M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story is a biographical sports film, directed by Neeraj Pandey and released in 2016. The movie traces the upbringing, struggles, and the eventual rise to fame of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, one of the most successful captains of the Indian cricket team.

The movie follows the journey of Dhoni, played by Sushant Singh Rajput, from his school days in Ranchi, where he was born and brought up, to his days as a ticket collector at Kharagpur railway station to the moment when he led the Indian cricket team to victory in the 2011 World Cup.

The film begins by introducing the young Dhoni as a kid who is passionate about cricket and is known for his big-hitting abilities. However, he is not able to pursue his dream of becoming a cricketer due to his father's insistence on him getting a stable government job. Dhoni, in order to appease his father, joins the Indian Railways as a ticket collector.

During his time as a ticket collector, Dhoni never loses sight of his dream and continues playing cricket at the local level. His efforts are soon noticed by Deval Sahay, played by Anupam Kher, an influential member of the Bihar Cricket Association, who then helps him pursue his passion.

The movie also explores the various challenges Dhoni faced during his early years, including an injury that almost ended his cricketing career, and the criticism he received from his teammates and selectors for his unorthodox style of play.

One of the defining moments in Dhoni's career and the movie is the 2007 T20 World Cup. Dhoni, who was about to be replaced as captain, decides to drop established players such as Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid and picks a young, inexperienced team to take on the world. This bold decision pays off as India wins the tournament, and Dhoni emerges as a new leader in Indian cricket.

As the movie progresses, it also delves into Dhoni's personal life, including his relationship with his wife Sakshi, played by Kiara Advani. The film highlights the importance of Sakshi's support during Dhoni's tough times and how she played a crucial role in his success.

The climax of the movie focuses on the 2011 Cricket World Cup, one of the most significant moments in Dhoni's career. The film recreates the tension, drama, and euphoria of those defining moments as Dhoni leads India to victory, finishing the game with an iconic six. The sequence is sure to give goosebumps to anyone who has ever been a fan of Indian cricket.

Overall, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story is a well-directed biopic that not only explores the life of one of India's most successful cricketers but also inspires viewers to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Sushant Singh Rajput delivers an outstanding performance as Dhoni, perfectly capturing his demeanor and mannerisms. The film is a must-watch for cricket lovers and anyone who wishes to be inspired to follow their dreams.