its packs in latter half of the movie and the match sequence- the emotions, thrills and jitters that it brings quite same as watching the match live on TV. The end is highly sentimental which stays to ignite the sporting fervour and cheer up for the Country.
The initial build up helps to understand state of football in country, politics in the sport ( ever present in any sporting association of the country), lack of basic kits ( players representing country barefooted) and internal battles and fighting with the system. What makes movie watchable is the overall winning spirit its packs in latter half of the movie and the match sequence- the emotions, thrills and jitters that it brings quite same as watching the match live on TV. The end is highly sentimental which stays to ignite the sporting fervour and cheer up for the Country.
THE BEST FOOTBALL FILM YOU WILL EVER SEE.
magadalwarmayur10 April 2024
"Maidaan" isn't just a film; it's a cinematic triumph that pulsates with the heartbeat of Indian football's golden era. At its core, it's a testament to the indomitable spirit of champions and a celebration of the visionary who shaped their destiny. Ajay Devgn's portrayal of Syed Abdul Rahim is nothing short of mesmerizing, a portrayal that transcends mere acting to embody the essence of a man driven by passion, resilience, and an unyielding belief in his team's potential.
Devgn's performance as Rahim is a revelation, capturing the essence of a man whose quiet strength and strategic brilliance propelled Indian football onto the world stage. With every nuanced expression, he breathes life into Rahim's unwavering conviction and unwavering dedication to his players, making it arguably his career-best performance in over three decades of cinematic brilliance.
"Maidaan" isn't just about victories on the field; it's a deeply human story that delves into the complexities of ambition, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Through Devgn's portrayal, we witness Rahim's battles not only against formidable opponents but also against the corrosive forces of corruption and cynicism. His portrayal is a masterclass in character study, highlighting the depth and complexity of a man driven by a singular vision.
Director Amit Ravindernath Sharma's deft hand ensures that every frame pulsates with the energy and emotion of the era, transporting audiences to a time when football was more than just a game-it was a beacon of hope and unity. The film's breathtaking cinematography and AR Rahman's soul-stirring score further elevate the viewing experience, immersing audiences in the raw intensity of the matches and the quiet moments of triumph and despair.
But at its heart, "Maidaan" is Ajay Devgn's triumph. His portrayal of Syed Abdul Rahim is not just a performance; it's a revelation-a reminder of the transformative power of cinema to illuminate the human spirit. Through his portrayal, Devgn honors not only Rahim's legacy but also the countless unsung heroes who paved the way for Indian football's ascent. So, do yourself a favor and witness this cinematic masterpiece unfold on the big screen. You'll leave the theater not just exhilarated by the game's glory but also enriched by the journey of a man who dared to dream against all odds.
Devgn's performance as Rahim is a revelation, capturing the essence of a man whose quiet strength and strategic brilliance propelled Indian football onto the world stage. With every nuanced expression, he breathes life into Rahim's unwavering conviction and unwavering dedication to his players, making it arguably his career-best performance in over three decades of cinematic brilliance.
"Maidaan" isn't just about victories on the field; it's a deeply human story that delves into the complexities of ambition, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Through Devgn's portrayal, we witness Rahim's battles not only against formidable opponents but also against the corrosive forces of corruption and cynicism. His portrayal is a masterclass in character study, highlighting the depth and complexity of a man driven by a singular vision.
Director Amit Ravindernath Sharma's deft hand ensures that every frame pulsates with the energy and emotion of the era, transporting audiences to a time when football was more than just a game-it was a beacon of hope and unity. The film's breathtaking cinematography and AR Rahman's soul-stirring score further elevate the viewing experience, immersing audiences in the raw intensity of the matches and the quiet moments of triumph and despair.
But at its heart, "Maidaan" is Ajay Devgn's triumph. His portrayal of Syed Abdul Rahim is not just a performance; it's a revelation-a reminder of the transformative power of cinema to illuminate the human spirit. Through his portrayal, Devgn honors not only Rahim's legacy but also the countless unsung heroes who paved the way for Indian football's ascent. So, do yourself a favor and witness this cinematic masterpiece unfold on the big screen. You'll leave the theater not just exhilarated by the game's glory but also enriched by the journey of a man who dared to dream against all odds.
Maidaan (HANDS DOWN THE BEST HINDI FILM I'VE SEEN IN A WHILE)
Sushant_Mishra16 April 2024
Hindi films and sports have a love hate relationship with each other. Some of the BEST films ever have been sports film - Lagaan, Chakh De, Dangal but there also have been hands down some of the worst as well- Mary Kom, Sania, Dhoni, Azhar, Dan-Dana Dan Goal etc. In a good sports film not only one needs good drama but also the 'sport' itself should be presented in a competent manner. It's generally the 'latter' where several Hindi films have suffered. In most Hindi films, sport sequences have generally looked shoddy and unrealistic, sprinkled with too many reaction shots. But Maidaan excels at each and every department. Great story - check, brilliant portrayal of football - check, award winning performances - check, insane cinematography - check, super editing/background score/sound design/audio mixing - check, check and check!
To put it simply, Maidaan is simply sensational! This film tells the incredible story of coach Raheem under whose tutelage Indian Football had its most glorious years. The story is absolutely brilliant and keeps you emotionally invested till the end. What makes it even more extraordinary is that all of it is REAL! Despite being an AVID football fan, even I was unaware about the glorious past of Indian Football. National jingoism is kept at a minimum, and the film through its sheer artistry, organically brings out the nationalistic feelings in the viewer. The whole theatre was clapping by the time the end credits rolled. It's an extraordinary-extraordinary story brought to life by some extraordinary artists.
The real highlight are the football matches themselves - they are gripping as hell. Despite knowing the ultimate result, the whole theatre was cheering and clapping as goals were scored and saves were made. Also a big shout out to the final song, "Jaane Do", where everything comes to a halt and you just have slow-motion shots of Indian players putting their body on the line for the country. The movie at the end also presents you with the actual football players who played for the nation at the time- battered and bruised by system and time, once at the pinnacle of their physical prowess are now on a wheelchair. These images really touch you as one realises the mortality of human beings, the fact that once a great athlete who wrote poetry via his feet has now, due to old age been resigned to a wheelchair. It's very humbling indeed!
This film is hands down Ajay-Devgun's BEST performance till date. He has portrayed the character of coach Raheem with utmost sincerity and deftness. Mr. Raheem is a man of few dialogues and Ajay Devgun does all the heavy lifting through his sheer eyes. If 'this' doesn't win him an award, then nothing else will. Simply sensational! Others too have pitched in with sincere performances. A special nod to Priyamani (Raheem's wife) who has played her role with a quiet intensity. Her look when she sees her husband struggling, the agony in her eyes and the sheer helplessness in this situation - all has been captured brilliantly by Priyamani. The rest of the football team has performed well and hats off to them for bringing out the intense physicality of the sport.
This film is a technical juggernaut. Maidaan can easily compete and surpass any top Holly-Wood film in terms of sheer technical artistry. The cinematography is one of the best I've seen in a Hindi film. Each and every frame not only looks beautiful but also add to the emotions of the scene. It's just not a pretty picture but also an intensely emotional one. Also hats off to the person who has done the sound design and mixing. The sound of this film is immersive. One actually feels that they are in the middle of the pitch, The sliding tackles have a 'crunch' to them as the editor cuts to a close up. Moreover the sound design and mixing also excels in the quieter moments. A dog faintly barks in the background as the whistling of the passing train faintly pans from left to right. Despite the runtime of 3 hours, the editing is very well done. The film holds on to emotionally charged scenes but lets go when energy is required. Each and every cut has a purpose behind it. A special mention to the use of typography in the film. The way various text elements appear on the screen throughout the film, the font used and their general placement is all top-notch. Rahman's background score breathes life into all the sequences. There are silences when required, moreover the trigger point of the music is well done. Unlike other Hindi films, the score is not balls to the walls, and that's quite refreshing to see. The song 'Ghar Aaya Mera Mirza' is a particular highlight. I was absolutely teary eyed the moment in which this song came up. Another mention is the way football sequences have been shot. It's at an absolutely international level! I really don't think any other film (Indian or abroad) has portrayed the beautiful game as beautifully as this film. The colour grading too is one of the best I've seen. All the frames look absolutely film like in its texture and quality.
The only downfall of the film is perhaps the character of Gajraj Rao (a journalist who has a vendetta against coach Rahim). There is too much unnecessary focus on him. His character is very one dimensional and adds little to nothing to the story. The amount of screen time which has been given to him should have been diverted to the members of the Indian football team. The film does an amicable job of acquainting the viewers to coach Raheem, but kind of fails at connecting the audience to the members of the football team. What is the team chemistry like? What drives the players apart from national pride? All these question could have been answered if the screen time given to Gajraj Rao was diverted to this aspect. As a result, we connect with the coach but perhaps not with the players. Moreover, some more time could and should have been diverted to the tactics employed by coach Raheem and there could have been at least two more football matches.
All in all, Maidaan is an absolute aesthetic tour de force. A technical marvel which tells an intensely real and extraordinary story of coach Rahim. Are you one of those who has been complaining about lack of good, meaningful, cinematic hindi films? Are you sick of moronic films like Animal, Pathaan, Salaar, KGF? Then Maidaan is an antidote to such movies. To simply put, this film is absolutely sensational. A film of the highest quality whose technical ability surpasses even the best of what Holly-Wood has to offer. If this was a foreign film with Brad Pitt in the lead, the whole world would have gone ga ga over it. For all those Marvel lovers, who don't mind watching a teenager wearing a colourful mask and shooting webs through his hands should easily be able to appreciate this film as well. This film tells an incredible Indian story in a very Indian way. No one can call it a Hollywood film made with foreign sensibilities in Hindi language. It feels Indian through and through.
Films like Maidaan are rare, and it's really upto us to make this film work. Drop everything and watch this film in the biggest theatre you can, coz if you don't, then all we'll get is Salaar, KGF and Animal in the future.
To put it simply, Maidaan is simply sensational! This film tells the incredible story of coach Raheem under whose tutelage Indian Football had its most glorious years. The story is absolutely brilliant and keeps you emotionally invested till the end. What makes it even more extraordinary is that all of it is REAL! Despite being an AVID football fan, even I was unaware about the glorious past of Indian Football. National jingoism is kept at a minimum, and the film through its sheer artistry, organically brings out the nationalistic feelings in the viewer. The whole theatre was clapping by the time the end credits rolled. It's an extraordinary-extraordinary story brought to life by some extraordinary artists.
The real highlight are the football matches themselves - they are gripping as hell. Despite knowing the ultimate result, the whole theatre was cheering and clapping as goals were scored and saves were made. Also a big shout out to the final song, "Jaane Do", where everything comes to a halt and you just have slow-motion shots of Indian players putting their body on the line for the country. The movie at the end also presents you with the actual football players who played for the nation at the time- battered and bruised by system and time, once at the pinnacle of their physical prowess are now on a wheelchair. These images really touch you as one realises the mortality of human beings, the fact that once a great athlete who wrote poetry via his feet has now, due to old age been resigned to a wheelchair. It's very humbling indeed!
This film is hands down Ajay-Devgun's BEST performance till date. He has portrayed the character of coach Raheem with utmost sincerity and deftness. Mr. Raheem is a man of few dialogues and Ajay Devgun does all the heavy lifting through his sheer eyes. If 'this' doesn't win him an award, then nothing else will. Simply sensational! Others too have pitched in with sincere performances. A special nod to Priyamani (Raheem's wife) who has played her role with a quiet intensity. Her look when she sees her husband struggling, the agony in her eyes and the sheer helplessness in this situation - all has been captured brilliantly by Priyamani. The rest of the football team has performed well and hats off to them for bringing out the intense physicality of the sport.
This film is a technical juggernaut. Maidaan can easily compete and surpass any top Holly-Wood film in terms of sheer technical artistry. The cinematography is one of the best I've seen in a Hindi film. Each and every frame not only looks beautiful but also add to the emotions of the scene. It's just not a pretty picture but also an intensely emotional one. Also hats off to the person who has done the sound design and mixing. The sound of this film is immersive. One actually feels that they are in the middle of the pitch, The sliding tackles have a 'crunch' to them as the editor cuts to a close up. Moreover the sound design and mixing also excels in the quieter moments. A dog faintly barks in the background as the whistling of the passing train faintly pans from left to right. Despite the runtime of 3 hours, the editing is very well done. The film holds on to emotionally charged scenes but lets go when energy is required. Each and every cut has a purpose behind it. A special mention to the use of typography in the film. The way various text elements appear on the screen throughout the film, the font used and their general placement is all top-notch. Rahman's background score breathes life into all the sequences. There are silences when required, moreover the trigger point of the music is well done. Unlike other Hindi films, the score is not balls to the walls, and that's quite refreshing to see. The song 'Ghar Aaya Mera Mirza' is a particular highlight. I was absolutely teary eyed the moment in which this song came up. Another mention is the way football sequences have been shot. It's at an absolutely international level! I really don't think any other film (Indian or abroad) has portrayed the beautiful game as beautifully as this film. The colour grading too is one of the best I've seen. All the frames look absolutely film like in its texture and quality.
The only downfall of the film is perhaps the character of Gajraj Rao (a journalist who has a vendetta against coach Rahim). There is too much unnecessary focus on him. His character is very one dimensional and adds little to nothing to the story. The amount of screen time which has been given to him should have been diverted to the members of the Indian football team. The film does an amicable job of acquainting the viewers to coach Raheem, but kind of fails at connecting the audience to the members of the football team. What is the team chemistry like? What drives the players apart from national pride? All these question could have been answered if the screen time given to Gajraj Rao was diverted to this aspect. As a result, we connect with the coach but perhaps not with the players. Moreover, some more time could and should have been diverted to the tactics employed by coach Raheem and there could have been at least two more football matches.
All in all, Maidaan is an absolute aesthetic tour de force. A technical marvel which tells an intensely real and extraordinary story of coach Rahim. Are you one of those who has been complaining about lack of good, meaningful, cinematic hindi films? Are you sick of moronic films like Animal, Pathaan, Salaar, KGF? Then Maidaan is an antidote to such movies. To simply put, this film is absolutely sensational. A film of the highest quality whose technical ability surpasses even the best of what Holly-Wood has to offer. If this was a foreign film with Brad Pitt in the lead, the whole world would have gone ga ga over it. For all those Marvel lovers, who don't mind watching a teenager wearing a colourful mask and shooting webs through his hands should easily be able to appreciate this film as well. This film tells an incredible Indian story in a very Indian way. No one can call it a Hollywood film made with foreign sensibilities in Hindi language. It feels Indian through and through.
Films like Maidaan are rare, and it's really upto us to make this film work. Drop everything and watch this film in the biggest theatre you can, coz if you don't, then all we'll get is Salaar, KGF and Animal in the future.
EXCELLENT MOVIE
sunildaswaney-6364210 April 2024
Besides 2 unnecessary songs the USP of this excellent movie was its almost flawless editing. Although the movie was 3hrs 1 minute long,i never never felt bored(except for the 2 unwanted songs)as it was always very interesting and captivating throughout. Although his role was not a challenging one at all,Ajay Devgn is always extremely convincing in these types of roles unlike comic roles where he's a total failure. Gajraj Rao's average acting was overshadowed by his ridiculous hairpiece which made him look like an absolute clown. The rest of the junior cast were average while all of the footballers were very convincing in playing their parts
This true story was very well scripted and the screenplay and direction were absolutely brilliant
9/10.
Bollywood strikes gold yet again...!!!
PANDIAN12062111 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is an outstanding tribute to India's best all-time football coach, past footballers and to sports as a whole...A film which will make one clap, cheer and cry too! Takes you on a journey depicting the 'Golden Era' of Indian Football...
Directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma and led by a powerhouse performance from Ajay Devgn, Maidaan is a stirring biographical drama that brings to life the inspiring journey of Syed Abdul Rahim, the former coach of the Indian national football team...
Devgn completely embodies the real-life coach, imbuing Rahim with a quiet resilience that is as compelling as his fiery motivational speeches to his players. The actor's muscular, committed performance is the beating heart of the film... But Maidaan is not a one-man show. The supporting cast, especially the young actors portraying the various team members, deliver wonderfully naturalistic performances that make you invest in their journeys and struggles both on and off the field...
Where the film truly inspires is in its exhilarating match sequences, balancing visual grandeur with gritty realism. The Asian Games final, a re-creation of India's famous victory in 1962, is a goosebumps moment of camerawork and editing that will have you cheering along with the players...
Music by Rehmaan complements the narrative, enhancing emotional moments and adding to the overall cinematic experience...Apart from the sports aspect, "Maidaan" also delves into themes of unity, resilience, and the power of teamwork. It celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship and highlights how sports can bring people together and inspire greatness.
In an era of biopics tending towards extravagance, Maidaan scores by keeping things simple, honest and impactful - much like the man it celebrates. Don't miss this goal!
Directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma and led by a powerhouse performance from Ajay Devgn, Maidaan is a stirring biographical drama that brings to life the inspiring journey of Syed Abdul Rahim, the former coach of the Indian national football team...
Devgn completely embodies the real-life coach, imbuing Rahim with a quiet resilience that is as compelling as his fiery motivational speeches to his players. The actor's muscular, committed performance is the beating heart of the film... But Maidaan is not a one-man show. The supporting cast, especially the young actors portraying the various team members, deliver wonderfully naturalistic performances that make you invest in their journeys and struggles both on and off the field...
Where the film truly inspires is in its exhilarating match sequences, balancing visual grandeur with gritty realism. The Asian Games final, a re-creation of India's famous victory in 1962, is a goosebumps moment of camerawork and editing that will have you cheering along with the players...
Music by Rehmaan complements the narrative, enhancing emotional moments and adding to the overall cinematic experience...Apart from the sports aspect, "Maidaan" also delves into themes of unity, resilience, and the power of teamwork. It celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship and highlights how sports can bring people together and inspire greatness.
In an era of biopics tending towards extravagance, Maidaan scores by keeping things simple, honest and impactful - much like the man it celebrates. Don't miss this goal!
Worthwhile Experience
best-review11 April 2024
An engaging narrative unfolds, albeit one that tarries longer than necessary, yet redeemed by a screenplay of commendable craft. A scattering of the dialogue sparkles with wit and intelligence.
Ajay Devgn delivers a performance of gravitas and depth, while Priyamani dazzles, imbuing her role with a radiant excellence. Gajraj Rao, along with the ensemble, contributes performances of substantial merit.
The auditory landscape and visual storytelling through cinematography are executed with competence. Direction navigates the middle ground of proficiency, neither astounding nor disappointing.
In essence, this cinematic venture merits the allocation of one's time for viewing, presenting a worthwhile experience.
Ajay Devgn delivers a performance of gravitas and depth, while Priyamani dazzles, imbuing her role with a radiant excellence. Gajraj Rao, along with the ensemble, contributes performances of substantial merit.
The auditory landscape and visual storytelling through cinematography are executed with competence. Direction navigates the middle ground of proficiency, neither astounding nor disappointing.
In essence, this cinematic venture merits the allocation of one's time for viewing, presenting a worthwhile experience.
Wrong facts shown, gross inaccuracies
enadona14 April 2024
Having eagerly anticipated 'Maidaan' as a tribute to Indian football, I was deeply disappointed by the gross inaccuracies portrayed in the film. Specifically, the movie falsely depicts late Ram Bahadur as the player in the semi-final and final matches of the Asian Games, when in reality, it was my grandfather late Prasanta Sinha, who played this pivotal role. Additionally, crucial details such as Thangaraj calling out 'Sinha' while passing the ball were altered, with the movie inaccurately showing Thangaraj calling 'Ram' instead. How could he call out late Ram Bahadur's name? He didn't even play in the semi final and final matches. This movie disrespected a legend like Late Prasanta Sinha and did injustice to him. As a family deeply invested in preserving my grandfather's legacy, it's disheartening to witness such misrepresentation without our consent. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this movie to anyone seeking an accurate portrayal of Indian football history.
need more films like these !!
sharath-kotian15 April 2024
Very good cinematography especially the football matches. Think everyone in the cast has done a good job especially the ones playing the footballers. They really take the movie ahead. Hindi films normally focus on the leads - but really appreciate this stance.
Rahman Sir, we needed more josh-wala song to up the ante during the matches.... Ranga Ranga/Team India did not do it for me :(
Priyamani has done a good job, Ajay Devgan is his usual self. Gajraj's role I felt was quite 1-dimensional.
The end-titles really made my day - providing a chance to have a look at the real stars who made India proud. Not taking a political stance, but too much focus and money has been put into cricket, but the real heroes are normally unsung.
Rahman Sir, we needed more josh-wala song to up the ante during the matches.... Ranga Ranga/Team India did not do it for me :(
Priyamani has done a good job, Ajay Devgan is his usual self. Gajraj's role I felt was quite 1-dimensional.
The end-titles really made my day - providing a chance to have a look at the real stars who made India proud. Not taking a political stance, but too much focus and money has been put into cricket, but the real heroes are normally unsung.
Maidaan - Must watch for every Indian
dileepkandula10 April 2024
#Maidaan is a very well made sports Drama with good level of emotions for a Football journey.
One man believed in our team and achieved his dream with his blood and sweat to make India proud. He is none other than our Indian Football coach SA Rahim from our very own Hyderabad. This film is all about his passion and dedication to produce the best team of all time.
Film starts off very slow and goes with the same flow till the first half. The latter half is full on action with nail biting and breath taking matches. The shot composing in football matches, especially the POV shots are treat to watch on big screen.
Ajay Devgn is impeccable as SA Rahim and the rest of the cast have perfect choices and best performances. AR Rahman's scoring while the Indian team scoring , made the Maidaan a Heaven. A must watch for sport film lovers and especially football fans.
One man believed in our team and achieved his dream with his blood and sweat to make India proud. He is none other than our Indian Football coach SA Rahim from our very own Hyderabad. This film is all about his passion and dedication to produce the best team of all time.
Film starts off very slow and goes with the same flow till the first half. The latter half is full on action with nail biting and breath taking matches. The shot composing in football matches, especially the POV shots are treat to watch on big screen.
Ajay Devgn is impeccable as SA Rahim and the rest of the cast have perfect choices and best performances. AR Rahman's scoring while the Indian team scoring , made the Maidaan a Heaven. A must watch for sport film lovers and especially football fans.
Golden Era of Indian Football
kardolph16 April 2024
Pele or Maradona?
Nah bro. Chuni Goswami and PK Banerjee.
What a film. The last 15 mins was filled with adrenaline rush and it was everything I am proud of. Being a hardcore football fanatic, this movie was a treat. Chuni Goswami and PK Banerjee, our Godfather of Indian football will get some recognition in other regions of India. Everything was inch perfect. The casting, the performance, The man himself Ajay the Action Jackson Devgan. The music. What a bgm. AR Rahman at it's best.
And lastly that header that inspired our Sergio Ramos Da and that Chuni free-kick that inspired our Roberto Carlos Da.
Lastly (promise), the only flaw was the negative characters lacked personality. There was no such arc. Even their redemption felt weak and I don't feel anything about it.
Apart from that, a brilliant film to show the AIFF just the last 1 min that it's been 64 years and the politics regarding our Indian football is still going strong. What a SHAME.
Nah bro. Chuni Goswami and PK Banerjee.
What a film. The last 15 mins was filled with adrenaline rush and it was everything I am proud of. Being a hardcore football fanatic, this movie was a treat. Chuni Goswami and PK Banerjee, our Godfather of Indian football will get some recognition in other regions of India. Everything was inch perfect. The casting, the performance, The man himself Ajay the Action Jackson Devgan. The music. What a bgm. AR Rahman at it's best.
And lastly that header that inspired our Sergio Ramos Da and that Chuni free-kick that inspired our Roberto Carlos Da.
Lastly (promise), the only flaw was the negative characters lacked personality. There was no such arc. Even their redemption felt weak and I don't feel anything about it.
Apart from that, a brilliant film to show the AIFF just the last 1 min that it's been 64 years and the politics regarding our Indian football is still going strong. What a SHAME.
Masterpiece
rajendrakhati-3945811 April 2024
This film based on football coach SA Rahim has everything that a movie needs to be called a masterpiece. Every Indian should watch this film as these movies are made once in a lieftime.
Right from direction to Cinematography everything is well made and executed.
Ajay devgn delivers a blockbuster performance,with this film it will be 4th national award for him. All the players and other actors also did a very good job.
Main highlight of this film is Devgn acting and last 30 minutes. The match sequence is just brilliant... After the film every single person clapped in the theatre.. This movie is much more than a sports biopic...
I request Every Indian to go ,watch and support this movie it is worth every money spent....
Right from direction to Cinematography everything is well made and executed.
Ajay devgn delivers a blockbuster performance,with this film it will be 4th national award for him. All the players and other actors also did a very good job.
Main highlight of this film is Devgn acting and last 30 minutes. The match sequence is just brilliant... After the film every single person clapped in the theatre.. This movie is much more than a sports biopic...
I request Every Indian to go ,watch and support this movie it is worth every money spent....
Highly Recommended 👍🏼 by Hit Ya Flop - Movie World
nitsvirusboyz10 April 2024
Maidaan is a riveting sports drama that brings to light the untold story of Syed Abdul Rahim, the man behind India's triumph at the Asian Games. Director Amit Sharma masterfully guides the audience through the world of football in India during the 1950s and 1960s. The cinematography and AR Rahman's evocative background score add to the overall charm of the movie.
While the movie starts at a slightly leisurely pace, it quickly picks up momentum as we delve into the game strategies and discussions between Syed and the Football committee. Although the film's runtime could have been shortened, it is essential for the comprehensive build-up and understanding of the football scenario in India back then. The second half is an exciting ride, with the last 45 minutes being particularly captivating and elevating the film to new heights. The football match sequences are undoubtedly the best part of the film, and they are executed with precision and excitement.
Ajay Devgn delivers an outstanding, award-worthy performance as Syed Abdul Rahim, capturing the essence of the character with ease. Priyamani was decent. Gajraj Rao also impresses with his portrayal of the supporting character. The young actors playing the football players, including Chaitanya Sharma, Amartya Ray, Tejas Ravishankar, Aaman Munshi, and Davinder Gill, among others, deliver remarkable performances that bring authenticity to the film. The movie concludes on a high note of sentimentality, with the end credit scenes featuring the real-life players adding an emotional touch to the narrative.
Direction 4/5 Acting 4.5/5 Editing 3.5/5 Story 4/5 Screenplay 4/5.
While the movie starts at a slightly leisurely pace, it quickly picks up momentum as we delve into the game strategies and discussions between Syed and the Football committee. Although the film's runtime could have been shortened, it is essential for the comprehensive build-up and understanding of the football scenario in India back then. The second half is an exciting ride, with the last 45 minutes being particularly captivating and elevating the film to new heights. The football match sequences are undoubtedly the best part of the film, and they are executed with precision and excitement.
Ajay Devgn delivers an outstanding, award-worthy performance as Syed Abdul Rahim, capturing the essence of the character with ease. Priyamani was decent. Gajraj Rao also impresses with his portrayal of the supporting character. The young actors playing the football players, including Chaitanya Sharma, Amartya Ray, Tejas Ravishankar, Aaman Munshi, and Davinder Gill, among others, deliver remarkable performances that bring authenticity to the film. The movie concludes on a high note of sentimentality, with the end credit scenes featuring the real-life players adding an emotional touch to the narrative.
Direction 4/5 Acting 4.5/5 Editing 3.5/5 Story 4/5 Screenplay 4/5.
MAIDAAN:-a robust film spearheaded by authentic football
puranjanbasak17 April 2024
Maidaan is a biographical period sport drama film directed by amit ravindernath sharma.
Ajay devgn surpasses his last acting performance with this film. His prowess is on full display here, his eyes speak everytime he is on the sidelines of the maidaan. His demeanor fills us with a pride that there was a person who tried and tried to bring indian football on the world map. Priyamani supports him with full charisma. There is one scene in particular, one powerful scene, where saira asserts that the dream is not only his, but his family's too. She literally brings syed abdul rahim in his senses. The football players, too have acted well but mainly, played well. They know how to play and it shows on screen. The characters of gajraj rao and rudranil ghosh are pretty under-written and as a result they come off as caricaturish and one dimensional antagonists. Their performances were affected by the underwriting.
One of the strongest points is the cinematography of this film. The non- football scenes are obviously good, well lit, well staged but the match scenes are outstanding. Cinematographer andrey valentov, who shot the match scenes, has given his full to capturing every angle of the dribbling, running and sprinting. Some shots even follow the ball from the pov of the runner, it was absolutely terrific. The music is good, however 'ghar aaya mera mirza' is a great song. The background score seemed overused in some sequences but its a minor hiccup.
The writing has been pretty good. The beats of the film are predictable at times, but the staging and execution take it over the line. Despite being 3 hours long, the duration is never felt, which is a good sign. The dialogue writing is very good. The penultimate scene where syed rahim gives his motivational speech to his team is praiseworthy. There are some minor abonormalities here and there, but this is one solid solid film. Definitely give your love to this film in theatres.
Ajay devgn surpasses his last acting performance with this film. His prowess is on full display here, his eyes speak everytime he is on the sidelines of the maidaan. His demeanor fills us with a pride that there was a person who tried and tried to bring indian football on the world map. Priyamani supports him with full charisma. There is one scene in particular, one powerful scene, where saira asserts that the dream is not only his, but his family's too. She literally brings syed abdul rahim in his senses. The football players, too have acted well but mainly, played well. They know how to play and it shows on screen. The characters of gajraj rao and rudranil ghosh are pretty under-written and as a result they come off as caricaturish and one dimensional antagonists. Their performances were affected by the underwriting.
One of the strongest points is the cinematography of this film. The non- football scenes are obviously good, well lit, well staged but the match scenes are outstanding. Cinematographer andrey valentov, who shot the match scenes, has given his full to capturing every angle of the dribbling, running and sprinting. Some shots even follow the ball from the pov of the runner, it was absolutely terrific. The music is good, however 'ghar aaya mera mirza' is a great song. The background score seemed overused in some sequences but its a minor hiccup.
The writing has been pretty good. The beats of the film are predictable at times, but the staging and execution take it over the line. Despite being 3 hours long, the duration is never felt, which is a good sign. The dialogue writing is very good. The penultimate scene where syed rahim gives his motivational speech to his team is praiseworthy. There are some minor abonormalities here and there, but this is one solid solid film. Definitely give your love to this film in theatres.
Ajay Sir Never Disappointed Us
sunilprasad-0231211 April 2024
So today I went to watch the movie Maidaan. I didn't expect much because they didn't do any kind of grand promotions. The movie didn't have much hype, so I didn't expect much. However, a certain type of audience has been eagerly awaiting its release since the announcement. Now I can clearly say this was the finest sports drama movie ever made in India. Hats off to the makers, I mean Ajay Devgn. He is a one-man army, by God. The older he gets, the better movies and performances he delivers. What a performance given by Ajay sir and the rest of the actors! Every actor did a fine job. Rudranil and Gajraj Rao are the antagonists of this movie. I'm telling you; you will hate them while watching this movie. What a great performance they put in their roles!
The first hour will test your patience because they build the whole scenario slowly. However, I can say this is a slow burn; it will engage you and emotionally attach you. After the first hour, the pace picks up and you will be pumped up. You will shout and clap, enjoying it as if you're watching a real football match.
Anyway, go watch it in the cinemas. It is pure cinema. I personally would give this 4/5 stars."
The first hour will test your patience because they build the whole scenario slowly. However, I can say this is a slow burn; it will engage you and emotionally attach you. After the first hour, the pace picks up and you will be pumped up. You will shout and clap, enjoying it as if you're watching a real football match.
Anyway, go watch it in the cinemas. It is pure cinema. I personally would give this 4/5 stars."
Good..but lengthy
govindimbhu11 April 2024
Powepacked performance of Ajay Devgan and supporting cast..music is breathtaking specially in climax scenes..Kudos to AR Rahman..but I think movie is too lengthy and some scenes are so slow that it takes time to engage in the particular scene. Direction is good.
First half of the movie takes time to engage..If they made it short and cut some scenes that are not required it would be a great watch because in some scenes it feels like boring..but overall movie is fine and can we watched for good performance of Ajay Devgan and the last scenes in which they played football matches is quite engaging.
First half of the movie takes time to engage..If they made it short and cut some scenes that are not required it would be a great watch because in some scenes it feels like boring..but overall movie is fine and can we watched for good performance of Ajay Devgan and the last scenes in which they played football matches is quite engaging.
Ajay Devgn Steals The Show In Overlong Sports Drama
SAMTHEBESTEST12 April 2024
Maidaan (2024) :
Movie Review -
Ajay Devgn is finally back in a character-driven role, and it's a big, big pleasure to see him doing such a role and so fantastically. That's what he is best at. He keeps changing genres and directors, so the search for such amazing character-driven roles takes longer than expected. Better late than never, they say. We all agree. However, the stature of this kind of performance deserves high-resolution filmmaking, which is missing in Maidaan. Why? Amit Sharma should better answer that. First of all, sports dramas can't be 3-hours long unless you have a pace and narrative like Oppenheimer that can hold the audience that long, because sports dramas usually come with certain cliches that are too old but inevitable. It's about how to use them. Maidan too has similar cliches that we have seen in many sports dramas before, which could have been used in a better way to provide a gripping cinematic experience. Ajay Devgn holds the fort all alone with his outstanding portrayal of Syed Abdul Rahim, and he alone is worth your penny.
The film is based on the life of Syed Abdul Rahim (Ajay Devgn) and his career, which defined the golden era of Indian football, or, better said, the only golden era of Indian football. Starting with the 1952 Olympic Games, the film introduces us to the dark days of Indian football when the team was losing matches in one-sided encounters, the coach didn't have the authority to choose players, and the committee members were more interested in food and discussions over religion and how local boys should get more chances because football is popular in the state. Despite that, Syed demands a complete charge, and he gets it. He elects players from different parts of the country and makes a team that goes on to defeat Australia in the 1956 Olympics. Team India's performance improves, but the medal box remains empty. A self-goal done by mistake throws India out of the 1960 Olympics, and Rahim Saab is asked to resign from his post. He then learns about his lung cancer and demands one more chance to coach Team India because he may not have time after that. How Rahim and his team create history at the Asian Games 1962 against all odds is what awaits you in the rest of the film.
Saiwyn Quadras, Akash Chawla, and Arunava Joy Sengupta's script could have made a nice film, but the screenplay takes too long to come to the finale. In some scenes, you don't even see the action, as the director is more interested in showing wide shots (unclear) and the faces of commentators. When "It's a Goal," we should have been shown the action, how it's done, and then the reactions, but instead we get to see the faces of commentators. Come on, you can't destroy your best content like this, or is it looking like "too much sports" in a sports biographical? Most of the screen time in the second half is covered with Rahim's coughing. Yes, we all know he has cancer. Now, can you please stop showing us that every 5 minutes? Since when has the Finance Minister started making national decisions on a journalist's suggestion? Was it really like that? If yes, then Moraraji Desai has just been destroyed in Maidaan. An Indian sportsman speaks against the Indonesian government, but the Korean team gets all the crowd's support. How? I mean, thank God, Indonesia was banned. Things are either too out of league or predictable, and that's where this overlong narrative starts losing you.
On the positive side, we have Ajay Devgn, the actor, leading the film with his impeccable acting skills. Usually, actors need dialogue to show their acting talent, but this man, this legend, did it without speaking a word. The best of his acting scenes in the film have no dialogue. This man is just coughing, and I was like, "Give him all the awards, man." Watch out for that interval block and his speech in the dressing room; you'll acknowledge his greatness yet again. Gajraj Rao plays a very peculiar character. He is a journalist, yet he is unaware of how to write news and headlines. He loves football but isn't happy with our victories. Why? Because he cares about Bengal more than India. I wish I could have told Mr. Ghosh that he was a better politician than a journalist and football lover, and in fact, he wasn't a politician at all. The lady's support from Priyamani is overwhelming. I didn't expect her to be so fluent with her lines, since half of the Bollywood actresses struggle with their accents and clarity of voice. "I passed away in English." One-liners like these from her add some fun elements too. There is a big supporting cast, including team players, and everyone has done well.
Maidaan has a few problems with its production design, as they fail to create that era in some scenes. The foreign scenes were easy to recreate, but Indian cities and their presentation were difficult, and that's why they were somewhat problematic. The background score and music both work as per the situation. The songs only stretch the narrative a little longer, when it's already too long for a standard Bollywood movie runtime. Tushar Kanti Raya and Fyodor Lyass have done some experiments with the camera, and the results are damn impressive. The follow-on and wide shots in the last two matches were superbly shot, edited, and directed. That straight-goal scene in the climax was just mind-blowing. But again, as we know, the cliches spoil some of your excitement, and you are left on a tepid note when things were actually heating up. There has to be someone devilish in the committee; the politicians have to be exposed; the team members should have at least two fights in the group and practice sessions; the hero must be kept away and then come back; there has to be an emotional angle to his life (medical or past trauma); and last but not least, the team has to win against all odds. Tell me which one you haven't seen before. Maidaan covers all cliches when they have become dated by at least a decade. But can we really blame them if all these things were true? We can't, but yes, we can blame the execution.
Amit Sharma's direction should have been better for the kind of story he was handling. In the first hour, almost every dramatic scene has that loud and outdated background score, which sounds irritating. Like I said, sports dramas can't be too long, but Maidaan takes an hour more than what's needed because it is a biographical drama too. Rahim's personal life needs to be known, but not in this way. The pick-up point of the second half goes flat with Rahim's trauma and regretful life. When you watch a film like "Chariots of Fire" (1981), you don't even realise it when you finish watching it. The man's last race is so smooth and flawless that it hypnotises you, and you don't even look at your watch. Here, in Maidaan, you have to look at your wrist to check when we are getting to the finale. That's where Amit Sharma fails as a director. Nevertheless, the last 20-25 minutes have some whistle-worthy moments that can turn theatres into stadiums for a while, and the inspirational angle adds more to your viewing experience. So, as a whole, Maidaan should still be a one-time watch for people who aren't familiar with Hollywood and foreign-language sports dramas because it has all the Indian masala you expect from a typical mainstream film. Sharma missed an opportunity to create a cinematic classic, though, and sadly, we don't have many Syed Abdul Rahims in India to get such stories again and again.
RATING - 5/10*
Ajay Devgn is finally back in a character-driven role, and it's a big, big pleasure to see him doing such a role and so fantastically. That's what he is best at. He keeps changing genres and directors, so the search for such amazing character-driven roles takes longer than expected. Better late than never, they say. We all agree. However, the stature of this kind of performance deserves high-resolution filmmaking, which is missing in Maidaan. Why? Amit Sharma should better answer that. First of all, sports dramas can't be 3-hours long unless you have a pace and narrative like Oppenheimer that can hold the audience that long, because sports dramas usually come with certain cliches that are too old but inevitable. It's about how to use them. Maidan too has similar cliches that we have seen in many sports dramas before, which could have been used in a better way to provide a gripping cinematic experience. Ajay Devgn holds the fort all alone with his outstanding portrayal of Syed Abdul Rahim, and he alone is worth your penny.
The film is based on the life of Syed Abdul Rahim (Ajay Devgn) and his career, which defined the golden era of Indian football, or, better said, the only golden era of Indian football. Starting with the 1952 Olympic Games, the film introduces us to the dark days of Indian football when the team was losing matches in one-sided encounters, the coach didn't have the authority to choose players, and the committee members were more interested in food and discussions over religion and how local boys should get more chances because football is popular in the state. Despite that, Syed demands a complete charge, and he gets it. He elects players from different parts of the country and makes a team that goes on to defeat Australia in the 1956 Olympics. Team India's performance improves, but the medal box remains empty. A self-goal done by mistake throws India out of the 1960 Olympics, and Rahim Saab is asked to resign from his post. He then learns about his lung cancer and demands one more chance to coach Team India because he may not have time after that. How Rahim and his team create history at the Asian Games 1962 against all odds is what awaits you in the rest of the film.
Saiwyn Quadras, Akash Chawla, and Arunava Joy Sengupta's script could have made a nice film, but the screenplay takes too long to come to the finale. In some scenes, you don't even see the action, as the director is more interested in showing wide shots (unclear) and the faces of commentators. When "It's a Goal," we should have been shown the action, how it's done, and then the reactions, but instead we get to see the faces of commentators. Come on, you can't destroy your best content like this, or is it looking like "too much sports" in a sports biographical? Most of the screen time in the second half is covered with Rahim's coughing. Yes, we all know he has cancer. Now, can you please stop showing us that every 5 minutes? Since when has the Finance Minister started making national decisions on a journalist's suggestion? Was it really like that? If yes, then Moraraji Desai has just been destroyed in Maidaan. An Indian sportsman speaks against the Indonesian government, but the Korean team gets all the crowd's support. How? I mean, thank God, Indonesia was banned. Things are either too out of league or predictable, and that's where this overlong narrative starts losing you.
On the positive side, we have Ajay Devgn, the actor, leading the film with his impeccable acting skills. Usually, actors need dialogue to show their acting talent, but this man, this legend, did it without speaking a word. The best of his acting scenes in the film have no dialogue. This man is just coughing, and I was like, "Give him all the awards, man." Watch out for that interval block and his speech in the dressing room; you'll acknowledge his greatness yet again. Gajraj Rao plays a very peculiar character. He is a journalist, yet he is unaware of how to write news and headlines. He loves football but isn't happy with our victories. Why? Because he cares about Bengal more than India. I wish I could have told Mr. Ghosh that he was a better politician than a journalist and football lover, and in fact, he wasn't a politician at all. The lady's support from Priyamani is overwhelming. I didn't expect her to be so fluent with her lines, since half of the Bollywood actresses struggle with their accents and clarity of voice. "I passed away in English." One-liners like these from her add some fun elements too. There is a big supporting cast, including team players, and everyone has done well.
Maidaan has a few problems with its production design, as they fail to create that era in some scenes. The foreign scenes were easy to recreate, but Indian cities and their presentation were difficult, and that's why they were somewhat problematic. The background score and music both work as per the situation. The songs only stretch the narrative a little longer, when it's already too long for a standard Bollywood movie runtime. Tushar Kanti Raya and Fyodor Lyass have done some experiments with the camera, and the results are damn impressive. The follow-on and wide shots in the last two matches were superbly shot, edited, and directed. That straight-goal scene in the climax was just mind-blowing. But again, as we know, the cliches spoil some of your excitement, and you are left on a tepid note when things were actually heating up. There has to be someone devilish in the committee; the politicians have to be exposed; the team members should have at least two fights in the group and practice sessions; the hero must be kept away and then come back; there has to be an emotional angle to his life (medical or past trauma); and last but not least, the team has to win against all odds. Tell me which one you haven't seen before. Maidaan covers all cliches when they have become dated by at least a decade. But can we really blame them if all these things were true? We can't, but yes, we can blame the execution.
Amit Sharma's direction should have been better for the kind of story he was handling. In the first hour, almost every dramatic scene has that loud and outdated background score, which sounds irritating. Like I said, sports dramas can't be too long, but Maidaan takes an hour more than what's needed because it is a biographical drama too. Rahim's personal life needs to be known, but not in this way. The pick-up point of the second half goes flat with Rahim's trauma and regretful life. When you watch a film like "Chariots of Fire" (1981), you don't even realise it when you finish watching it. The man's last race is so smooth and flawless that it hypnotises you, and you don't even look at your watch. Here, in Maidaan, you have to look at your wrist to check when we are getting to the finale. That's where Amit Sharma fails as a director. Nevertheless, the last 20-25 minutes have some whistle-worthy moments that can turn theatres into stadiums for a while, and the inspirational angle adds more to your viewing experience. So, as a whole, Maidaan should still be a one-time watch for people who aren't familiar with Hollywood and foreign-language sports dramas because it has all the Indian masala you expect from a typical mainstream film. Sharma missed an opportunity to create a cinematic classic, though, and sadly, we don't have many Syed Abdul Rahims in India to get such stories again and again.
RATING - 5/10*
Give the film its due !! Don't let it flop
Biswas_19 April 2024
MAIDAAN at first might look like a lookalike of the 2018 Akshay Kumar film GOLD. But one must realise that the story of both the films is nearly the same and hence it's hard to present both films in very different ways.
MAIDAAN however I felt was a tad better than GOLD. The film is about the former Indian Football coach S. A. Rahim and how he formed a team which went on to win the gold medal for the first time at the Asian Games 1962, against all odds.
MAIDAAN is an initial slow burn but this is what I loved !! It sets up the film brilliantly for an engrossing second half. Only cinephiles will appreciate this move , otherwise masala lovers who only want fast paced screenplay will complain . The film does a great job in establishing the character of SA Rahim and the unjust world around him . By unjust , I mean the then ongoing politics in the football federation where Bengalis didn't like the presence of an outsider in their committee which meant the odds were against Rahim, who was from Hyderabad. The first half also does a great job in establishing Rahim's personality as well. What I really liked is there were no unnecessary songs that disrupted the screenplay .
The second half is just pure gold . The build up to the Asian Games and finally the football matches !! Ohh they are shot so brilliantly, Bollywood has never captured football matches of this level and Maidaan has set the bech mark very high. The camera work in the final match was just, just extraordinary, keeping you hooked to the match like superglue . Don't like football? Doesn't matter you will still be engrossed . The BGM , the emotions , the pain of the ailing coach and the rage in the eyes of the players , all are brilliantly captured in the second half making this film an absolute 3 hours marvel !!
By the way, it was great to see real names kept for the footballers and there is an additional surprise for audience at the end so watch out for that (will be a treat for football fans ).
Negatives - Poorly written negative characters . Rudranil and Gajraj have one dimensional characters and have nothing to do other than just pop up out of no where to spread negativity. The footballers like Chuni Goswami , PK Banerjee etc could have been introduced better by cutting down some unnecessary family sequences of SA Rahim in the first half .
Overall, this is 2024's must watch film. I am shocked that such high quality cinema is getting no chances from the audience. If you are reading this review, do give this film a chance , you won't be disappointed.
MAIDAAN however I felt was a tad better than GOLD. The film is about the former Indian Football coach S. A. Rahim and how he formed a team which went on to win the gold medal for the first time at the Asian Games 1962, against all odds.
MAIDAAN is an initial slow burn but this is what I loved !! It sets up the film brilliantly for an engrossing second half. Only cinephiles will appreciate this move , otherwise masala lovers who only want fast paced screenplay will complain . The film does a great job in establishing the character of SA Rahim and the unjust world around him . By unjust , I mean the then ongoing politics in the football federation where Bengalis didn't like the presence of an outsider in their committee which meant the odds were against Rahim, who was from Hyderabad. The first half also does a great job in establishing Rahim's personality as well. What I really liked is there were no unnecessary songs that disrupted the screenplay .
The second half is just pure gold . The build up to the Asian Games and finally the football matches !! Ohh they are shot so brilliantly, Bollywood has never captured football matches of this level and Maidaan has set the bech mark very high. The camera work in the final match was just, just extraordinary, keeping you hooked to the match like superglue . Don't like football? Doesn't matter you will still be engrossed . The BGM , the emotions , the pain of the ailing coach and the rage in the eyes of the players , all are brilliantly captured in the second half making this film an absolute 3 hours marvel !!
By the way, it was great to see real names kept for the footballers and there is an additional surprise for audience at the end so watch out for that (will be a treat for football fans ).
Negatives - Poorly written negative characters . Rudranil and Gajraj have one dimensional characters and have nothing to do other than just pop up out of no where to spread negativity. The footballers like Chuni Goswami , PK Banerjee etc could have been introduced better by cutting down some unnecessary family sequences of SA Rahim in the first half .
Overall, this is 2024's must watch film. I am shocked that such high quality cinema is getting no chances from the audience. If you are reading this review, do give this film a chance , you won't be disappointed.
Very well done
baruaritesh13 April 2024
Although the trailer didn't invoke any enthusiasm, I was pleasantly surprised by how gripping the movie was. Sports movie and patriotism at it's best.
Stellar performances by the carefully picked with an amazing climax. Ajay Devgn has done an outstanding job and I would rate this very close to Chak De.
After watching this you will only regret the current situation of Indian football and wonder why it never went ahead. The match sequences have been shot amazingly and feels like you are watching a real game.
My only concern was that it was 15-20mins too long. Some portions could have been edited. Nevertheless, a fantastic watch.
Stellar performances by the carefully picked with an amazing climax. Ajay Devgn has done an outstanding job and I would rate this very close to Chak De.
After watching this you will only regret the current situation of Indian football and wonder why it never went ahead. The match sequences have been shot amazingly and feels like you are watching a real game.
My only concern was that it was 15-20mins too long. Some portions could have been edited. Nevertheless, a fantastic watch.
Ajay Devgn Stellar Performance in Maidaan of Acting
skmenon199313 April 2024
* Maidaan Hindi Movie Review *
Directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma starring Ajay Devgn in the lead role.
A story of a man's vision to see the Indian Football at the recognisable level..
Chak de India, Maidaan -- The storyline is the same as the respective Indian coaches wants to see their nation excel in the sports & so I could able to see storyline of Maidaan somewhere familar with Chak De India.
Sequence of intense training session, the monologue of the protagonist with the team before the kick off of finals was more connecting with Chak De India.
The only differentiation is that Chak De India the movie not only shows the struggle of Kabir but also most of the character's journey their struggle into getting into Indian Hockey Team whereas Maidaan is the seeing from Sayeed Abdul's view as to his struggle into getting Indian Football at the national & thereon at the international level.
The last 15 - 20 minutes of the was jaw dropping.
Ajay Devgn performance as Syed Abdul Rahim was phenomenal. Performance by expression & by eyes & he is the master in that. So the character had went into the correct hands.
So a movie preferred to watch at the big screen.
Directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma starring Ajay Devgn in the lead role.
A story of a man's vision to see the Indian Football at the recognisable level..
Chak de India, Maidaan -- The storyline is the same as the respective Indian coaches wants to see their nation excel in the sports & so I could able to see storyline of Maidaan somewhere familar with Chak De India.
Sequence of intense training session, the monologue of the protagonist with the team before the kick off of finals was more connecting with Chak De India.
The only differentiation is that Chak De India the movie not only shows the struggle of Kabir but also most of the character's journey their struggle into getting into Indian Hockey Team whereas Maidaan is the seeing from Sayeed Abdul's view as to his struggle into getting Indian Football at the national & thereon at the international level.
The last 15 - 20 minutes of the was jaw dropping.
Ajay Devgn performance as Syed Abdul Rahim was phenomenal. Performance by expression & by eyes & he is the master in that. So the character had went into the correct hands.
So a movie preferred to watch at the big screen.
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