Penalty

The 2019 film Penalty, directed by Shubham Singh, is a commendable venture that astutely explores the darker side of the beautiful game of football, while addressing critical societal issues. The movie's multifaceted themes intertwine harmoniously, revealing a story that goes beyond the typical boundaries of sportive action and drama.

The narrative follows an aspiring footballer from a Northeastern Indian state, Lukram (played by Lukram Smil), who struggles his way into the prestigious St. Stephen's College in Delhi. The protagonist ventures into a world far removed from his humble origins, and his journey isn't easy or predictable. Faced with the challenge of grappling with prejudice, discrimination and intense competition, Lukram's initial path turns out to be much more complicated than he ever anticipated. His story intriguingly encapsulates the raw resilience it necessitates to overcome such significant odds, questioning societal conventions throughout its course.

Kay Kay Menon, a well-renowned figure in Indian cinema, steps into the shoes of the shrewd and stern football coach, Vidhya Shankar, nurturing and coaching the college football team. Menon delivers a powerful performance, flickering effortlessly between the harsh disciplinarian and the football genius who seeks to preserve the sanctity of the game despite personal prejudices. His interactions with Lukram serve as the pivots around which the story revolves, unravelling a multitude of layers of trust, misunderstanding, respect, and ultimate transformation.

Shashank Arora, another recognizable face in the film, takes on the role of Parth, the charismatic team captain. Arora brings forth a fascinating portrayal, subtly disclosing the complexities of his character. He embodies the duality of a privileged student-athlete, contrasting the allure of popularity and the challenges of leadership.

These main characters are embedded in a broader palette of colourful performances. Manjot Singh as the good-natured, effervescent Harpreet, and Bijou Thaangjam as the kindly, supportive canteen owner Bijou, offer depth, diversity, and authentic dynamics to the plot, preparing audiences for a well-rounded cinematic experience.

Along with the individual performances, the film's strength lie primarily in its nuanced storyline written by Akhilesh Choudhary, swaying the audience through unexpected twists and turns of interpersonal and interregional complexities. Rather daringly, it picks the thread of regional discrimination, one of the less-spoken societal problems persisting in India, providing the story a distinctive edge. The plot's brilliance lies in its ability to continually challenge and question these conventions, sparking a contemplative dialogue that transcends the runtime of the film.

The ruthless football training sequences, the high-voltage college tournament, the intense locker room conversations, alongside the quiet emotional moments, are all beautifully captured, generating a compelling visual narrative. The contrasting hues of the fast-paced city life of Delhi against the quiet, serene landscapes of Imphal uplift the visual aesthetics of the film. The music of the film, given by Siddhant Madhav and others, blends smoothly with the theme, offering a background score that suits the thrilling as well as the emotional sequences.

Penalty is not merely a sports drama but a deeply involving portrayal that questions ingrained biases and prejudice in our society while establishing a narrative about pursuit, friendship, determination, and eventual justice. It's a story about chase and transformation, bringing the action, emotion, and societal commentary seamlessly together. At its heart, Penalty encourages audiences towards a fairer understanding of diversity, sportsmanship and, above all, humanity.

While it tells a tale of individual hardship and triumph, Penalty's overarching narrative speaks to the broader struggle for harmony, progress, and inclusivity within India's socio-cultural landscape. A must-watch movie for sports enthusiasts and cinema lovers alike, Penalty leaves a powerful impression of resilience, breaking boundaries, and the spirit to rise against prejudice. It's a cinematic goal that provides realism and hope for the underdogs, making it a champion in its own right.