'Sachin - A Billion Dreams' movie review: A fan's delight

Do yourself a favour this weekend and watch his biopic

For every Indian, if cricket is religion, Sachin Tendulkar is the God. He is one of the greatest players of our time and the film is a memorable narrative of his life.
Unlike the recent films on cricketers like Azhar or M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, this film doesn't rely on any Bollywood actor for its storytelling. You have the master blaster on the 70 mm screen sharing his story with us, in what feels like a heart-to-heart conversation.

Sachin: A Billion Dreams tracks the story of Sachin's brother identifying his calling for cricket and getting him enrolled with the coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park. The film touches upon the challenges in his career, like his first international debut against Pakistan as a 16-year-old, accepting the captaincy only to be removed unceremoniously, the match-fixing scandal, his failing health and many more. It is a story of passion and true determination as you see him bounce back each time, like a true hero!

How can we forget the triumphs and achievements after his comeback in the early 2000s as he sealed his position by pocketing 100 centuries in international cricket and won the World Cup in 2011 - a dream he cherished for 22 years of his career. You can't help but feel emotional and may be shed a tear a two as you see the men in blue on the ground, holding the World Cup with A.R. Rahman's 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' playing in the background. It certainly makes one nostalgic.

What makes the movie endearing is a peek into his private life like his love story, footage from his wedding, the birth of his two children and the special bond he shares with his father. The footage might be blurry at times, but you don't mind as it engrosses you.

He might not be an actor but engages you with his story-telling and it's impossible to be unmoved with his disappointments and achievements. You will be overwhelmed with emotions when you see the clip of him giving the retirement speech in 2013.
Sachin: A Billion Dreams will make you feel patriotic in places and it is one of those films that make you leave the theaters with a smile.

So, do yourself a favour and watch the movie this weekend. We promise you - your 2 hours, 20 minutes will be totally worth it.

Starring: Sachin Tendulkar
Directed by: James Erskine
Rating: 4/5
Now playing at theaters in the UAE