Film Review: Priyanka Chopra packs a punch in 'Mary Kom'

Director:  Omang Kumar

Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Darshan Kumaar, Sunil Thapa

Rating: ***

What it's about:

No prizes for guessing. It is dramatized version of Indian boxer Mary Kom. Her journey, her victory and her life story of sorts. Her story is not over yet. 

Also Read: 5 reasons why 'Mary Kom' is a must watch

What's good:

My favourite thing about the film is the genre. Sports, more than biopic. There are so few sports films made here (Chak De! Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Hip Hip Hooray), and I think it should be applauded and encouraged. We celebrate American sports films based on real people (Rush, Blind Side, the Fighter, The Million Dollar Arm) so why shouldn't we celebrate our own heroes? And Mary is a hero, no doubt. As is Priyanka Chopra, who delivers a career-best performance. if you wondered if the dainty girl who played a Supermodel in Fashion can transform into a national-level boxer, let me assure you, she does that quite easily. The test of the performance being in the fact that she owns the role. Now you cannot imagine any other actress pulling off this role with so much gusto. Mary Kom has a brilliant supporting cast. From Mary's parents, to the trainer (Sunil Thapa) to her husband (Darshan Kumaar)  It needs to be said that Mary Kom is not a film about boxing, it is so much more. It is the story of a girl's dream, her struggles with herself, her father, the boxing federation and finally as a mother who has to constantly choose between the sport and her babies.    

What's not:

Sometimes the film is better than the actor, sometimes the actor is better than the film. In Mary Kom, the film lets down the actors. The first half of the film drags. The songs slow the film down further and the climax designed to create tension, ends up creating frustration. The final match itself had enough going or it, rather than adding the whole hospital drama to it.

What to do:

Watch the film for PC. She packs a punch. A performance like that deserves to be seen.