Saina Review: Parineeti Chopra's Performance Is Delightful, But The Film Fails To Deliver The Perfect Smash
For the last 30 days, it seems like I am on a Parineeti Chopra fest. It all started with The Girl On The Train, and then Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar , and today, it was Saina . Based on the life of the former World No. 1 badminton player, Saina Nehwal, this one had Parineeti transform completely. And that is the USP of the film.
The film feels too detached and while you would be pinning your hopes on Saina and see her grow, there is something that you'll feel is missing. There are moments when you will be rooting for her and some that will tug your hearts, but overall, the film seems too detached. While we were expecting a solid smash, it just lands out of the court this time.The film is like just any other biopic but it misses the mark from being a compelling one. While at her young age, we see some beautifully shot badminton matches, it gradually turns into a montage when Parineeti Chopra comes into the equation. And while it will nudge the emotional side of yours, you'll remain largely unaffected by it, and would probably even not dwell in this film once you are out of the theatres.
The film rests on Parineeti Chopra's shoulders and she had gotten the body language perfectly right. Her acting is also like a fresh breeze this time. She is nuanced, and earnest in her performance. It is evident that she has put her heart and soul. However, she probably needed more time to perfect the sport. Unlike a Bhaag Milkha Bhaag or even M.S Dhoni, we do not see long shots, even during important matches. This glares out of the screen and the difference can be felt, especially since we have seen the same when matches for young Saina were being captured.
Naishaa Kaur Bhatoye plays young Saina and she is not given a single dialogue. Yet, since she is a badminton player in real life who has already bagged many trophies, she is perfect as young Saina. It is a treat to watch her smash the shuttlecock on screen. Not just her, the entire cast of supporting actors are perfect to the T. From Meghna Malik, who brilliantly portrayed Saina's mother Usha Rani and shows her determination to make her daughter World No. 1 to Shubhrajyoti Barat who plays Saina's dad, the mellowed and the super supportive Dr. Nehwal, to Manav Kaul who portrays Rajan, everyone is at their top game.
Amole Gupte, without a doubt, is a brilliant filmmaker and it was largely because of him that I wanted to see the film. However, I am somewhat disappointed in him for how the film turned out to be. It seems to exist on it's own, and fails to forge the bond. For example, we see that Saina has a sister, but never hear anything from her. The crisis is lacking, and this is a problem that often presents itself when a biopic on someone who is still active in his/her field is made. I had the same complaint when I saw M.S Dhoni. There were so many things that we wanted to know- why didn't Saina's older sister take training, why did she not talk, why did the determined and fierce and bold Usha Devi not train anymore herself, we would never know these answers.
The review would be incomplete if we do not mention Amaal Malik and his brilliant music and background score that adds so much depth to the film.
All in all, this film is a one-time watch, that you should see to understand that Parineeti Chopra does have a good range and is talented, to see the amazing supporting cast, and to know more about Saina Nehwal's incredible journey.