Maidaan Review: 3.5/5 : The sweat and blood on the turf during the Golden Era of Indian football (the 1950s and the 60s) earned the team the moniker “Brazilians of Asia.” While legends like Chuni Goswami, P. K. Banerjee, and Jarnail Singh brought home gold medals, Maidaan pays homage to Syed Abdul Rahim, hailed as the greatest football coach and manager India has ever seen.
In the final match between India and South Korea at the Asian Games 1962, Rahim (Ajay Devgn) motivates the footballers with a speech on the power of one. He emphasizes that while there will be 11 players on the field, it will be ‘one’ team. The whole cast and crew of the film mirror this sentiment.
Director Amit Ravindernath Sharma’s vision, Saiwyn Quadras’s screenplay, Tushar Kanti Ray’s breathtaking cinematography, and last but not least, A. R. Rahman’s soul-stirring soundtrack and background score make Maidaan as exciting as the FIFA finale matches.
The Story of Maidaan
Spanning from 1952 to 1962, the Maidaan chronicles the remarkable life of Syed Abdul Rahim. As the coach of the Indian national football team, Rahim’s unwavering commitment and vision transformed the team into a force to be reckoned with. Under his guidance, the Indian Football Team earned the moniker “Brazil of Asia,” playing in a dynamic 4-2-4 formation.
Despite societal obstacles, Rahim built a world-class team, handpicking the best talents and harnessing their prowess. His determination and leadership led India to win two gold medals at the 1951 Asian Games and the 1962 Asian Games. Notably, the Indian Football Team became Asia’s first-ever football team to qualify for the Semi Finals of the 1956 Summer Olympics.
Maidaan Review: A True Celebration of Indian Football and Its Giants
Maidaan captures the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphant moments of both Rahim and the Indian football team. It immerses viewers in the world of football, both on and off the field, without losing its grip on storytelling. The stunning cinematography by Tushar Kanti Ray and the recreation of intense match scenes by sports directors of photography Fyodor Lyass, Tassaduq Hussain, and Christopher Reed keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Ajay Devgn portrays Syed Abdul Rahim, becoming a larger-than-life figure despite his quiet, understated, dignified demeanor. The film immortalizes not only the beleaguered behemoth that the Indian football team was but also Rahim as a tactician and a revolutionary coach. His belief in India’s potential as a football giant resonates throughout the narrative.
The sports directors of photography, Fyodor Lyass, Tassaduq Hussain, and Christopher Reed, deserve special mention for recreating the intensity of the game that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
Maidaan is not just about football; it’s about resilience, passion, and the triumph of the human spirit. The film challenges social commentary by delving into personal journeys alongside on-field victories. It’s a 4.0/5 sports drama that will leave you cheering and moved throughout.
In summary, Maidaan is a must-watch for sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted film. Ajay Devgn’s performance kicks the ball out of the park, making this movie an authentic tribute to India’s football legacy.