Captain is a 2018 Indian Malayalam-language biographical sports drama film written and directed by Prajesh Sen, in his directorial debut. The film is an inspiring journey into the life and times of the legendary Indian professional football player, VP Sathyan. The film which is a tribute to one of India's most remarkable footballers, stars versatile actor Jayasurya, in the lead role and the beautiful Anu Sithara, as his on-screen wife.

The film starts by painting a picture of the early life of VP Sathyan in Kerala. The narrative mainly pans through three significant periods of the protagonist’s life - his formative years fueling his passion for football, his glorious period of captaincy for the National Football Team, and his subsequent path to anonymity and desolation. Though the film is a sports drama, it is not solely confined to soccer's spectatorship. Instead, it uses the game as a backdrop to speak volumes about the emotions, struggles, low points, dreams, and aspirations of its protagonist.

Jayasurya embodies the character of VP Sathyan and showcases a performance of a lifetime, creating a symphony with his character, and exhibiting a range of overwhelming emotions with absolute conviction. He perfectly replicates the physicality, walk style, and speech of the late Sathyan, leaving the audience in awe of his performance. His portrayal of Sathyan's inner demons, passion for the sport, moments of glory, and all the times of despair blurs the lines between reel and real portrayal.

Paired with Jayasurya, Anu Sithara delivers a warm performance as Anitha Sathyan, wife of the late footballer. Her character is instrumental in the narrative of the movie, providing support and stability during the highs and lows in Sathyan's life. The chemistry between Jayasurya and Anu Sithara is palpable, delivering some emotionally stirring moments in the film.

Director Prajesh Sen skillfully carves out the narrative, delving into details of the football legend's evolution over time - from a small-town boy who dreamt of playing for the country and went on to become the captain of the National Team, to his struggles with his inner demons after his retirement from the sport. He directs with incredible nuance, highlighting the trials and tribulations star athletes face that go beyond their game. He leaves the audience pondering the neglect and indifference meted out to our sports heroes, once they're past their prime.

The movie cinematography does justice in capturing the different eras represented in Sathyan's life. The grayscale shots of the soccer games maintain authenticity, keeping viewers glued to their seats. The music and background score, composed by Gopi Sundar, contextualize the ambience, adding depth to the narrative.

In terms of thematic focus, Captain transcends being a mere biopic or sports film. The powerful narrative, coupled with remarkable performances, makes the film a tale of human complexity, suffering, and resilience, unfolding the journey of a star athlete's rise to fame and his subsequent fall into despair. It bravely portrays the mental health issues of its protagonist, which is a lesser-explored territory in Malayalam cinema.

In summary, Captain is more than a sports drama; it is an emotional voyage that pays homage to a legend of Indian football. It underscores the trials and tribulations of the sportspersons once they fall off their pedestal. Steller performances by Jayasurya and Anu Sithara, coupled with a thought-provoking narrative, make this film a spellbinding watch. This film is a must-watch for sports enthusiasts and for anyone seeking a heart-touching narrative about rise, fall, and redemption.