• Shashwat Sisodia
    Shashwat Sisodia
    300 reviews
    Top Reviewer
    7

    'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' promises less- an untold story. And it is so effectively told that you practically know that each frame next is going to get amazing and an uplifting experience. The cricket bits, especially, and the crisp conversations between Dhoni and the eastern railways ticket collection head Animesh Ganguly are especially inspiring.
    Fresh, entertaining and motivating to move on, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story effectively captures the screenplay and enhances the performances. Thankfully, Sushant Singh Rajput looks and acts exactly like Dhoni. The girls are not given to do much, but that's totally okay, since the biopic talks about them in good amount. But you have to admit it's tad overlong, and Neeraj Pandey the director is to be accused.
    But the film makes for its flaws in a smart way. The emotional highs are ultimately lowered by the flat sitcom-style emoting, but you feel this emotions depite their artifice. Every unnecessary narrative has a yummy backstory backup. I am going with a 3.5 for 'Dhoni biopic'. It's an ultimately winning film which deserves being watched.

    September 27, 19
  • Ajay lawyer
    Ajay lawyer
    85 reviews
    Top Reviewer
    9

    wow beutiful life story,enjoy alot

    July 24, 17
  • Shree Hari H
    Shree Hari H
    19 reviews
    Senior Reviewer
    6

    When I first heard that director Neeraj Pandey was making a biopic on a man who’s widely regarded as the greatest ever captain to have served Indian cricket, I couldn’t help but wonder if he had got his timing disastrously wrong.
    Dhoni, after all, continues to serve the national team in all limited overs formats, and a film of this nature would probably have been better served if it delayed its production until the point when he, as is inevitable, walks into a glorious sunset – one that’s destined to remain unparalleled in its magisterial beauty.
    This skepticism, however, was dispelled when I watched MS Dhoni: The Untold Story.
    Pandey, after all, is the man who made the wonderful A Wednesday, and his magic touch remains intact.
    The film remains effective for the most part, thanks in large measure to the incredible life story that it addresses with an almost reverential eye for detail.
    The best parts of the film are those that underline Dhoni’s struggles as a young man, and the many difficult decisions that he had to make over the course of his rather dramatic life.
    Sushant Singh Rajput is excellent as Dhoni – he brings a much-needed touch of vulnerability to a man whose aura, to this day, remains one of calmness and detachment.
    If there’s one major grouse I had with the film though, it’s the fact that the treatment of its source material remains largely soap-operatic in nature.
    Indeed, the film is replete with caricatures- ones that are painted in the broadest of strokes.
    MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is a solid, watchable film that deserves to be celebrated for the perennially uplifting theme that it highlights: the classical rise of the underdog.
    There’s no denying this fact though: Captain Cool deserved a little better.

    January 12, 17
  • Saheb Abdullah
    Saheb Abdullah
    82 reviews
    Top Reviewer
    7

    Sushant does a great job so as Neeraj in this lengthy biopic

    November 26, 16
  • Pranay Jalvi
    Pranay Jalvi
    39 reviews
    Top Reviewer
    7

    The film is a must watch for every cricket lover because it aptly tells the tale of an extraordinary man. The struggles are real and so is Sushant's acting. There isn't any shocking revelation, just inspiration and determination of a born talent who along with right people by his side, became the legendary captain.You have to give credit to Neeraj Pandey to keep it intriguing enough for you to get hooked throughout the three hours. Although it could have focused more on Dhoni's rise through the years instead of his personal life, but that doesn't let the movie down.Tight screenplay and good performances makes this one a good watch. I go with 3.5/5 for Dhoni's biopic directed by Neeraj Pandey.

    November 20, 16
  • Devesh Pandey
    Devesh Pandey
    2 reviews
    Member
    10

    MS Dhoni : The Untold Story is one of the most amazing sports bipics ever made!I loved it from the start to he end and there wasn;t a dull moment despite the 190 minutes duration!Sushant Singh Rajput's hardwork and determination is shining in the movie and he is the gem of the movie.His performance stands out and maybe is the best performance till now for this year in Hindi Cinema.Disha Patani and Kiara Advani also look hot which is probably the only role given to them.The story covers all the parts of MSD's life and has given us an insight view into the struggle for the career MSD has and the determination he had to show despite all his failures and family pressure on him. Neeraj Pandey's direction is absolutely amazing as always and the music too doesn't stop the pace of the movie due to its beauty. Besabriyaan, Kaun Tujhe and Phir Kabhi are excellent track and the theme track also goes along the scene taking place in the movie.Its Visual Appeal is very strong and accept a storm at the Box Office!

    October 29, 16
  • Aniket Parihar
    Aniket Parihar
    23 reviews
    Senior Reviewer
    6

    A film engaging, gripping and an enthralling venture about the Mega star M.S Dhoni’s life’s obstacles, endeavours, and luckily the obsessions.

    In Ranchi, a boy is born – Mahi, his nick name, in his teens, plays cricket. He single-mindedly tries to focus only on his game and thereupon slowly but steadily he progresses so much through his way that he creates mileposts, brings laurels, and is highly praised by each and every person. He then gets through his biggest achievement by winning the 2011 World Cup as the Indian Team’s Captain. And the plot in the middle mainly describes about his struggles, hard work, ups and downs, love, and the winning.

    Dhoni’s character has been played very well and precisely by Sushant, who does correspond to Dhoni’s peculiar quality, skills, and attributes. Priyanka(Disha) and Sakshi(Kiran) are his love interests. Unfortunately, Priyanka dies and he marries Sakshi. Anupam plays Dhoni’s father, who is always concerned about his son’s future but later on he is happy to have Dhoni as his son.

    This is a film that teaches us how to go for your interests. Inside everyone there is a curiosity to do something prodigious. Not only a man like Dhoni can gain success but many can also. What’s needed is the relentless mind and sincerity. Just make a go for something and see what happens.

    Overall, the film is an enjoyable theatrical obligation for all cricket fans and is a presentation that constantly inculcates laborious signs and exertions.

    October 10, 16
  • Lasit Roy
    Lasit Roy
    32 reviews
    Top Reviewer
    4

    Well, I'm not a cricket fan but I'm being liberal here. The Untold Stories has nothing much to flash lights on Dhoni's character. A biopic on a famous Indian cricketer M.S. Dhoni. The Untold Stories are not enough to complete his biopic. The cricket background is good, credit goes to Neeraj Pandey for this but as a whole I can say, not a satisfied biopic of a sport person. Anupam Kher played his role of a typical Indian father who is always concerned for wellbeing of his son M.S. Dhoni. Loved his performance. The leading man, Rajput is good as well playing Dhoni. Average.

    October 06, 16
  • Midhun Ben Thomas (Dilseben)
    Midhun Ben Thomas (Dilseben)
    160 reviews
    Top Reviewer
    7

    Cricket, the game which holds the nation together & which is like a religion in the sub-continent holds an unfair advantage in the region much to the chagrin of lovers of other sports. Being a sports buff, I pretty much follow most of the sports with unbridled enthusiasm but Cricket remains my favourite though I admit we need to give as much support & respect to Champs of other sports. It might seem like an absolute waste of time with hardly anything happening for long periods of time to many of the detractors. But once you love the game, even Tests can be engrossing; maybe check out the Kolkata Test which has Kiwis on the ropes & you will understand what I mean. Over the years, we had many legends in the game & one name which will be added to that list by the time he hangs his boots will be our Captain Cool aka M S Dhoni. In recent times, we had a couple of biopics on sports icons such as Milkha, Mary Kom, Azhar etc . So when a biopic on MS was announced & that too by the talented Neeraj Pandey, I was eagerly waiting to check it out. Will it be able to give an insight on how Captain Cool thinks & handles the challenging situations???

    As it is well known to most of the cricket lovers, MS hails from Ranchi & the movie is about his journey from that small town to the pinnacle of Indian cricket. Dhoni was the goalkeeper of his school & during one of the practise sessions , he catches the eyes of the school's cricketing coach, Bannerjee (Rajesh Sharma) who sees his potential as a wicket-keeper & coaxes him into taking up the game. His father, Pan Singh Dhoni (Anupam Kher) was the pump operator in MECON who just like any other father wanted his son to concentrate on his studies as he believed sports cannot become a form of reliable livelihood. However his sister Jayanti Gupta (Bhumika Chawla), mother & close buddies supported his passion for cricket. In due time, his exploits with the bat becomes known far & wide.But his promotion to the Indian team was still a distant dream. How he makes that big leap from Ranji to the most successful Indian Captain forms the subsequent portions of the movie.

    Neeraj Pandey is a director who needs no introduction courtesy of his excellent movies "A Wednesday", "Special 26" & "Baby". Even his latest venture, he has done utmost justice as it emotionally connects with the audience due to the authenticity it imparts in its execution. The first half was fantastic as it captures the struggles of MS extremely well & also the influence of his friends & family who does whatever is possible from their side to support his growth as a player. But the second half was were the efforts of Neeraj Pandey & Dilip Jha as writers was disappointing as they chose to just eulogize the highs of Dhoni with absolutely no mention of the controversies be it IPL or equation with certain players with whom there is said to be animosity. Apart from a fleeting mention of the dropping of the seniors prior to the Commonwealth series in Australia, there is also no insight provided into what makes him Captain Cool in crunch situations or the dressing room interactions ; all of which was expected after all there was emphasis on the phrase "The Untold Story" in the title. Inspite of this, it's still a cracking movie which keeps us hooked till MS hoists that famous 6 into the stands & wins the World Cup. All the technical aspects were top notch be it Santhosh Thundiyil's visuals, the impressive CGI & catchy BGM. However, Shree Narayanan ought to have done a better job with the editing while the songs though fine proved to be speed breakers.

    There is no doubt that the film has been well crafted but one of the prime reasons for that is the excellent performance of the artists who were aptly chosen,so kudos to the casting team for that. Sushant Singh was brilliant as MS in all aspects be it the calm restrained demeanor, his body language or typical Dhoni shots. As Dhoni said in one of the promotions, it seems Sushant is actually better than some of the Ranji players; I guess he is going to be the most sought after star in the next season of CCL. As for the rest, it is hard to pin-point as each one has done their part really well such as the ones who essayed the role of Dhoni's friends, Rajesh Sharma, Anupam Kher, Bhumika Chawla etc. Among the female leads, Disha Patani was fantastic while Kiara Advani as Sakshi was fine.

    Verdict: The film has all the makings of a blockbuster not to mention Captain Cool has one of the biggest fan following in the country. Neeraj has showcased the journey of MS extremely well though he chose to focus on only the high points of MS's career which was kinda disappointing. But there is no denying that the film is both engaging & inspirational at the same time making it an enjoyable experience for the audience.In short, do check it out!!!

    Rating: 3.5/5

    Regards...Ben

    October 02, 16
  • Tejas Nair
    Tejas Nair
    258 reviews
    Top Reviewer
    4

    Director Neeraj Pandey has given us some good thrillers in the last few years, but this contrived biographical film about a cricketer raises the point that he should stick to thrillers.



    Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Sushant Singh Rajput) is a young man who is from an economically poor background and lives with his family in Ranchi. After having picked up by his school's cricket coach for wicket-keeping, Mahendra is exposed to the depths of cricket. When he realizes that he is good at it, Mahendra decides to take it up seriously, albeit at his father's (Anupam Kher) disappointment who thinks people who choose sports as a career are losers. The narrative then takes up a coming-of-age setup and showcases Mahendra's journey as he lands a job with Indian Railways and consequently plays for the national cricket team.



    The film is essentially a combination of peacock sequences to entice a gullible fan. With more than three hours of running time, the stretches of sequences that outline Mahendra's "journey of struggle" are hardly believable, because it feeds its audience with content that they want to see. There's not a single uncomfortable moment in the film, and biopics are confirmed failures when they do not explore the entirety of the topic in question. The film bites off more than it can chew and tries to encapsulate the whole decades-long life of the cricketer, conveniently written to cover the topics already in the public domain. For instance, Mahendra's unenthusiastic bout as a railway ticket collector is sampled at length, when there were more interesting periods that could have been covered. Further, since it's also a Bollywood film, the romance quotient was high when the plot introduces Mahendra's love interests, simultaneously trying to induce sentimentality somewhere along.



    A perfect example of how biopics, and not documentaries, are made is how Danny Boyle pulled off Steve Jobs' story in his 2015 Academy Award-nominated film. That film chronicled the man's life story in a peculiar way and succeeded at it. Here, the blame is on director Pandey who chose to chronicle the whole story and stick with a formulaic approach where the final product looks like a lavish gourmet dish. As an informed viewer, one wants to see the negative and positive sides of a star in the making, and this film offers neither, not even partially. It's only intention is to showcase a contrived and ridiculously manipulated life-story of a sportsman who is known only in a certain niche, as is also evident from the perspective of a notable character in the film.



    Therefore, it is not a biography, but a hagiography created only to give a final adieu to the real life personality's fame which is inching towards its exhaustion. Additionally, one has all the evidence to prove that propaganda is at aggravated play here, because of the spotlight decipherment of the central character's alleged wrong notes with a colleague. So, is this a plot to hit the ice? Maybe, but a very wicked medium for that.



    Rajput manages to maneuver his character with ease, but his expressions seemed to come in between the play. His hard-work is, however, ubiquitous, and that must be lauded. Leading ladies do not have much to say or play, as they are used as puppets, Bollywood style. Anupam Kher is the only person in the whole film whose actions come out as natural. The use of formula is apparent in almost all filmmaking factors, except for the terrible CGI. And if I start listing all the commercial brands mentioned in the film, I could write an essay and stand last in a competition.



    Finally, the film only uses the good points so as to etch a spot in the cinematic history of a man who is assumed to be a rock-star in his field. Sure, the international cricket matches are a testament to that, but if cinema is used as a platform to blatantly advertise the enemies of Andy Warhol, then I'm personally sorry that it is doomed. No wonder the film slyly tries to compare another cricketer with an imaginary being, for there's a film about him coming up, too.



    All said and done, the film is perfect for a cricket fanatic who puts his/her own life behind the game, only to revere the players. And, unless the people and the country decide to pay less attention to it and the dramatic madness attached, things WILL stay the same.



    BOTTOM LINE: Neeraj Pandey's "M S Dhoni: The Untold Story" neither explores the untold territory nor goes into detail about the unpleasant attributes of the personality's life. It's a controlled account of a man who hopes to vindicate himself, make himself part of cinematic history, and salvage his dwindling popularity - all at the cost of mocking himself. Wait for TV premiere.



    Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

    October 01, 16
  • Bindu Cherungath
    Bindu Cherungath
    126 reviews
    Top Reviewer
    8

    M. S. Dhoni: The Untold Story is a biopic by Neeraj Pandey on M.S. Dhoni, one of the successful cricket captain which our country has seen. The film hits a smashing Sixer. Neeraj Pandey has a sure shot blockbuster in his kitty after his much critically acclaimed films A Wednesday, Special 26, and Baby. Neeraj Pandey has certainly made a very spectacular film on M. S. Dhoni’s life, right from his birth to India winning World Cup in 2011. As the punch line of the film in the official posters is mentioned, this is a film about ‘The man you know… the journey you don’t). In spite of its 190 minutes long duration, the film keeps one glued to the screen with its fast-paced 1st half. The second half does become a bit slow, but overall the film is well-paced. Every frame makes you feel wanting to get M. S. Dhoni’s journey to be unraveled on screen. The film does show almost all the major matches of M. S. Dhoni’s life, which were decisive in shaping his career. One of the beautiful aspect of the film is that technically the real footages of these matches are very well merged with Sushant’s shots. It appears as if, one is reliving all those moments of victories and pride once again through the film. Sushant Singh Rajput is incredibly convincing and excellent in his role as M. S. Dhoni. It is a film which will be loved by cricket lovers as well as cricket non-lovers.
    The film begins with the footages of 2011 World Cup. The audience gets to see the back side of the captain Dhoni (Sushant Singh Rajput) watching the live match on TV monitor in the dressing room. While he watches a wicket fall, he decides to promote himself up in the batting order to bat next, wears his Number 7 jersy and walks into the field amidst huge cheering from the spectators in the stadium. Yes, it was the final match of the World Cup between India and Sri Lanka, where Dhoni finished the match in style with a sixer and led Indian team to win World Cup after a period of 28 years.
    Dhoni’s story unfolds on screen, right from his birth in Ranchi. He used to love football as a child, especially as a goalkeeper and even when he was asked whether he would prefer to learn and play cricket, he shrugged the idea itself since he felt that what good sport it would be with small balls. His father Pan Singh Dhoni (Anupam Kher) is a pump operator, who as usual parents is very protective about his children’s studies. Dhoni has an elder sister Jayanti (Bhumika Chawla). His mother is a simple housewife, mostly plays the role of a mediator between children and husband.
    Rajesh Sharma essays the role of KR Banerjee, who sees the talent in Dhoni, when he watches Dhoni goalkeeping. He does persuade Dhoni to be a wicketkeeper and try cricket. That is where Banerjee’s journey as a coach to master-striker Dhoni started. Although initially he gave Dhoni more opportunities to be a wicket keeper, later he recognizes Dhoni’s potential in striking the ball.
    The film takes us through Dhoni’s journey from playing for clubs to his matches as part of Junior Cricket Team in Bihar, Bihar Cricket Team, Jharkhand Cricket Team to ultimately playing for India. Both his ODI and Test Career are also part of this film. His journey also included his job stint as Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) at Kharagpur Railway Station.
    The film also shares how his friends Santosh (Kranti Prakash Jha), Chittu (Alok Pandey), Sandip Nahar and Jitin Gulati are there as great pillars of support.
    The second half of the film moves to Dhoni’s personal life, love, marriage. That is where, Disha Patani as Priyanka Jha and Kiara Advani as Sakshi enters the scene. Of course, the love story of Dhoni and Sakshi is known, but who is Priyanka, and how she is part of Dhoni’s untold story is to be seen.
    There are many moments in the film, which would give you goosebumps, be it Dhoni’s smashing performances on-field, or his resilience off-field. He is shown to be very focused towards his sport and he also gets frustrated from within, but very much restrained in expressing the same, when he feels that he is neither able to do justice to his job nor to his sport. His mental strength at many occasions are shown in the film.
    Small details about him is also shown in the film, be it his requesting mother to buy him Sachin Tendulkar’s poster, asking his friend Santosh not to drink and waste life, his humility in meeting an old colleague after getting the success, family and friends watching his matches etc.
    Dhoni’s confidence reflects in one of his conversation with his school team’s captain Shabbir Hussain (Ashrut Jain). Dhoni, while walking to the field and looking at the score board with a huge target to achieve, asks Shabbir, whether he can do it if he gives him the strike. Shabbir says that he would try. Dhoni says: If it has to be tried, I might as well try it myself.
    There are lot of moments in the film, which talks about Dhoni’s persistence, focus, decisiveness etc.

    Sushant Singh Rajput marvels in his role as M. S. Dhoni. He has done complete justice to the role. His mannerisms, his strokes, his attitude, his body language, trademark shots etc. clubbed with real footages would make you feel and believe that you are actually watching the real Dhoni on screen.

    Anupam Kher is good as his father. Most of the parents would be able to relate with his character where the percentage in the report card matters more than anything else, and he was no different. But then, he also becomes a support system for Dhoni.

    Bhumika as Dhoni’s sister is also good.

    Four friends Kranti Prakash Jha, Alok Pandey, Sandip Nahar and Jitin Gulati would certainly win your hearts, as they extend unconditional support to Dhoni.

    The film does have other actors viz. Kumud Mishra, Rajesh Sharma, Ashrut Jain, Herry Tangri and a few others who have also given very much noticeable performances.

    Girls Kiara Advani and Disha Patani have small roles, but they are looking pretty on screen and have given good performances.

    Music is good. The songs ‘Besabriyaan….’ ‘Kaun tujhe yoon pyar karega….’, ‘Jab tak tujhe beintehaan pyar se…’, ‘Fir Kabhi ….’ are melodious.


    Certain aspects which has been conveniently skipped without detailing are the controversies attached with Dhoni during his journey, his tiff with some of the senior players, his shrewd decisions to give importance to fitness of the players than their seniority etc.
    M. S. Dhoni: The Untold Story hits a smashing Sixer. Sushant Singh Rajput is incredibly convincing and excellent in his role as M. S. Dhoni. Neeraj Pandey has a sure shot blockbuster in his kitty. Sushant’s mannerisms, his strokes, his attitude, his body language, trademark shots etc. clubbed with real footages would make you feel and believe that you are actually watching the real Dhoni on screen. Go and watch this film and relive all those moments of victories and pride which Dhoni has given us.

    September 30, 16
  • Ravi Kumar Yadav
    Ravi Kumar Yadav
    1 review
    Member
    10

    If u are mahi fan you wil love it.... If u are not u will still love it.

    September 30, 16
  • Jainesh Shah
    Jainesh Shah
    1 review
    Member
    10

    it's an amzing movie!! thanxx to MSD for give an inspiration through the movie to young youth of Indian and movie is classic,fabulous!!!!

    September 30, 16
  • Siddheshwar andhalkar
    Siddheshwar andhalkar
    1 review
    Member
    10

    awesome sushant is so convencing

    September 30, 16
  • Harshpreet Singh
    Harshpreet Singh
    1 review
    Member
    8

    An fantabulous from my point of view

    September 30, 16
  • Bhaswat Mandal
    Bhaswat Mandal
    1 review
    Member
    9

    The movie starts with the 2011 wc final nd then shows from Dhoni's birth. In the first half you will see tge struggle of MS to get into team India. The second half deals with his lovestory and success. Overall it is very well crafted movie. You will love it if you are a cricket fan and if you are not you will start loving cricket. The theatre hall turned into a stadium for the 3 odd hrs. Lastly I would like to say that critics are giving bad reviews and thinking that they are doing good job but they are basically chutiyas so don't let them affect you. Just go and watch it today only and take my words it will make you cheer make you laugh and make you cry also. In one word you will paisa aur time dono vasool hoga. And it will be an unforgettable expeeience.

    September 30, 16
  • Kumar Aansh
    Kumar Aansh
    1 review
    Member
    9

    Goosebumps.. inspiration biopic.. sad about priyanka..

    September 30, 16
  • Ayush kumar
    Ayush kumar
    1 review
    Member
    10

    Fantastic movie loved it soooo much

    September 30, 16
  • Vimal Patidar
    Vimal Patidar
    1 review
    Member
    10

    #the roar #DHONI DHONI DHONI DHONI #gossebumps. # acting is class #the line @ Dhoni funishes of things in style with a magnificent six into the crowd #India lifts the worldcup.
    Outstanding movie and no doubt this will be movie of the year.......#hats NEERAJ PANDEY

    September 30, 16
  • Sonu On
    Sonu On
    1 review
    Member
    9

    well direction...neeraj pandey.again....a fantastic movie...again...well acted by..Shushant..amazing...and...m.s.dhoni..also....one..nd.only.....great..movie...

    September 30, 16