Mary Kom

wogma rating: Watch but no rush (?)

quick review:

Over-dramatized. Over-fictionalized. Over-commercialized. Too episodic. An inspiring story nevertheless.

Read more
Director: Omung Kumar
Running time: 125 minutes
Genres: Sports
More Movie Info

Mary Kom - Preview

There is most likely only one kind of story where I don't mind commercial elements being added in the name of appealing to a bigger crowd - real life stories that ought to be known by every child in the country. I would rather it not be done, but if adding a touch of glamor is what it takes for my kids to take interest and be inspired by a hard-working lady boxer, then that's what it takes.

It is interesting to see Omung Kumar, who has been art director to Sanjay Leela Bhansali films as director. Considering the film's texture doesn't look anything like a SLB film, Omung Kumar's style is intriguing. It looks raw and real. And so do the actors.

For all the criticism lashed upon Priyanka Chopra, I think she has the skill to bring alive a character without reminding us of Priyanka Chopra. The trailer surely points to more of that from her, especially when she is playing the non-dramatized bits.

Given the liberty of dramatizing the events, I am all set to watch Mary Kom take on the big screen. A story I want to hear. Just don't take me for granted please.

Music Reviews:
Bollyspice - "3/5"
Bollywood Hungama - "3.5/5"
glamsham - "3.5/5"
Milliblog - "It’s heartwarming to see two Indian Idol finalists make an accomplished composing debut!"
Music Aloud - "7.5/10"

- meeta, a part of the audience

Yes, Mary Kom the film is much more dramatized and fictionalized than I had expected, but Mary Kom the character has so much grit that even if the real life Mary Kom is half as gutsy and strong-willed, she makes for a story that inspires.

Unfortunately though that you have to do - discount a lot of the story. It's a shame that the makers didn't find the true story exciting enough and chose to spice events up for their convenience. I understand, some times that is what a commercial film needs, but it shouldn't be done to such an extent that you start questioning every episode you see on screen.

So much so that, I came home to check the chronology of some events and was hugely disappointed with the way the timing of the climax (including the opponent Mary Kom plays) is changed around for filmy effect. I shouldn't be made to wait to get to Google to look up Mary Kom's life, I should want to be with the film for a long, long time.

Then for a person who knows nothing about boxing, I wonder if the technicalities of boxing were shown appropriately. Without wanting to look it up (more because of disinterest rather than anything else) I am willing to place my money on boxing technicalities being totally ignored. It does look like an ill-researched project or worse, one where well-done research is intentionally disregarded.

You then have the narrative itself. The screenplay is way too episodic almost like you are watching the film one short chapter after another. Almost as if to cover this drawback, the first half of the film even tries its hand at non-linear narration. Else, there is no particular reason to take us back and forth on the timeline.

It is heartening though, that all these gaps in writing are sidelined by the best efforts of the cast. Priyanka Chopra and Darshan Kumaar are all equally earnest in their performances. At times, the dialogue help at others the filminess distracts but you cannot put the dialogue delivery at fault. This is despite the distracting make-up, colored and straightened hair, where none belonged. The actors make you root for the real-life people. If not for the blatant product placement, you would feel their pain with them too.

While a husband's support for his wife's career, especially such a demanding one should be a given, not every one gets it. Less so, in small-town or rural India. I am happy that Mary Kom's husband, Onler's sacrifices and contribution received as much screen time as it did. This is an inspirational story of its own.

And oh the irony of seeing sugar free, Iodex and Usha advertise their way into a film about one of the country's athletes who in real-life struggled to find sponsors and financial support for most of her career. I guess we should just be thankful that there were no item numbers to make the film commercially appealing.

So, would I take my kids to the theater to watch this one? Unlikely, will certainly not make extra effort. But would want them to watch it when it's on TV, just to see the power of strong will. Fortunately or unfortunately, it's not for the cinema, it's for the real-life person who deserved a film about her life.

It is also interesting that a biopic has been made of a person whose career is still on. So for all you know, the story isn't over yet and we have the chance for an even more inspirational Mary Kom 2 at our hands, and hopefully a better film too.

- meeta, a part of the audience

37 reviewers(?) - 9 yays 22 so-so 6 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Despite some major grouses with the film, I’ve come away from the theatre admiring Mary Kom and being a little in love with Onler. Mission accomplished, Omung Kumar.... full review

Thumbs up, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, MARY KOM is definitely worth a watch. The icing on the cake is that the film has been made tax free, something that should help the film in pulling the audiences to the theatres, besides the word of mouth. Go for it... full review

Thumbs up, by Srishti Dixit, Bollywood Life : ...Box your way to the nearest theatre if you have to because PC has won our gold medal for this one!...

Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...For the average multiplex viewer Mary Kom could be a wry affair. No songs, no action, sparse boxing scenes... but there is the occasional punchy dialogue and PC's heroics. Might not be the bout everyone's looking for. But hats off to MC Mary Kom. If anyone deserved a special place in celluloid it's this awesome champion.... full review

Thumbs up, by koel Purie, india today : ...I would never have known about him and so many other influences and little moments if it wasn't for the film. For that and for charging me with pride and inspiration I am giving it 3.5 stars.... full review

Thumbs up, by Anish Mohanty , Planet Bollywood : ...Mary Kom commands respect not just as a sportsperson but also as a courageous, resilient and wonderful human being. Mary Kom is an inspiring story of a woman who battled several odds to emerge as an international boxing champion. The film is inspiring and entertaining in equal measures. Go for it!... full review

Thumbs up, by Laxmi Negi, Rediff : ...Result: Only time will tell if the movie will be a hit or a flop but Priyanka has surely emerged as a better boxer.... full review

Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...Who would have thought that a female sportsperson from Manipur battling financial problems, disapproving parents, family responsibilities and lack of basic facilities would rise to this level, win at the Olympics and be awarded the Padma Bhushan. The film is about the triumph of a person who makes it against all odds. Mary Kom is an important film that's hugely inspiring. But more importantly, it's also great fun to watch. Book your tickets, I say!... full review

Thumbs up, by Meena Iyer, Times of India : ...But the main reason why Mary Kom appeals is because it doesn't just give you a ringside view of boxing; it leaves you rooting for our sportsmen who have put India on the world map.... full review

So-So, by Aparajita Ghosh, Apun Ka Choice : ...On the sidelines, Sunil Thapa fits the bill as the dour, stern coach and Shakti Singh excels as said slimy official of the boxing federation.... full review

So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Hence you can go for it as an informational film, to know more about the pride of our nation, the fearless MARY KOM, who is still ready to win many more fights in the next Olympics too. But not as any great inspiring biographical movie doing any kind of acceptable justice to the subject matter here, putting it honestly.... full review

So-So, by Divay Agarwal, Desi Martini : ...Mary Kom - Magnificent; Mary Kom The Movie - Materialistic! Just a one-time DVD watch!... full review

So-So, by Smita Vyas Kumar, Desi Martini : ...An engaging and inspiring movie though not as soul stirring as Mary's real life story must be.... full review

So-So, by Krish Sripada, Desi Martini : ...Bad research, bad execution and over-dramatization of cliches ruins the tale of a fearless fighter from a land in strife!... full review

So-So, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...Watch the film for PC. She packs a punch. A performance like that deserves to be seen.... full review

So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...There is of course another dimension to Omung’s creation. One that strives , quite blatantly, to give Manipur-the little known north-eastern state of India, mainstream recognition. In that he does manage to ace.... full review

So-So, by Nupur Barua , fullhyd.com : ...Omung Kumar, or rather his wife, spent some time on designing the sets, especially the interiors. However, the production design fails to capture the mood of the movie. The costumes are above average, in contrast. The cinematography is great in some of the boxing sequences, but in general just sleepwalks through the movie, without much thought for the actor or the set. The music is decent, and the editing, lazy.... full review

So-So, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...There are certain 'sugar free' and 'iodex' moments which punch huge holes in the screenplay. Producers will have to be wary of such impediments. If you believe in the subject, produce it with passion; don't make a joke of it by making it an opportunity to promote products. ... full review

So-So, by Anupama Chopra,, Hindustan Times : ...Despite its flaws, though, Mary Kom is a worthy attempt. The film has sincerity and has been crafted with care. Apart from Mary herself, it gives us a terrific male role model — Onler, who encouraged Mary to return to boxing while he looked after their twin sons. Has anyone given that man a medal?... full review

So-So, by Raajiv Masand, IBN Live : ...n the end, the film ticks off each of Mary Kom's career achievements and key personal struggles, but doesn't tell you much more about her as a person than the innumerable headlines do. There is blood and sweat and grit in this story, but very little genuine feeling.... full review

So-So, by suarabh Dwivedi, india today : ...In case you're the kind of person who shares the spirit of sportsmen, then it's worth a shot trying to ween your kids away from their smartphones and showing them this movie. The screenplay holds the movie back, something even the talented starcast and their fine acting can't make up for... full review

So-So, by Faheem Ruhani, india today : ...In a better filmmaker's hand Mary Kom would have been a better film. Right now it remains a Priyanka Chopra film.... full review

So-So, by Rohit Khilnani , india today : ...Mary Kom's story is a great one and we all know that. The film falls short in doing justice to Magnificent mary... full review

So-So, Indicine : ...Mary Kom is a film that decides to forego the realistic approach of telling a true champion’s story and takes the masala route to earn a few extra bucks at the box office. A national icon like MC Mary Kom deserved a better movie even though this is not unwatchable by any means.... full review

So-So, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...The cinema child inside me was bruised and I could not bring myself to like Mary Kom. As a woman, I deeply respect her and draw inspiration from her. But the film that was aspiring to reach her story to millions falls prey to mawkish ways and tells a half baked, semi-impactful, immature story that doesn’t allow you to empathize, feel for or connect with the subject they are paying tribute to. This film was clearly a business vehicle that was made to draw money than to create good cinema for posterity sake. I am going with a 2.5 /5. I have not returned this upset from a film since Imtiaz Ali’s Highway which broke my heart for being insincere. This was a more unexciting experience. Ouch! Bad films inflict wounds.... full review

So-So, by Sanjukta Sharma, Live Mint : ...Other such metaphors that pepper the dialogue may have been worse than this one, but my attention ran out. All I cared about till the end was how the woman was ducking, weaving, bouncing and punching, without knowing much about the sport’s nuances. So despite all the North-East claptrap and the thoughtless film-making, Priyanka Chopra makes Mary Kom worth watching... full review

So-So, by Joginder Tuteja, Movie Talkies : ...Nevertheless, one has to acknowledge Mary Kom for a film it is as it brings to fore the tale of a woman who is amongst us and is aiming for bigger glories in the next Olympics. Though the film doesn't quite promise to be the next Chak De anthem, it is worthy enough to be a non-frivilous tale of a celebrity who is worth an applause, courtesy the actress who has gone an extra mile to do something different from what others of her ilk are doing.... full review

So-So, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...The question is: should you watch Mary Kom? You should, the simple reason being that we owe it to the pugilist who has gone where few Indians have ever gone – to the pinnacle of her sport – and stayed there long enough not to be remembered as a flash in the pan.... full review

So-So, by Noyon Jyoti Parasara , Now Running.com : ...It is important that a biopic brings the legend to life, without or minimal of cinematic freedom. Mary Kom the film does not quite get that right. Nevertheless, this film still moves and inspires you enough. You would still root for Mary Kom as she enters the ring. But that's primarily because Priyanka Chopra brings that aggression into the character. No this is not quite the biopic that Mary Kom deserves. Yet, I would urge you to watch it. For the ones who seek to understand the champion pugilist better, just read her book!... full review

So-So, by Namrata Joshi, Outlook India : ...The freshest thing about Mary Kom is that after countless Delhi-Mumbai, Punjabi-Gujarati backdrops, we finally encounter full blown Northeast in a mainstream commercial film. Wasn’t it in Dil Se that it was featured last?... full review

So-So, by Anindita Dev, Zee News : ...This could possibly be her career best role. I take back home respect for Mary's husband, Onler, who should be a major inspiration to all the men out there. You can go back home basking in pride knowing about 'Magnificient' Mary and only wish the country would be more supportive to these superstars who are fighting against all odds, to make India proud.... full review

Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ... Not so much a biopic as a sturdy melodrama... full review

Thumbs down, by Deepanjana Pal , FirstPost : ...Omung Kumar's Mary Kom is a bland film that quickly becomes boring because there's no tension in the story. But it has Priyanka Chopra. That was enough for those who financed the film because they believe that's all you, the audience, want. Perhaps it will be enough for you too, but if you're interested in Kom's real story, read Unbreakable. The autobiography Kom wrote may not be comprehensive or literary, but it is more honest, brave and fun than the film made in her name.... full review

Thumbs down, by Vinayak chakravorty, india today : ...The film looks at a whole lot of subtexts including women's empowerment and racism but does not really deal with them. There is a sense of over-the-top artificiality about everything in Mary Kom.... full review

Thumbs down, by Suhani Singh, india today : ...For a sports biopic running at what seems a reasonable length of 2 hours 3 mins, there're innumerable moments of restlessness in the film. Mary Kom doesn't have enough to pack a punch.... full review

Thumbs down, by ANUJ KUMAR, The Hindu : ...Writer Saiwyn Qadras doesn’t care to share with us what makes Mary special in the ring. Priyanka’s presence ensures that Mary’s opponents are crafted as sheer cardboards. He does bring the regional bias and nepotism prevalent in sports administration into play but his expansive punches don’t result in scoring points and off and on make Mary’s struggle look rather one-sided on screen.... full review

Thumbs down, by Sudhish Kamath, The Hindu : ...Go watch it anyway to celebrate the heroine, if not the boxer. Well done, PC. Knockout performance, indeed.... full review

131 tweeters(?) - 112 yays 7 so-so 12 nays

WriteMake: Mary Kom film will inspire and motivate

vineetganti: Mary Kom . PC Fan !! Excellent movie. Such a dedicated work. Sigh that not even 25% of the crowd stood for the anthem.

vibsmats: India's Finest #Priyanka Chopra... World's Magnificent #Mary Kom... Must Watch !!!

TheClassicMonk: Wow! Mary Kom. Too good! PC.

tanwiralam15: Movie Mary Kom not only a perfect salute to her but also an inspiration to all men & women. #inspiregreatness #MaryKom

TaniaMonojir: Watched Mary Kom today, excellent movie. Big up to Priyanka Chopra! Brill actress and beautiful as ever. Tributes to the original Mary Kom!

Srbhpatkar: MARY KOM..#AWSOME #FeelingProud of being Indian where v hav Sportsman like Mary..# Priyanka ♥ her physique, her expressions just brillient..

soso_defense13: Mary Kom is an amazinggg movieee!!!! Priyanka killed it ❤

silverspoof: Mary Kom will be a hit at the "Box" office! @priyankachopra

sidrahneymaar: Mary kom is such an amazing movie :')

shubh720: #MERY KOM-very nice movie,inspiring movie,she is 5 times world championship winner,great work by #PRIYANKA CHOPRA I proud to be an indian

shrushabh: Mary kom a must watch

shoba_c: #MaryKom brilliant & inspiring

shelkesunil1969: Watched mary kom movie. It's inspirational one. I also like the spirit of people(theatre) for 'Jan gan man' in the movie.

ShahidsSuperFan: Mary Kom <3

SethShruti: Just watched Mary Kom. Brilliant performance by Priyanka Chopra. Award worthy. She'll take home all the honours for this one.

SalvatoreAjay_: Mary Kom was a really good film

sak_1286: Magnificent "MARY KOM"

rreshma5: Mary kom is a v nice movie

Romykosta: #MaryKom is a beautiful movie. Congrats @priyankachopra, no one could have played Mary Kom better than you. #Respect

rokayia: Just seen Mary Kom , beyond brilliant & a must watch , Priyanka Chopra has proved once again that she is a versatile actress !

rohitmorale081: Watched #MaryKomMovie just awesome !!! @priyankachopra just marvellous work !! Got very inspired by ur acting and mc Mary kom's story! Love

RNyjar: Mary Kom is amazing

Rkkaser: What a phenomenal performance by @priyankachopra outstanding, in the movie i never think abt PC you just create an image of MARY KOM.

RKalltheway: Mary Kom. Loved loved loved it. There are a very few movies that move & inspire me & this was one of them. Amazing.Kudos to @priyankachopra

ranjan_kapoor: #Priyankachopra acting in Mary com movie is outstanding Superb Awesome and great I love you #Priyanka

rajanpandey001: Must watch truly inspirational MARY KOM #Respect

rahulmanerao: Just watched Mary Kom....it's the real superhero movie @priyankachopra has lifted it to another level... th real Mary Kom is a SUPERHERO!

rahu1236: Mary kom is awesome movie .thank u so much to giving best movie this year @priyankachopra

purvint: #MaryKom amazing movie.It's a proud feeling to be from the same country where people like MC Mary Kom belongs.

pravinhande13: Mary Kom is a inspirational movie for those who dreams. Work hard & get your dream come true ...

prashboss: Mary Com too good, very emotional

prajwalkumar89: Mary kom is an incredible movie loaded with impeccable performances from the team involved.#Respect #Marykom @priyankachopra

poojapatel0409: Mary Kom is such an amazing movie!

ParakramRana: Thoroughly enjoyed #MaryKom! What an inspiring film and what a woman Mary Kom is! Much respect to Mary and @priyankachopra! Audience love it

PallaviSrivas10: National anthem in the middle of a wonderful biopic. Hats off Mary Kom ! #movie #love #MaryKom #paisavasool

nissanpokhrel: WATCH MARY KOM. *You Wont Regret*

nipunmalhotra: Mary Kom. Wow!

nida_ark: Fantastic movie#Mary Kom#Priyanka chopra ##hats off##

Naz_Guman: Just watched #MaryKom OMG it was fabulous PeeCee awarddeserving performance.. be it a Barfi or Mary Kom only she > @priyankachopra can do it

NangiaPrabha: Priyanka did superb in Mary com .Deserve national award.

mksinha31: #MaryKom scintillating performance by Priyanka and inspired to know so much about Mary Kom!!

MitrukaMayank: Mary Kom! Must watch!! Inspiring beyond measures!! Priyanka-Superstar! You deserve this!:)@priyankachopra hats off :)!

MeherW: Mary Kom was brilliant

meenakshisinger: seen Mary Kom brilliant film.

mbanurag: Mary Kom- Just Go and watch it! Brilliant efforts by @priyankachopra 

Mathi_08: Mary kom inspirational movie..@priyankachopra Resembles like Mary..good movie

manishbytes: mary kom the movie less about the sport more about the sportsperson. woman, wife, mother, fighter, achiever - mary's life is inspirational!

LiterallyBadass: With @priyankachopra 's amazingly brilliant performance M.C Mary Kom has earned a special respect !! #MaryKom

lavi0109: Go nd watch Mary kom...go for @MangteC ..go for @priyankachopra ..nd go for ny1 for whum u lukd as ur inspiration..worth watchng:-)

KrisMunro: Just seen @priyankachopra 's Mary Kom, highly recommend and very good

krishnashk: Mary kom #mustwatch

Kirtishalaka: The story of the real heroes Mary Kom and Orler ... Magnificent!!

kiranvrma: Watched Mary Kom today... awesome and inspirational movie.. ...Actually a masterpiece compared to those crap... https://www.facebook.com/kiranvrma/posts/733985796669795

khurrafatii: wow what a movie #mary_kom

khasiguda: An awesome movie,as expected.Thanks alot to Mr. Omung Kumar for this. MC Mary Kom really the inspiration for... https://www.facebook.com/devi.raiguru/posts/10203426848964398

KaranBhagtani: Mary Kom !!! Priyanka !!!! Ah u exotic girl !! I'm speechless & many more r here in England...

JustMeEeshi: Watched Mary Kom.. Jus so inspiring! Great movie!

juhiette: OMG MARY KOM MOVIE WAS SO GOOD everyone go watch it & challenge traditional ideas of gender norms & appreciate the power of women & cry LOTS

jhjani: After months of drought in #bollywood, finally watched a good film - Mary Kom ... there r directorial flaws but still movie is power packed.

jayantsjy: Mary kom....fantastic !

JainChokro: Mary kom.. Inspirational movie awesome! Must watch this year

IshantBansal3: Playing M.C. Mary Kom by @priyankachopra as elegant , realistic and enrichingly as @MangteC. #HardWork #Class #OneOfTheBest #womenpower

IndianMakeup: Every Indian should watch Mary Kom. More power to @priyankachopra !!!

imsufi92: MARY KOM is an excellent movie , Must watch guys....loved it

im_vidhi: saw #MaryKom .. amazing movie.. @priyankachopra u were phenominal.. and salute to Mary Kom. #Respect

Iam_PrinceVij: Sunil Thaapa, the onscreen coach of Mary Kom has stolen the show. He is just Kabir Khan of Boxing. #MaryKom

holyycrap_: Mary Kom is an inspirational movie and story.

hemang_mandalia: Mary Kom is an inspirational watch and @priyankachopra is just fantastic..

HarshSeth13: Mary kom movie rocks

harshilpatell: I can't understand who is a real MC Mary com. Awesome, heart touching n......... @priyankachopra #marycom #ProudToBe #girl

guptas08: Mary Kom is a superb movie! Only Piggy Chops could have done justice to the role of Mary Kom @priyankachopra

gujjuchokkra: Mary Kom awesome movie must watch !!!

GokulaSelvan1: Watched Mary Kom in Abudhabi. A must watch for our living legend Boxer. PC Bravo. You lived as Mary Kom in the movie. Excellent.

Global_Movie: Congrats Omung for a briliant biopic film MARY KOM. You have made a film on her life and Priyanka Chopra has given the soul to Mary com.

GauthamGtgg: Definitely done justice to Mary Kom..

Ganeshdevendra1: Mary kom rocks......

FedfanTejal: Just saw Mary Kom! MUST WATCH! Especially for girls. I bow down to u @priyankachopra..you're such an inspiration. N bless u Mary Kom!

FashHunny: Mary Kom is such a fabulous movie! Kudos to @priyankachopra for portraying this iconic woman so perfectly! #MaryKom #Movie

essaym7: Mary Kom..an amazing story..

Eeman09: Saw Mary Kom! WOW WHAT A STORY!! WHAT A PERFORMANCE. IN AWE OF @priyankachopra..truely inspiring! Must watch! #MaryKom #ziddidil #GirlPower

dvlynbaxter94: Great story and a great inspiring movie. Mary Kom .love you pc @priyankachopra

dviick: very gud mvie mary kom truely inspiring ..........amazing @TeamPriyanka

DiscreetKat: Just watched Mary Kom.. @priyankachopra is the best actor in the business..! Great movie im so out of words!

Dinucr7: Wooow wooow wooow super hit movie mary kom waha

dhara23_77: First Rani in Mardaani n now Priyanka in Mary Kom! Women ruling BOLLYWOOD #BrilliantPerformances

desireepesso: Lazy Sunday......watched Mary Kom movie. Awesome movie

deek_kamath: awesome awesome..mary kom..whatte film..inspiring ! @priyankachopra truly rocks.. i felt all the emotions wid u..

crackwit: Baring the melodrama in last 15 mins, which was so skip able, Mary Kom is a really well made movie; Priyanka Chopra is brilliant #Respect

Cinxandrialu: MARY KOM <3 <3 <3

CheemaAzeem: Mary Kom was such an inspirational movie

catchmejit: Mary Kom the movie portrays the path to becoming & staying a champion ,Priyanka Chopra becomes Mary Kom..A must watch biopic@priyankachopra

BwoodUncensored: A Spirited Priyanka Chopra is the best thing about Mary Kom..... The film is sparsely entertaining and does... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=574341939337692

bollywoodajjtak: But all respect after knowing about MARY KOM, Salute to her & Women Power. Just watch the film to know about ab this Great.

bkapilan: Mary Kom - Must watch!

bhuvvii: Mary Kom is simply outstanding ..The best part was when the whole Audi went on their feet to clap.Hats off!!@priyankachopra @SanjayLeelaB

beinglucky99: Just saw Mary kom it was an outstanding movie pc's work was fantabulous she was born for dis role.whole crowd stood after movie was over.

Battleguard73: This is the reason why everyone must watch Mary Kom. Thanks to the entire team of this awesome movie @priyankachopra http://twitter.com/Battleguard73/status/508323125793013760/photo/1

Ashish1pharma: Mary kom a truely motivational movie superb and heart touching performance by priyanka chopra. .

ArunDvDs: MC Mary Kom - Obstacles cannot stop the determined. #BeingWoman Redefined! Must Watch!!

arsiking: Just watched @Mary Kom hats off @priyankachopra you are too goood . What a power role u played

ankur2infinity: Mary Kom - A Superb Watch in recent times! Brilliant performances and indeed such an Inspiring story of Iconic Mary Kom! #film

amolsarnaik: Mary Kom - A must watch movie!!

amitabh_mishra: Saw movie Mary Com...gr8 movie...hats off to Mary Com and superb role by Priyanka...strength is in mind...not outside.

AkrurBorah: salute you ma'am @MangteC #mary_kom its a 5star one. hatsoff @priyankachopra

akj77711: Mary kom....fantastic muvie n awesome biopic ..pc is too good

Ahsanzameer2: Finally watched Mary com. What a movie with so much dedication by @priyankachopra everybody stood and clapped u deserve it. #Respect

Abir107: It's inspirational..... Salute to Mary Kom....

abhijit_ms: What a knockout performance by Priyanka Chopra in Mary Kom...Awesome movie !!

aakashaashma: Mary Kom Rockzzzzzz — at Empress Cinemas https://www.facebook.com/aakash.aashma/posts/732619056775322

_PriyankaCh0pra: "@MeherW: Mary Kom was brilliant"

_Floydian: "Mary Kom",what a movie,priyanka's acting was flawless....superb story,watched a hindi movie after suuuuch a looong time.

varunsseth: Watched Mary Kom the movie..good movie but could have been better if the screenplay wasn't so shoddy..inspiring nevertheless #MaryKom

VanDiablo: Watched Mary Kom, kinda liked it. Did you stand up when the Indian National Anthem was being played?

theLastJedi: Mary Kom was good. could've been better, but you gotta appreciate the effort.

ShilotriAnkul: Mary Kom - The Film, good attempt, but lacks the punch. Not taking anything away from @priyankachopra though, she's done a fabulous job.

moviesteem: review: The film is watchable, but never great like it should've been http://t.co/WaO8dI5kXG MovieSteem http://t.co/NoxzdDnRGM #film

Kalmaniac: Mary Kom - The script, production values, direction don't make justice to Priyanka performance and the legendary boxer herself !

ArpitaPB: Mary Kom- A beautiful story, gripping performances, but a badly made film- writing to treatment.

shvetarajput: Mary Kom ..did not meet expectations. A sucess story wasted ..cud have been better. #failed

SandeepNaug: Omung Kumar should focus on more of ek minute type of shows. 120minutes is beyond his league. What a waste of time - Mary Kom MaryKom

pratikbhalgat: Mary Kom the movie, does not live up to the hype. Wish the story was not dramatized so much

NitinFern: I don't know why people are praising Priyanka Chopra for her acting in Mary Kom? She was soo mediocre, over-acting to the hilt.

neerajbhushan: 'Chak De India' wasn't Hockey, but just Shahrukh Khan. Similarly, 'Mary Com" isn't Boxing...it's just Priyanka Chopra. #Bollywood

MaxPaite: Mary Kom movie is below my expectation... No manipur flavour at all.

khan9_bilal: Mary Kom is a sick movie

IshitaSingh13: There is so much more power and inspiration to the story of the wonderful Mary Kom than what is shown in the movie!

GreyPath1: Not impressed with Mary Kom.

faizanpatel: And you thought Mary Kom was a tribute to Mary Kom.

CokeZealot: Mary Kom. Full movie fast forward mode.

cablesankar: Other than @priyankachopra Mary Kom is lifeless:((

6 readers - 2 yays 4 so-so 0 nays

Want to Watch, by lost in confusion

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Anuj

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Fan : Reel life MC Mary Kom too packs a punch.

So-So, by Anup : DEFIANTLY A BIG OPPORTUNITY LOST

So-So, by Rachit Gupta : Opportunity lost - honest effort but could have been so much better!!!

So-So, by Samir : Piggy-backs(pun intended) on Mary Kom's name!

So-So, by Suman

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Plot Summary

Mary Kom's biopic

What did not

Note: This section simply lists the things that I did not like in this movie. This is not the overall impression about this movie. Please read the full review here

  • Priyanka Chopra as a school girl, though she almost walks away with it because of her performance, even if not her looks.
  • Mary Kom's little brother wearing what looks like a good pair of jeans when they are complaining about not having enough money.
  • Some of the coincidences - too dramatic and at the realm of unbelievable.
  • Priyanka Chopra doesn't show an ounce of new mommy weight.
  • A lip-sync song! Really?

Nitty-Gritty

This section lists things that I think are not important to the overall impact of the movie. In most cases, it could be explained away by something like, "we noticed the glitch after the scene was shot and there were schedule/budget issues and thus we could not re-shoot it". I like giving the makers the benefit of doubt, but I am amused nevertheless. Hopefully, they will tickle you too.

This section lists things that I think are not important to the overall impact of the movie. In most cases, it could be explained away by something like, “we noticed the glitch after the scene was shot and there were schedule/budget issues and thus we could not re-shoot it”. I like giving the makers the benefit of doubt, but I am amused nevertheless. Hopefully, they will tickle you too. - Why did Mary Kom take a bus to go to the coach when she had reached the place earlier while chasing a guy she wanted to beat up. Maybe the school and the coach were in the same town, just left me a little disoriented for a bit. - How did she find her lost passport? - How come a state level match was played between two states? Wouldn't state level matches be between two districts or clubs or something that is part of the same state? - Ummm...you can tell a baby's temperature is close to normal by touching him. You don't have to really wait for the thermometer like you would for a home pregnancy test! - An operation theater with a see through glass?

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Lots of boxing fights in the ring. A fist fight or two too.
  • Language: Clean.
  • Nudity & Sexual content: None.
  • Concept: Mary Kom's biopic
  • General Look and Feel: Starts off with a heavy sepia tone, but eventually gains color and glamor.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
Character Artists:
Dialogues:
Screenplay:
Music Director:
Lyrics:

Mary Kom - Cast, crew, links

Director:
Screenplay:
Cinematography:
Background Score:
Music Director:
Costume Designer:
Running time:
125 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:
Genres:

Comments (13)

Click here for new comment

ANuP

After Bhaag milkha Bhaag expectations are from any Biopic coming in future....But Mary Kom is nowhere close to BMB....
Major problems are 1.not so good choreography of boxing scenes , 2. the aggression what priyanka shows outside the boxing ring ,, she never shows it inside it.....3. a lot of unwanted songs and 4. its lenght.....Its too short for me,,,,i would have liked more detailing ,, i would like to know more about Mary Kom ,, its not upto the satisfactory amount....
These all problem directs the finger to the director ,, he is inexperienced ,, and u can see it easily.....
Leaving all the above things ,, its still a movie to watch ,, because its about our honour MARY KOM ,,, but there is no reason to rent it for big screen watch.....
Its an opportunity lost ,, there could have been another BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG

lost in confusion

Thanks for your informative review, although it gives a bit of the movie away. Going by your review, it seems that if there ever should be Mary Kom 2, you wouldn't want the same team (except the actors, maybe) to be involved in its making.

Wanna watch it, but less inclined to go for it on the big screen.

Anuj

@Anup : Didn't get you. BMB was hardly a biopic and neither is MK. They're more of fictional plots "inspired" by real life events to a certain degree. Both films have been tweaked and moulded to cater to commercial sensibilities and fortunately, both films work quite well in their own respective domain. They might not be cinematic classics but they do serve the purpose of mixing inspiration with good old melodrama which Indian audiences thrive on. Both would be a 3.5/5 from my side.

Anuj

Fantastic initial. Hopefully the word of mouth will be positive enough for this film to become the highest grossing female lead film in recent times ahead of The Dirty Picture. In any case, even with mixed trending we can at least expect a box office performance at par with Kahaani/Queen.

ANuP

Anuj- Dont bother ,, i have simply written the points which i didnt liked about the movie,,,,dont know which one u r unable to understand because u havnt mentioned it....
For Mary Kom is an opportunity lost ,, an average film ,, may be 3.25/5 ,, But BMB was the best movie of last year along with Madras Cafe to both of which i would give 4.5/5.....And please dont start your box office verdict ,, because these are my personal choices that too not according to box office collection ,, because i dont like movies as per there earning....

Fan

Nice feel good patriotic film.

I understand Anuj's point of view that to commercialize the film it's alright to spice up real life story. But on this movie I am more in line with Meetu I.e. if you cannot find enough real awe inspiring and 56" chest moments from the life of a5 times world champion (at the time of going to press) and in a politically + bureaucratically charged sports environment then you have really not done your basic research/homework. Adding too many fictional anecdotes puts a doubt into viewer's mind as to what part to believe.

The movie length of just about 2 hours is perfect.

A few attempts at comedy were lame with the oft repeated joke of feeding twice one of the twins and never the other one; and the bathing water being cold.

Overall nice patriotic and power to women emotions mixed in with national integration message.

PS: since the BMB conversation has started let me make my position clear. I found BMB an over hyped utterly boring and extremely long movie. In the hindi film fraternity where tu meri khuja aur mein teri khujau culture is rampant, the film was overhyped. Mary Kom is several times better.

Anuj

@Anup @Fan : I wonder how the 2 of you rate Paan Singh Tomar which was a lot more of a "biopic" in the true sense as compared to BMB & MK.

@Fan : Perhaps 'coz Milkha Singh's life has been a lot more eventful and dramatic starting from his personal tragedy to his life as a dacoit to his girlfriends to him becoming a champion and hence packing all of that in in one film does take time!

Samir

Strictly, by-the-numbers story which is ruined by the Bhansali penchant for soap. The boxing scenes are laughably bad and freckles or not, Priyanka tests our credibility as a Manipuri girl. The climactic ECG/Boxing countdown scene is milked till it parches, and makes no sense. I still found it marginally less boring than BMB, which for me was near-unwatchable.

Rachit

I so agree with your review and other comments below. Its an opportunity lost. I hate comparing movies (especially ones taking inspiration from real lives) but BMB was ultimately better researched. I got the feeling that with Mary Kom, the makers and PC were satisfied to showcase their hard work which is undeniable, but in the process lost focus on the bigger picture i.e. making people more aware about Mary Kom and her thought process other than some superficial level of strong will.

I also think the angle about Manipur and the disassociation with the rest of country could have been explored a bit more (surely an interesting movie in itself). Also, the bit about Dingko Singh's victory inspiring Mary to pursue boxing and her impact now on other Manipuri youngsters. These are all points just touched upon in the movie and I would have loved if the makers would have explored these in more detail.

I will wait for Mary Kom 2 which will hopefully end with a gold medal at Rio in 2016...

lost in confusion

My comment seems to have got lost in confusion!!

Anup

Anuj- Paan Singh Tomar was definatly a brilliant movie.....with few negligible boring scenes in the second half ,, other wise it was great.....

Suman Chakraborty

Direction: 1
Story: 1.5
Lead Actors: 1.5
Character Artists: 1

Dialogues: o.5
Screenplay: 1
Music Director: 1
Lyrics: 1

@lost in confusion not really...same team, better research, less drama can work.

@Suman wow..that bad huh?

@Rachit yeah, as unfortunate as that is...

@Samir I know quite a few people who didn't like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag at all. Quite interesting.

Leave a Comment