'Ghoomer' review: Unique sports drama deserves applause

THOSE who have seen previous films of writer/director R Balki will know he always puts a unique spin on Bollywood stories, with films like Cheeni Kum, Paa and Shamitabh.

The maverick filmmaker has done the same with perhaps the most unique sports drama ever made in Hindi cinema.

Talented young sportswoman Anina (Saiyami Kher) dreams of playing for the Indian cricket team and gets selected as a batter, but then through a series of unfortunate circumstances, she has an accident and loses an arm. The devastated young woman then finds hope from an alcoholic, failed former player Paddy (Abhishek Bachchan), who hatches a plan to train her as a world-class bowler. After reconciling with Paddy being partly responsible for her accident, Anina goes on an incredible journey to play for the national team.

The idea of getting a disabled woman to train for an able-bodied cricket team is one of the most progressive themes to have appeared in a Hindi film in recent years.

The engrossing story has a uniqueness to keep audiences engaged until the emotion filled finale. A career-best performance from Saiyami Kher sees her convincingly portray a determined young woman coming back from the brink.

She shows deep emotion, a great physical presence and versatility in the multi-layered role. Abhishek Bachchan delivers a powerful turn in a role that enables him to show off his range as an actor, as he brilliantly portrays an unlikeable man, who eventually makes a positive difference.

What prevents the original story from reaching greater heights is writing that becomes predictable and at times over emotional. More believability could have been added with some simple changes and the music should have been better. That doesn’t stop Ghoomer from being a film that deserves to be applauded for being brave enough to do things differently.