Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Year: 2013
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor, Yograj Singh, Pavan Malhotra

As a director, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra had given us a brilliant film in Rang De Basanti. Even though he later faltered in Delhi 6, still even that film was a proof that as a director he did his things differently. So when Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was announced, it evoked immediate interest. A biopic on India’s most recognized athlete- the ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh, a man who won gold medals at Asian and Commonwealth games; broke the existing world record in 400 meters race and came agonizingly close to winning an Olympic medal. Now that was quite an exciting prospect. Yes, the choice of Farhan Akhtar to play Milkha was a bit of a surprise and I wasn’t quite sure whether the film-maker-cum-singer-cum-actor would pull that off.

With these thoughts in my mind, I walked into the theatre. So how did the film fare?

What’s the plot?

The film begins with 1960 Rome Olympics, where Milkha Singh, widely expected to win the 400 meters race, makes a crucial mistake and loses out on a medal. From his most famous sporting failure, the story moves back and forth in flashbacks and reveals Milkha’s checkered life-story. A victim of Partition’s mindless violence, Milkha saw his family being butchered. Somehow he managed to escape from his now Pakistan-based village and came to Delhi along with the hordes of the displaced refugees. As a youngster he started off as a small-time street gangster. Joining the army proved to be a blessing in disguise as there he chose to become a runner, not for the love of sport but just to get the luxury of a glass of milk along with 2 raw eggs! His natural athletic talent was recognized and honed by coaches and it also got a boost from his hard work, dedication and never-say-die spirit. But the road to becoming the legendary ‘Flying Sikh’ wasn’t easy! So how did he overcome the obstacles on that road?

What’s hot?

·         The story inspired by Milkha Singh’s life makes a compelling viewing.

·         The film spares no effort in creating authentic period feel and the sports arena feel. The settings and cinematography are brilliant.

·         Farhan Akhtar answers the doubters and delivers a superb performance. The way he has transformed himself – in terms of his looks and physicality- is astonishing. He looks every inch an athlete and perfectly embodies Milkha’s spirit.

·         Master Jabtej Singh is excellent in Mikha’s childhood role.

·         Sonam Kapoor looks good but otherwise has little to do.

·         Yograj Singh and Pavan Malhotra as the athletics coaches; Prakash Raj as the army trainer and Divya Dutta as Milkha’s sister leave their mark.

·         Shankar-Ehsan-Loy’s music is colorful and peppy and it adds dash to some zingy dance sequences.

What’s not?

·         More than three hours long, the film is way too lengthy and loses momentum at many places, especially in the second half.

·         Some songs and scenes could easily have been chopped off to make the film shorter and crisper.

Verdict

Whether to focus on the legendary personality’s professional achievements or to delve into his personal life, that’s the classic dilemma for any biopic. Rakeysh Mehra and Prasoon Joshi (who wrote the story and lyrics for the film) largely succeed in painting a well-balanced picture of Mikha’s life and career. By opting for a song-and-dance filled, larger-than-life, melodramatic portrayal, they surely make the film more palatable to the masses but in the process also slightly dilute the sports-centric theme.

Still Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a film deserving applause – not only for its many cinematic positives but for the way it makes millions of today’s viewers aware of an almost forgotten sporting hero’s trials, tribulations and triumphs.

Personal tragedies, tough training, jealous competitors, public criticism, outside greener pastures… a true sportsman has to overcome many obstacles to reach the winning glory. But with hard work, dedication and self-motivation, everything can be conquered. The underlying message in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is strong and inspiring!