83: Movie review

 Being an ardent Cricket and Sports buff, I couldn't miss one. 

83 takes you back to the time when the Indian Cricket Team won their maiden world cup against the mighty West Indies, under the leadership of Kapil Dev. With players like Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd and Michael Holding, West Indies were the clear favourites of the tournament.  The film showcases the trials and tribulations of the Indian Cricket Team, their journey as underdogs and a team that never wins. Even their initial victories are considered as luck by chance. Right from the commentators, to sports critics and even the spectators. In the form of smirks, snide remarks, sarcastic digs or even a little boy's innocent remark stating how his father refuses to spend money on tickets as the team never wins. The viewers are immediately acquainted with the impression that the Indian team is easily dismissed and not taken seriously. 

The film immerses you into the world of cricket-the camarderie between the team players, their diverse backgrounds, the dressing room dynamics, the sleding onfield, the captain's motivating words and his leadership that changes the attitude of the team. Besides being a story of a team, its also a story of an inspring leadership of a captain who believed that faith could move mountains. The scene when he addresses the press conference with a firm "we are here to win" sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Kapil Dev clearly meant business and he showcases it in his stoic manner. 

I was two years old and could not witness the frenzy of the wrld cup win. Watching it on big screen felt like I was time travelling. The actors played their parts to perfection and I felt as though I was watching Sunil gavaskar, Cheeka and Mohindar Amarnath playing those matches. The lead actor Ranveer Singh deserves an applause.  He actually feels like Kapil Paaji in his speech and mannerisms in every reel. Right from his gait to his batting form. 

Sports biopics tend to elicit a lot of emotions. And this one was no exception. You cheer for his team when they seal their first victory against the mighty West Indies, you applaud his captains knock of 175 not out against Zimbabwe in a do or die match. You clap till your hands hurt for every boundary or a sixer. You cry with the team when they lose. You laugh at their gimmicks outside the field. You feel inspired at the Captain's words when they put up a low score of 183 in the finals. He says, 183 is enough if we fight for every run and do not let them score. And the rest is history. 

Watching 83 felt like a riding on a roller coaster with those bitter sweet moments, laughter, tears and elation at having tasted success. There isnt a dull moment in the film. Such is the brilliant direction by Kabir Khan. I was lucky enough to watch a world cup victory in 2011 when India beat Sri Lanka at Wankhede. What a moment. The entire country was on the streets. I can imagine what it must have felt like in 83. One of the biggest takeaways from this film is to have faith in yoir own strength even if the world ridicules you. It can take you to places. This film deserves a standing ovation and is a must watch for every sports enthusiast.