Lights, camera, disappointment! “Shabaash Mithu” swings for the fences but ends up falling short of the boundary. “Shabaash Mithu” is a sports biopic based on the life of Mithali Raj, the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team. Despite its potential to inspire and showcase the journey of an exceptional athlete, the film falls short of expectations. From its technical aspects to its casting choices, it’s clear that this movie struggles in several areas, resulting in a disappointing cinematic experience.
One of the film’s major issues lies in its lackluster screenplay and execution. It’s as predictable as a straight ball on a flat wicket. Mithali Raj is a cricketing GOAT, right? But the storytelling fails to captivate the audience and effectively convey the essence of her remarkable story. It does not fully capitalize on the complexities of Mithali’s life and the challenges she encountered both on and off the field. We were hoping for a gripping narrative, but instead, we got a slow-paced innings that struggles to keep us engaged. Consequently, the character development feels superficial, and the emotional depth is lacking.
Taapsee Pannu steps up to the crease and delivers a decent performance as Mithali Raj, embodying the grace and determination of the real-life cricketer. However, her efforts are hindered by the film’s weak script. Pannu’s character lacks depth, limiting her ability to truly shine. The supporting cast is about as memorable as a forgettable match. The lack of chemistry between the actors further diminishes the overall impact of the film. It’s like your favourite team dropping catches every over – so frustrating.
The inconsistent pacing makes it feel more like a Test match than a T20
The inconsistent pacing of “Shabaash Mithu” is another significant drawback. The movie drags in certain parts, making it feel longer than its actual runtime. Even the cricket matches, which should have been the film’s highlights, lack energy and intensity. The editing fails to maintain a dynamic flow, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience. It’s like getting a test match when you were promised an action-packed T20 game!
Additionally, the technical aspects of the film, including cinematography and production design, are underwhelming. The visuals lack the wow factor, leaving us with a feeling of “been there, seen that.” The cricketing sequences feel generic and lack the authenticity needed to immerse the audience in the game. Even the background score does little to enhance the emotional impact, featuring forgettable compositions that fail to leave a lasting impression.
The film does well to shed light on the struggles of female athletes, but it is not enough to save the film
I think the only good thing about the movie is that it does well to shed light on the challenges faced by female athletes in a male-dominated sport, highlighting the gender bias prevalent in cricket. It also attempts to showcase Mithali Raj’s indomitable spirit and her determination to break barriers. But that zing, that adrenaline level is missing. Hence, these positive elements are overshadowed by the film’s overall mediocrity.
All in all, “Shabaash Mithu” falls short of its potential, like a mistimed shot that goes straight into the fielder’s hands. if you’re looking for a film that will knock your socks off and make you jump out of your seat, this movie might not be your match-winning choice. “Shabaash Mithu” had the opportunity to be a compelling sports biopic, but it fails to hit the mark, leaving viewers longing for a more engaging and authentic portrayal of Mithali Raj’s extraordinary journey.
