Did you ever aspire to be a cricketer? How long did you hold on to your dream?
Dismissed as a gully cricketer who is deemed unfit for professional cricket, Pravin Tambe undertook a long and tiring journey, one where he kept striving and refused to give up. Kaun Pravin Tambe? is an inspirational ode to the cricketer and his journey.
Whether it’s a match or life, all you need is one good over, says Tambe's coach played by the wonderful Ashish Tripathi, in one of the scenes. The turmoil is real. More is the pressure to quit. But Tambe persists. In another scene, Tambe says ‘Cricket is my first love’, and continues to play local club matches while shifting jobs and fighting against socio-economic barriers. This quest to realize his dream keeps you hooked on the story as it leads to the fairytale climax.
The premise is simple. All Tambe wants is to play Ranji cricket. He makes it to the list of Ranji probable's but fails to cross the last hurdle every time. The movie distances itself from the reasons for the cricketer's helplessness, which comes as a major letdown.
There were other drawbacks too. In a story that is already riddled with challenges, the addition of a journalist (played by supremely talented Parambrata Chattopadhpadhyay) as an antagonist was unnecessary. The background music was uninspiring. Add to that the poorly shot and edited cricket matches. These might come as an obstacle to the otherwise engaging experience.
Shreyas Talpade is sincere in his portrayal of Tambe. He hits all the notes right. The ease with which he transforms into the character, depicting an array of emotions is a testament to his incredible craft as an actor. Look out for the scene where his character grieves in isolation after losing all hopes of playing nationals. It is sure to give you goosebumps. The supporting actors commend Talpade well and elevate the overall emotion of the movie.
Also read: The Missing Prize
Final Thoughts
Director Jayprad Desai and writer Kiran Yadnyopavit make a statement in the guise of asking a question, that human spirit, perseverance and hardwork possess the ability to trump all external factors. It's not just reserved for textbooks but is a reality.
Making his debut with the 2013 season of the IPL at the age of 41, Tambe achieved what everyone thought was improbable. But the movie is not about the destination. It's about the journey, imparting a simple message - Never give up on your dreams. Dreams do come true.
The film is available to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar.
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