As the nation’s cricket frenzy is at its peak with the IPL in full swing, a new inspiring tale emerges from the sidelines, capturing the essence of Indian Football with the film ‘Maidaan’. Set in the backdrop of the 1950s and 60s, this film strips away the contemporary association of India’s sporting glories with cricket, taking us to a time before cricket became synonymous with national pride following the historic 1983 Prudential Cup victory.
‘Maidaan’, directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma and produced by Boney Kapoor, introduces the audience to Syed Abdul Rahim, portrayed by Ajay Devgn—a coach whose legacy has been left in the shadows of history. Rahim, an enigmatic and revolutionary sports figure, sought to elevate Indian football to new heights despite the era’s overwhelming odds. With a story replete with struggle, determination, and a passion for the game, ‘Maidaan’ scores a poignant goal in retelling the triumphs of Rahim, particularly India’s victory at the 1962 Asian Games.
Ajay Devgn’s nuanced performance as SA Rahim reflects the coach’s steady resolve and revolutionary strategies which clashed with the conservative and corrupt sporting establishment. Rahim’s character, driven by socialist and secular values, sought to form a team based purely on talent, disregarding the prevalent nepotism and biases. The film captures a poignant moment when Rahim reminds his players that on the field, despite their diverse backgrounds, they stand united as one—India. This particular sentiment echoes the inspirational coach Kabir Khan, famously played by Shahrukh Khan in ‘Chak De! India’, highlighting that the shadow of politics and corruption in sports persists even today.
The cast comprises Priyamani as SA Rahim’s wife Runa, providing the grounding force behind her husband’s gritty struggle against adversity. Her portrayal of quiet resilience adds emotional depth to the narrative, while Boman Irani and Keerthy Suresh add weight to the film’s cast. However, SA’s most significant challenge is the character of Roy Choudhury, an influential journalist whose relentless criticism and opposition, played effectively by Gajraj Rao, epitomizes the obstacles faced by Rahim.
Despite its engaging storyline, the film does not shy away from its pitfalls. With a lengthy runtime of three hours, ‘Maidaan’ at times suffers from a languid pace and could benefit from tighter editing to reconcile loose narrative strands. Nonetheless, this does not significantly detract from the film’s overall impact.
The appeal of ‘Maidaan’ lies in its portrayal of sports as not merely a game but a mirror to life itself. The rollercoaster of emotions experienced in defeat and victory lends a universal appeal to the film. It serves as a testament to the unyielding spirit of sportspeople and, in this case, one man’s unwavering commitment.
Overall, ‘Maidaan’ is more than just a compelling watch; it is a much-needed celebration of the lesser-known chapters of Indian sports and the heroes who shaped them. Through highlighting the endurance and dedication of SA Rahim, the film reminds us that victory on the field is not just about scoring goals but also overcoming the entrenched barriers of the society and system. So does ‘Maidaan’ earn a viewing? Absolutely. It is the kind of sports drama that embodies the endurance of the human spirit, whether on the sports field or the larger playing field of life.
For those eager to witness the intersection of history, sports, and drama, the trailer underscores the film’s promise as an engaging, thought-provoking journey into Indian sports history—a story that deserves its time in the limelight.
