Saina, a biopic dedicated to the hard work and victories of none other than badminton champion Saina Nehwal, is a dreamy film.
Directed by all-rounder Amole Gupte, the film gives you that reality pinch making you wish you were the great Saina herself.
Directed by: Amole Gupte
Run Time: 2h 15m
Ratings: 4.5/5
Cast: Parineeti Chopra, Manav Kaul, Meghna Malik, Ankur Vikal, Subrajyoti Virat
Storyline
Saina is a dramatised version of badminton legend Saina Nehwal’s life which turned out to be not just impactful but also surreal. Saina first learned how to play badminton at a very young age. More specifically, as shown in the film, she learnt the sport in her mother’s rounding belly. A young Mrs Nehwal (Meghna Malik) and an 8-year-old Saina began their journey to victory the moment the latter held a racket at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium. With the might of a tigress and the focus of an eagle, Saina (Parineeti Chopra) began her journey into the sports world. From early triumphs to early landslides, Saina goes through it all. However, the most painful injury of them all happened to be heartbreak. As said in the film, “It’s not about what you do to win, it’s about what you lose to win.” With that, Nehwal gets back up and writes her own history.
With the support of doting parents and a man who never left her side irrespective of the challenges in their way, Saina has it all. The saying, ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’ fits the scenario perfectly as Saina falls into a pit she never saw coming. However, despite all odds faced, the legend gets back up and as we all know, makes it to the highest position possible – World Number 1.
The Reel & Real Saina
We say, this has got to be one of Parineeti Chopra’s finest performances and we can’t get enough of the striking resemblance both the ladies portray. Saina Nehwal’s mannerisms and postures were portrayed perfectly and at one point, yes, it got hard to differentiate between the two. Parineeti, being the protean actress she is, ‘served’ remarkably in the movie. While the crowd does their part in hyping the champion’s hopes, Saina credits her medals to her parents and rightfully so. The grateful Badminton star never forgets her roots and if you’ve ever watch the real Saina on court, you know it’s the same for her too!
What We Think
The movie Saina lifts your roots and makes you fall in love with the hard work and spirit that goes along with victories. It is a pathway into the life of Saina Nehwal herself, who has made India proud time and time again. Saina remains as the only Indian badminton player (inclusive of both male and female players) who has won 24 international titles. Parineeti has not only captured the discipline and agressiveness a sportsperson must have but the actress has also encapsulated the real Saina’s on-court power and competence.
Hit or Miss?
Naturally, the biopic is a HIT with Parineeti’s stellar performance and Amole Gupte’s illustrious direction. We can only hope to see Parineeti in more such stimulating roles.