Even an average sports movie—which often follows all the well-worn templates of the genre—usually manages to evoke a sense of exhilaration or triumph by the end, owing to the narrative’s nature. Crafting a film that voids any sense of excitement from its climax is a challenging feat, yet Sanju V. Samuel’s *Cup* accomplishes precisely that. The film, with its full title *Cup-Love All Play*, leaves viewers scratching their heads, wondering what the title is supposed to signify.
Nidhin Babu, portrayed by Mathew Thomas, is a young and ambitious badminton player from a less privileged background. His roots are in a village that offers little in terms of sporting facilities, making his aspiration to excel in badminton an uphill struggle. Aiding him in his journey is his steadfast friend, Anna (Riya Shibu), who is also a capable player. However, Nidhin’s path to becoming the district champion is littered with minor and seemingly artificial obstacles.
The screenplay, courtesy of writers Akhilesh Latharaj and Denson Durom, weaves together aspects of teenage friendships, a hint of romance, and the sport of badminton. Unfortunately, *Cup* falls short of delivering a compelling narrative, notably missing the sort of serious conflict that is essential for films in this genre. The difficulties associated with Nidhin’s socio-economic background are glossed over, replaced by scenarios that feel more manufactured than genuine.
One such impediment for Nidhin is a referee, who holds a needless grudge against him due to a road rage incident. Another obstacle involves a coaching institute manager who sees Nidhin’s desperation to win as an opportunity for financial gain. The emotional tension within his family, coupled with his fallout with Anna—which stands as his most significant setback—comes across as contrived and lacks the emotional depth to genuinely resonate with the audience.
Basil Joseph appears to have been cast mainly to attract his existing fan base, as his character’s impact on Nidhin’s journey is minimal. A brief pep talk from his character towards the end of the film does little to justify his presence. Similarly, Namitha Pramod, who plays a badminton coach, delivers an uninspired pep talk that does not add much to the narrative. On the other hand, Karthik Vishnu, who plays Nidhin’s close friend and sidekick, manages to bring some interest to his character’s arc.
A critical aspect of sports dramas is the depiction of the sport itself. Unfortunately, *Cup* fails to impress in this department as well.
. The badminton matches, which should be the heart and soul of the movie, are depicted with minimal effort. The lack of dramatic turns, tense moments, and engaging play makes these sequences uninspiring, leaving the audience disengaged.
In sports dramas, the thrill of competition and the emotional highs and lows faced by the athletes are pivotal in keeping the audience hooked. However, *Cup* falls short on all these fronts. It neither captures the essence of the sport it is portraying nor delves deeply into the emotional and social hurdles faced by the protagonist. The film’s narrative arc is too predictable and lacks any elements of surprise or suspense.
The pacing of the movie also leaves much to be desired. With scene after scene contributing little to the overall narrative, the film drags on, making it difficult for viewers to remain invested in Nidhin’s journey. There is an evident lack of cohesion in the screenplay, which jumps from one contrived obstacle to another without allowing the characters or the story to develop naturally.
Another major flaw lies in the film’s climax. Sports dramas often build up to a climactic showdown, be it a final match or a pivotal moment of personal victory. However, the final sequences in *Cup* are anti-climactic, offering no sense of closure or triumph. Instead of feeling uplifted, the audience is left drained and dissatisfied.
Despite having some capable actors and a premise that had potential, *Cup* is a disappointing entry in the sports drama genre. It fails to evoke the basic emotions that one expects from a film of this kind. The lackluster screenplay, uninspired performances, and poorly executed sports sequences contribute to a movie that, unfortunately, lacks any flair.
*Cup* is currently running in cinemas and might attract audiences due to the familiar faces in its cast, but it is unlikely to leave a lasting impact. Published on September 27, 2024, at 05:22 pm IST, this Malayalam cinema venture was anticipated by many but ultimately falls short of expectations. For those looking for an inspiring sports drama, *Cup* may not be the ideal choice.
