M. S. Dhoni - The Untold Story

wogma rating: Watch but no rush (?)

quick review:

The film is more a story of middle-class India than about the most successful Indian cricket captain. And that's its charm.

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Director: Neeraj Pandey
Running time: 185 minutes
More Movie Info

M. S. Dhoni - The Untold Story - Preview

The idea of watching the beginnings and struggles of one of India's most successful cricket captains is extremely exciting. That too one whose career is not closing in, just yet. But, we don't really want to see what we already know, do we? I am very keen on what is not very well known through newspapers and interviews.

A better peek into the man who fought it through. Maybe a glimpse of his thoughts when he lost his first match or he hit that sixer to win India the world cup. Sushant Singh seems to be geared up well, alright!

Interestingly, even the romantic in me, is hoping that not much time is spent on his love life. Unfortunately, the number of songs in the film indicate that that's unlikely. I surely hope the background music doesn't add too much drama. Even if the music isn't all that enticing.

Music Reviews:
Bollywood Life – "3.5/5"
filmfare - "4/5"
indiatoday.in - "mostly interesting"
Milliblog - "In his first solo soundtrack, Amaal hits a century."
Music Aloud – "2.5/5"
Times of India - “3/5”

- meeta, a part of the audience

A biopic usually chooses to paint a larger-than-life picture – and it would be justified because hey, the person has achieved enough for a biopic to be made on his life. A biopic usually elaborates the well-known, key moments of success. A biopic rarely goes beyond what newspaper headlines cover. M S Dhoni – The Untold Story does none of the above. It chooses to impress with details of a more than humble beginning. It chooses to inspire rather than merely awe. The pace is slow. At 185 minutes, the film is long. A person waiting for the scoop on Dhoni's controversial decisions will have to wait longer.

Of course, they promised us things we didn't already know. And a lot of the first half's charm comes from those little details. In fact, the makers might have taken advantage of the reverence his fans have for him. Had this been a fictional story, the details might or might not have been as interesting. We'll never know. But as it stands, the film is cute, refreshing, surprising and inspiring. Not only because Dhoni had to fight a lot of odds. He did so with humility and gratitude. It almost feels like Dhoni chose this medium to thank the people who helped him reach where he is now and told the filmmakers only about those situations and moments.

The writers also give us these philosophies that he had, developed and lived by. Unfortunately though, we are not made privy to his strategy, his thought process. They even tease the audience with an instance of how he took his teammates in confidence but they never tell us exactly what he thought or said. That I was looking forward to and sorely missed.

That Mahi bites his nails, is afraid of commitment, wants to please his father, is a prankster, gets frustated – make him human – like you and me. These tidbits keep him from becoming a superhero and instead show his level-headedness.

Ok, I will stop myself from making this into an essay on Mahendra Singh Dhoni. One last thing - I loved the romantic flirt in him. Not to mention, the couple of romantic scenes in the film do much more than feature length romantic films. Of course, if it were not for Sushant Singh's cutesy boy-ness, these scenes might not have worked. Otherwise too, he carries the character and the film well, never once seeming unconvincing.

However, there are quite a few things that kept me from enjoying the movie more than I did. The background music. The occasional use of slow-motion and other dramatic elements. Sure these elements worked to bring a smile. Of course, a reaction shot of a non-believer of Mahi's shot is bound to bring a smile. I digress again.

There was a slack in pace at the beginning of many sequences. There is attention to detail and there is detail. You can appreciate the simplicity of the clothes that Mahi's family wears, the pains taken to show a true-blue middle-class household, the characters that make small-town India and so on. The movie fills you with warmth for the hard-working, dedicated working class of India. But the movie also begins to annoy with too much detail. The audience enters almost every scene a little too early. Way too many scenes have a character enter a room, open a door, sit, exchange pleasantries and so on. Precious screen time spent on setting the mood, and it doesn't really happen.

But hey, for a person who likes to watch test matches more than a T-20, it was worth the wait for me.

And yet, when the second half picks pace it sorely lacks detail. 35 years isn't a very long life. However, when you have achieved a lot in those 35 years, it can warrant a film. When one sets out to make that film, they have lots to pick from. Biopics could be interesting or not depending on what was left out. M S Dhoni – The Untold Story picks a lot of lovely details from before the man's rise to success and stardom. However, life after success is skimmed through in a rush.

Maybe it is intentional, metaphorical even. The struggle was long. The success, once it came, happened all too quickly. Or maybe the last 8-10 years are too “current”; a little risky to have the details open for public scrutiny. Maybe it is an opening for an untold story - Part 2, when this will all be history. Yes, I am a fan and I can't have enough.

Till then though, we can bank on Bollywood to deliver the predictable. And this once we are thankful. You know how this specific biopic is going to begin. In fact, you want it to begin and end so, and no other way. And yet you have goosebumps when you watch it. That is the power of your fandom and your love for the game. The makers would have to really mess it up to take that away from you. They don't.

- meeta, a part of the audience

41 reviewers(?) - 21 yays 18 so-so 2 nays

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

Thumbs up, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, M.S. DHONI: THE UNTOLD STORY hits it out of the park with a huge six on the account of its engaging narrative and a brilliant screenplay. In a nation where Bollywood and cricket are considered as religion, the amalgamation of both will work wonders at the Box-Office, setting new records. Don’t miss it for anything in the world. O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G.... full review

Thumbs up, by Kaushal Modi, Bollywood Hungama : ...Overall, M.S. Dhoni is the most magnificent Biopic comes out from Bollywood in recent time. Must Go For it. Worth Watching. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sreeju Sudhakaran, Bollywood Life : ...The film ends with 2011 World Cup final match, where Dhoni hits that brilliant six to seal the deal. If you loved that moment and the man who made that moment real, then MS Dhoni: The Untold Story should be your weekend watch. Also the fact that it is Sushant Singh Rajput‘s best film to date. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Mehul S Thakkar, Deccan Chronicle : ...The movie ends on a high with Dhoni’s six at Wankhede stadium and it does give you goosebumps. Tight screenplay and good performances makes this one a good watch. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Madan Mohan, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - An enjoyable film everyone should see and enjoy even if one is not interested in cricket or films. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rahul Deo Bharadwa, Desi Martini : ...To those who like intelligent attempts this one is worth a visit. Do not miss it. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Garlnt, Desi Martini : ...Even if you don't love cricket, it has something in it for you. This movie is a must watch ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sharmaakash, Desi Martini : ...Overall movie is worth watching and gives the value of your money of ticket. Not to forget ... mentioning the work of boss I.e. Neeraj Pandey awesome direction. If you are not a fan of Sushant then you will become one after this product. It has the potential to be a money spinner at Box office. 3.7/5.... full review

Thumbs up, by Maulin Parmar, Desi Martini : ...By far, my most favorite biopic film is Bhag Milkha Bhag. And after that, I guess it's this film. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...Watch it if you love cricket. Watch it if you love movies. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story leaves you with a high that only a winning match can give you. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Swaroop Thotada, fullhyd.com : ...Despite everything we've said, ardent Dhoni fans will however have a ball. The film gives them plenty of elevations of their hero, more than plenty references to many other cricket legends, and original cricket footage at accurate moments, and more than everything, relives the best highlights from Dhoni's cricket career. Watch it if you are a fan. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...But you have to give to Pandey to keep it intriguing enough for you to get hooked throughout the three hours. Unquestionably entertaining. Also, it’s the role of a lifetime for Sushant, and he has aced it. ... full review

Thumbs up, Indicine : ...Conclusion: MS Dhoni is the perfect story material for a Bollywood movie of this scope and size. His story lends itself naturally to the underdog spirit and the director didn’t need to do much to get it right. The lack of a soul is something which is bothersome, but what it lacks in intimacy is made up for by the goosebump moments of Dhoni’s life. The 3 hour plus runtime doesn’t feel too long because there’s so much ground covered in the movie and the expanse is so vast. Everything that needed to be showcased of his life is there. If you’re a fan of cricket, MS Dhoni is a must watch, and if you’re not it still makes for compelling viewing. ... full review

Thumbs up, by ANISH MOHANTY, Kia Gia : ...The film is more of a tribute to Mahendra Singh Dhoni than one which helps you get a deeper insight into the man. Dhoni deserves all the success he has received as a sportsperson but instead of a hero-worshipping vehicle, one was expecting a film that would, apart from highlighting his achievements, explore a more vulnerable side of his personality. Despite the film not delivering all that one would have liked it to, it still turns out to be a largely engaging fare. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...M.S.Dhoni -The Untold Story is certainly a must-watch if you’re a fan of Indian cricket. Get to know the man behind the composed, confident, match-finisher of Indian cricket team.... full review

Thumbs up, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...Would this have been an easy to movie to make, keeping all my initial apprehensions in mind? Far from it. The fact that the filmmakers really pull it off, I’d say, That’s the way, Mahi way! ... full review

Thumbs up, News18.com : ...Overall, the film is a must watch for every cricket lover because it aptly tells the tale of an extraordinary man. The struggles are real and so is Sushant's acting. There isn't any shocking revelation, just inspiration and determination of a born talent who along with right people by his side, became the legendary captain. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...It is a fleeting scene, but teases the idea of a truly good film. We could have had something special, something close to Rush, a proper sports film with conflict and heart and internal struggle. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...The film catches the game at the grassroots—but instead of the usual portrayal of bureaucratic stranglehold what you see is an unquestioning commitment and passion for the game in the many officials. In a way, the film then becomes a piece of nostalgia, harking back to the innocent days of cricket. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Renuka Vyavahare, Times of India : ...Nonetheless, this cricket movie hits sufficient sixes making the ‘Dhoni Dhoni’ chants reverberate in the theatre. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Raghav Jaitly, Zee News : ...In the end, we can only say this 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' is a masterstroke by Sushant Singh Rajput that is a treat for all the cricket and Bollywood lovers. It is a family entertainer and we expect it to work wonders at the Box Office. ... full review

So-So, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Overall though, the screenplay lacks insights and depth. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story starts off well but does not seem to know where to go from there. ... full review

So-So, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...Kali Prasad Mukherjee is fantastic. All the supporting actors are. The girls (Disha Patani, Kiara Advani) who make the romantic tracks as painless as possible. Rajesh Sharma (Gruff Coach). Kumud Mishra (Gruff Official). Anupam Kher (Gruff Father). And the various locations from small-town India – they’re so vivid, they practically deserve membership in whatever our version of the Screen Actors’ Guild is. ... full review

So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...As a personal conclusion I would like to call M. S. DHONI as a Sushant Singh Rajput film much more than a Neeraj Pandey baby giving him the much deserving credit. The project is certainly not a six hit out of the park, but a four for sure, making M. S. Dhoni much bigger hero than he earlier was in the eyes of his numerous fans and countrymen appreciating this ‘made to order’ film. ... full review

So-So, by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice : ...MS Dhoni – The Untold Story is an extremely clever amalgamation of two favourite national past times: cricket and patriotic jingoism. Director Neeraj Pandey adopts the voice of a serial director, going through episode after episode in Dhoni’s life with reverence. ... full review

So-So, by Smita Vyas Kumar , Desi Martini : ... We all need to believe that dreams can come true with hard work and confidence. This movie does that for you. Buy a big tub of popcorn and enjoy. ... full review

So-So, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is a long film but it does well to both entertain and engage its audience despite its length. While it may not draw on major insights into Dhoni's cricketing career, it does make for a compelling story through his personal life. If you ever wanted to get up close and personal with MS Dhoni the person, this is the film to watch. Its a solid biopic, one that makes a true hero out of its subject. ... full review

So-So, by Rajesh Tiwary, FirstPost : ...I am no movie critic, so I will refrain from out star ratings. Instead, I would like to hand out a "man-of-the-match" award to Sushant Singh Rajput for a memorable portrayal of Dhoni. The movie had set out to chase a stiff target set by Dhoni fans and despite falling short, it can claim a moral victory and take a lot of positives from it. Cricket is the real winner at the end of the day! ... full review

So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...The first half moves along at an eventful pace even though it’s about a life less ordinary but the second half loses steam and becomes quite shifty with its romantic overtures and rabid flourishes in the cricketing arena. The cricketing aspects have been worked on beautifully and Rajput is imminently believable as the rookie cricketer gunning for gold standard. ... full review

So-So, by Vishal Verma, Glamsham.com : ...Neeraj Pandey's MS DHONI: THE UNTOLD STORY is similar to this. It is not a bad movie by all means but it's a miss opportunity to score a significant mark in the world of Indian biopic on screen, looking at the caliber of Pandey as a film maker and potential of MS Dhoni as an inspirational sports phenomenon ... full review

So-So, by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Gulf News : ...While this may not be Pandey’s best Bollywood innings, it’s definitely watchable. ... full review

So-So, by Suhani Singh, india today : ...Neeraj Pandey's fourth film is his biggest yet but it is not his finest work. That honour still goes to his second feature, Special 26. But with a physically committed and emotionally measured performance by Sushant Singh Rajput and enough untold and lighter moments, MS Dhoni manages to give us a glimpse into the cricketer albeit only till 2011. MS Dhoni The Untold Story may not bowl you over, but it is an inspiring tale which reminds you that the road to success is mostly prolonged like a test match and not as entertaining as a Twenty20 tie.... full review

So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...Also, Dhoni's life is not as dramatic as that of Mary Kom or Milkha Singh or Paan Singh Tomar, so there are limits to the amount of intensity and drama the makers can add to the narrative. The cricket sequences are quite well shot, (The special effects applied in the movie during the cricket match sequences are way too good and the makers of the film deserve a hearty pat on their backs for their technical wizardy in that department) but again, there is nothing about the controversies that surrounded Dhoni's life or his interaction and bonding with his team-mates and other things that might have made the film more interesting and multi-dimensional. ... full review

So-So, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...Director of films like A Wednesday, Special 26 and Baby, Neeraj Pandey steers this story with the conviction and game of a conveyor belt handler, loading one sequence after the other in succession, with little thought to the overall impact. Seamlessly merging his lead with match footage, he adds a touch of docu-drama to this biopic. ... full review

So-So, by Rajeev Masand, News18.com : ...So even though your head knows this is far from a no-holds-barred, warts-and-all biopic, your heart is happy to settle. Much of the credit for that must go to the finely executed cricket scenes, and to the film’s terrific ensemble of actors led by Sushant Singh Rajput who does some of his best work here. ... full review

So-So, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...It's actually for the supporting cast that you should go watch this film. How else would you know how this star was made? ... full review

So-So, Sify Movies : ...Overall, the film is not as exciting as a one-day cricket match. Instead, it is like a Test Series that definitely touches the right nerve. ... full review

So-So, by Karan Bali, Upper Stall : ...No doubt having its strong moments and enough crowd-pleasing sequences, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story still finally falls short of being there, unable to convincingly knock it out of the park. More importantly though, the wait for that perfect Indian biopic, shorn of all righteousness and hero worship, still continues… ... full review

So-So, by Rummana, yahoo! India : ...There are most definitely some moments that will give you goose bumps and the Dhoni’s frustration often tugs at your heartstrings. But this story – the tale of one of India’s favourite sons – could have been much more. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...M.S. Dhoni is a blandly professional piece of work. This might be enough for fans of the man, but for anyone who’d hoped that the first ever film about a still-active Indian cricketer might have traces of insight or daring, this will likely be a disappointment.... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...But so what? M S Dhoni - The Untold Story is targeted at fans of the cricketer and they are legion. Some might also want to watch the film for Rajput's spirited and spot-on performance. ... full review

93 tweeters(?) - 89 yays 0 so-so 4 nays

yesididit_org: M.S Dhoni- The untold story prooves that every person has a story worth knowing.. :') -Aarush

yashah07: Just saw M S Dhoni - The Untold Story. Great great movie! Shows all the struggle involved to achieve success. Great work @itsSSR

vishalyadav_ee: "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story" is a Winner all the Way. I rate the enthralling film 7.5/10. Respect for MSD @msdhoni @SaakshiSRawat goes up.

Vini_Chandran: I'm so impressed with M.S Dhoni: The Untold Story.

vikrams04508300: what A ! Film - M.S.DHONI THE UNTOLD STORY

Vanshika8982390: Such a motivational movie M.s Dhoni the untold story......great work Sushant.....Love u Dhoni..

vandavaalam: M.S Dhoni the untold story- This movie is as beautiful as his classical shots.

Tutejajoginder: My review - #MSDhoniTheUntoldStory You LOVED @msdhoni - Now Neeraj and @itsSSR make you RESPECT him Rating: ****1/2 https://t.co/nLskKNKBEZ

tnishi1994: M.S.Dhoni- The untold story = vera level Everyone must watch film, irrespective of the nationality. Three main... https://t.co/YYbjMspBkC

tejasnarawade41: What a brilliant movie

Tej81190: #M.S.Dhoni- the untold story....one of the best biographical movie I've ever watched....well done full cast and crew of the movie...

tavleen_singh: As someone who does not follow cricket just watched 'M.S Dhoni: the untold story' and loved it. Recommend it totally.

TapanHazra: M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story GG Movie (Y)

TapanChatterje1: Movie 'M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story' It is good movie to see, maybe hits (in since of profits). But not true story.

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swaraj_moharana: #Splendid Movie M.S Dhoni The Untold Story

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Subhabrata01: https://t.co/5TNxJjGgHb You nailed it,Sir.dont need to say anything for the review.a class apart.surely made my day. @gbsaltlake

srivk18: M.S. Dhoni -The UnTold story......Dhoni simply awesome.....the effort by Reel Dhoni is 200 %.....best inspired movie

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ShahBhavank: Just watched "M.S.Dhoni:The Untold Story"..what an inspiring journey..Salute to u sir #msdhoni

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Sci_Says: M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. Nice

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Sam_Sherin3000: M.S.Dhoni The untold story: A very inspirational movie for all the people who works hard on their goal.....#MSDhoniTheUntoldStory

sam_atlas009: M.s.dhoni the untold story is yet another awesome flick by neeraj pandey. Immersed in the movie I couldn't feel time.#MSDhoniTheUntoldStory.

sahni_samridhi: M.S Dhoni , The Untold Story is a well crafted movie with brilliant performances, a must watch !

rupendrasoni: I rated M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) 10/10 #IMDb Just Outstanding movie and @itsSSR Proves his class! Wow https://t.co/HczVJAL6Pa

rohit8th25: Just Watched M.S DHONI - THE UNTOLD STORY...Awesome Biopic.....Love you #Mahi....#Dhoni 7...

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Praveenhere: M.S.Dhoni- The Untold Story Goosebumps on the whole.. Thanks & Hats off for the team.. #HappyMSDian #Thalainspires

prasanth_ajith: M.S.Dhoni Brother ,M.S.DHONI (The Untold Story) ,Very Nice And Beautiful Film ...

pradeepmsd2: M.S.DHONI the untold story The Honourable Untold Story https://t.co/giLRAaj98z

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pdparticle: M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story was incredible! Amazing acting by @itsSSR!!! #MSDhoniTheUntoldStory

NowToSRK: M.S.Dhoni The Untold Story Ye Nahi Dekha mtlb Kuch Nahi Dekha. Salute @msdhoni to ur struggling... hats off 100 times ...

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mukulAmbulgekar: M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story - Inspirational, Emotional, Heart touching biopic n awesome acting by @itsSSR & @AnupamPkher sir ..!!

manjeshojha: M.S. Dhoni the untold story is nothing short of an inspiration. Superb acting by Sushant Singh Rajput!! #MSDhoniTheUntoldStory

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Madoffspinner: If you ever loved the game of cricket, watch M S Dhoni - The untold Story. Am a big fan of Sushant Singh now. Epic actor. Brilliant acting.

laxmans04482: M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story Its lovely , nice & struggle , superb love story

lakshmikanya: One of the best inspirational movie i have watched - M.S.Dhoni the untold story <3 thanks a lot MS :* <3 Love you =D @msdhoni. speechless!!

kunalgupta09: And he has won hearts of millions. Brilliant performance by #SushantSinghRajput in M S Dhoni: The Untold story.

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kridzofficial: M.S Dhoni The Untold Story. Best movie ever.

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imAshishOO7: Watched "M.S. DHONI : the untold story" last night and it was excellent movie.But now I'm badly missing SACHIN TENDULKAR from the team.#msd

ImAkshayB: M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story❤ Loved it !! MSD

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DeetshaBanerjee: hello @itsSSR. i have watched M.S. Dhoni-The Untold Story.i was so much excited to see this movie.and yes u have done a great job.much love

dearmanish: संघर्षशील छात्र जरूर देखें... — M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story देख रहा/रही है

DDilbagh: watched M.S Dhoni : The Untold Story ,, good movie its inspirational #mustwatch @msdhoni @itsSSR

connectwithadi: M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story > 4/5 > Thanks to Sushant Singh Rajput's dedicated performance, MSD's legend is... https://t.co/cDa9VO62RH

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BrUnO_LeWiS_01: If u are a cricket fan! M.S.Dhoni- The Untold story Is a must watch movie! Truly relived the 2011 worldcup... https://t.co/GYqcREUQ6F

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BFFCmag: #MSDhoni @itsSSR effortlessly transports you into the world of Dhoni with a memorable act #BFFCReview… https://t.co/MGxb7YWRMD

Awesome_Shreyas: Went to watch M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story & ended up being lifetime fan of @itsSSR

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AnkitFearless: Watched M.S. dhoni The untold story. Simply the best biopic ever

amishra77: Saw the film 'M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story' - Irrespective whether you are a Cricket fan or not, you would find it to be an excellent film.

Amargupta78644: One of the great n blockbuster movie of the year M.S. Dhoni The Untold Story

amarchandnew: 'M.S.Dhoni: The Untold Story' - Bowling a good line and length: Neeraj Pandey’s biopic on cricketer M.S. Dhon... https://t.co/mCwJPkLXJG

AMankotla: M.S.Dhoni: The Untold Story. Amazing biopic, Amazing Man. What a movie! Inspired to the core

albert844754: What's a great movie M.S dhoni ....the untold story .. .............such a great person .

Akansha1D: Just watch M.S Dhoni- the untold story. And it's awesome :)loved it!

Abhishe43180924: M.s dhoni the untold story is very good movie

AbhinavDawar: Watched M.S. Dhoni:The Untold Story. Nicely done! Liked it, its more on journey of @msdhoni, brilliantly done by… https://t.co/dvEjJSagXe

AashiAgrawal06: M.S.Dhoni...The untold story Truely an Awesome movie... #Hatsoff#salute#respect @msdhoni @itsSSR Amazing ... https://t.co/zWhuMNeRZI

Aamir_suhail: M.S. Dhoni: The untold story. A great inspiring movie. I'll give 4/5. But if you ask why not 5?! Simply I won't. #NeverGiveA5 #coperateLife

Riskiest_Poison: As per my friend "yeh rishta kya kehlata hai" is better serial than "M.S Dhoni the untold story", Is it true ?

kd_jk91: M.S. Dhoni : The Untold Story is boring, overhyped and definitely nothing extra ordinary.

dshaileshsingh: Watched M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. Didn't liked direction and acting much. Far behind the class of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag....

ajitsingh0902: M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story remains the same untold story even after 3 hours. Bad biopic. #MSDhoniTheUntoldStory

10 readers - 7 yays 3 so-so 0 nays

Want to Watch, by Anup

Want to Watch, by bekhayali Lyrics : Not saying that Neeraj Is not a good director , anybody who made A

Yay! Thumbs Up, by abhi

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Dhoni Fan

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Fan

Yay! Thumbs Up, by iplmatchtoday : Good movie

Yay! Thumbs Up, by kawkaw : Sushant Singh Rajput’s Film is Genuine and Rooted.

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Shiva Gopal : nice movie

Yay! Thumbs Up, by william kittrell : 96

So-So, by Anuj

So-So, by hridoyrdx

So-So, by Tammi : I watched this movie

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

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: None
  • Language: Clean
  • Nudity & Sexual content: None
  • Concept: The true life story of the most successful Indian cricket captain of India.
  • General Look and Feel: Keeps things simple. No glitz, no glamor, just plain and simple story-telling.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

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

M. S. Dhoni - The Untold Story - Cast, crew, links

Producer:
Director:
Dialogues:
Cinematography:
Background Score:
Action Choreography:
Choreography:
Music Director:
Costume Designer:
Running time:
185 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:

Comments (32)

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Fan

I have no issues with film makers successful in one particular genre trying their hand on another genre. In that sense Neeraj Pandey shifting genres is alright. But of all things why select a biopic on a still serving player - and that too a player whose life has probably no secret aspect thanks to the 24x7 social and other media barrage?

The only aspect in a Dhoni film would be a rags-to-riches tale. But that saga has been the staple income of Bollywood producers over the decades, and thus cannot be made further interesting.

I cannot say that I am really waiting with bated breath for this Neeraj Pandey film to release.

Anuj

That a Neeraj Pandey film would be brilliant on screenplay, story telling & direction is a given. But the real genius in him lies in the fact that he's paused the film at the 2011 world cup & not focused on the 14 overseas test defeats which puts a huge question on MSD's already dubious legacy. Imo, he's a good ODI cricketer blown out of proportion by the media. His poor test record would always remain a question mark on his legacy.

Anuj

Full marks to Neeraj Pandey though! MSD is easily miles ahead of BMB and Mary Kom in terms of film making.

Anuj

Along with Shoojit Sircar, Neeraj Pandey is the best film maker in Hindi cinema today Imo. I rate both of them ahead of Raju Hirani bcos Hirani tends to stick to his comfort zone while Sircar & Pandey have excelled in diverse genres in all aspects of film making, be it writing, screenplay and of course direction.

Ehinome Okojie

MSD is a bigger film star than SRK, HR, and Akshay as per 2016 first day box office. Welcome to bollywood Mr Dhoni.

The movie is about the cricketing great and the people who supported him to be what he is through success and failure.

Anuj

41 cr is 2 days is a superb start and brand MSD once again proves to be a bigger brand than any bollywood actor. Despite a boring and prolonged second half, this biopic is worth a watch. At the box office, the movie would find favor among the urban and mass audiences alike. Brand MSD is a blockbuster and the bumper box office opening has reiterated this fact! I expect an 80%+ recommendation rate which could take the film to a lifetime number of around 180 cr.

http://simplebollywoodreviewer.blogspot.in/2016/10/ms-dhoni-untold-story-calender-of-events.html

ehinome okojie

If this film does not cross TJB, it will not be encouraging for Bollywood.

ehinome okojie

Prediction is 173cr.

I loved the movie and can give 3/5 stars to it. But I know since this is a biopic that why it has very low chance to become a blockbuster.

Anuj

Huge drops on Monday and Tuesday. Seems like the lack of known faces and foot tapping music is impacting this movie badly in the mass sector. Agreed that the second half is labored and boring, but so was the second half of Sultan. The only difference being that that had the [comment partially delete because it is a personal attack]. As of now, it seems like MSD is carrying appreciation only among the high end and mid range multiplexes of metro and semi metro cities and the final tally would be in range with films like ZNMD, Barfi, BMB and Airlift. But at a cost of over ₹100 cr (thanks to [comment partially delete because it is a personal attack] MSDs remuneration), this movie would never be the success that the above mentioned films became.

Anuj

So as per admin, insulting actors is an act of personal attack (not that most of them deserve anything better)! Wow, way to go :D

Yes @Anuj, insulting, especially by calling names is a personal attack.

Anuj

Yeah it is! Doesn't matter if that person is a proven criminal, pseudo secular dimwit or a complete opportunist. Perfect communist line of thought from the critics and parallel cinema junkies who make legends out of mediocrity like Naseer "saab", Shabana "memsaab", Nandita Das and Anurag-The flop Kashyap.

Fan

My views on censorship are quite known (I hope). When Anurag Kashyap is told by censor board to clip certain dialogues as it hurts sentiments, all pseudos including those on the wogma site, are up in arms.

When @Anuj or somebody else does an Anurag, the admins are quick to remove everything that they deem as objectionable.

Why the double standards? Or basically nobody has the courage to the stand up to industry bullies?

Anuj

@Fan : Different strokes for different folks is something that every strata of the society in the country tends to follow. Be it online censorship or be it theatrical viewership. I have no issues with MSD's uneven word of mouth, but I fail to understand why the audiences are always so selective in their judgement. Why is it that a Salman starrer like Sultan with an equally boring second half continued to run to packed houses into week 2 and 3? Why is it that despite a pathetic trailer, a HNY opens to much higher occupancy than an equally massy BMB or an MSD. Or even among the urban audiences, how's it that a movies like FAN and TALAASH whose trailers have virtually nothing to write home about open to better occupancy than far more convincing trailers like PIKU, Pink and Drishyam? "Stardom slavery" is ingrained among both, the urban and mass audiences alike (more so among the masses, at least urban audiences give urban movies a chance on word of mouth, eg Neerja, Pink, Kapoor & Sons etc) and is here to stay. Gone are the days of rank new comers and unknown actors like Rishi Kapoor & Amitabh Bachchan delivering mega hits and top annual grossers like Bobby and Zanjeer. Or even a newcomer Salman delivering a mega hit in MPK as late as 1989. Indian audiences seem to be moving in reverse gear as far as star worshipping is concerned!

Anup

Anuj - havnt seen the movie..But definitely got confused of your comments. So please clarify.
The movies was brilliant on screenplay, story telling & direction , then a full marks to Neeraj Pandey (which you give to all his movies so you are a fan no doubt like anybody can be any bodies fan and defend him , but tye fact is that you dont like it when someone defends a person whom you byyourself dont like) and then you say the Movie has a Boring and Prolonged 2nd half. How can a movie having brilliant screenplay and director having full marks can have a boring 2 nd half.
Quite contrary of thoughts by a same person.

Anuj

I clearly mentions "The first half is brilliantly written, edited and directed. Neeraj Pandey brings his expertise to the fore. The dialogues are delightful and the viewer gets a good entertaining insight into MSD's upbringing and his young days. Watch out for the scenes where his coach (played by an exceptional Rajesh Sharma) is convincing him to forgo his passion for football and take to cricket."

"After a riveting and delightful first half, the movie becomes more of a romantic drama in the second half and all we get is an overdose of MSD's love life [Comment partially deleted because it gives a part of the movie away] and the sequence of events leading up to his marriage."

Rest is left to your interpretation. As for Neeraj Pandey's skills, I'm not the only one who thinks that he's a master of his craft!

Anuj

@Admin : I committed the cardinal sin of calling Naseer mediocre and Anurag a flop director. Please [delete the comment partially as it amounts to personal attack] :P

Anuj

I am surprised that none of the regular wogma users have watched this movie as yet to indulge in a discussion. After further thought though, I personally cannot help but get a feeling that this movie has perhaps been made to cater to MSD and portray him as a holier than thou who could do no wrong. No wonder, it does not work as well as a usual biopic should. Biopics need to delve on the vulnerable and no so perfect aspects of the individual too. None of which is a part of this film. Aspects like the IPL CSK match fixing allegations, MSD's rift with the seniors as well as the 13 embarrassing overseas test defeats between 2011-14 have all been conveniently given a miss.

http://simplebollywoodreviewer.blogspot.in/2016/10/ms-dhoni-untold-story-calender-of-events.html

Anup

Anuj - couldnt watch it , some injury problem i have.
Not saying that Neeraj Is not a good director , anybody who made A Wednesday is a craftman , but unlike Shoojit whom i find better and better with every film , i find Neeraj Going down with everyone of his films..

Anuj

Anup : A Wednesday is a once in a generation film that might never be recreated. Special 26 was interesting and Baby was a notch above that. MSD is in the biopic genre and his weakest movie till date imo, still a decent one time watch nevertheless.

Fan

I have yet to watch the film. As noted in one of my initial comments on this film, it is not something for which I was waiting with bated breath. I very much enjoy watching Dhoni as a cricketer, but I am not a fan of his overhyped image of captain cool.

However, I must appreciate Neeraj Pandey for his integrity, courage and position on country coming before everything else. To have the guts to remove each and every scene featuring Fawad Khan is surely commendable. The last thing we need in times of crisis is to encourage foreigners who are refusing to condemn terrorist acts against Indian soldiers, thereby accepting that they support the terrorists more than the soldiers. If for that one single reason, if I have to watch every Neeraj Pandey film, then I shall do so.

On the one hand we have Neeraj Pandey who did not mind sacrificing the solidness of his film for the right cause. And on the other hand we have the champion of mediocrity, Dharma and YRF, who for some monetary gains are backing Ali Zafar and Fawad Khan who refuse to condemn terrorist act against Indian soldiers. That those monetary gains are delusional will be known by Diwali, when Karan will lose money instead of making money due to his lack of guts to take a position for the right cause.

Even more proud of you Neeraj Pandey.

Anuj

@Fan : Was Fawad part of this film initially? I didn't know that.

Fan

@Anuj: yes, he had a cameo. Playing Virat Kohli. When Fawad refused to criticize the terrorist attack on Indian soldiers, Neeraj removed the cameo parts. Good thing, in my opinion.

Anuj

Yup! Good that he'd followed up movies like A Wednesday and Baby with a courageous stand in real life too.

ehinome okojie

@Anuj, you were the one telling us who is the most popular among these actors (pseudosuperstars) and went as far as telling us how popularity matters more than money making. Akshay and Salman can do charity and set up infrastructure with money and not popularity. If we the audience empowered other actors, we will see major surprises in highest earning movies. We are stuck in this popularity battle between Salman and Aamir, sometimes SRK comes in and we forget that others deserve to make it. The rise of Salman coincided with the fall of Hrithik when Kites was rejected and Dabangg was accepted. As for me, I have watched movies from India starring
Akshay Kumar
Akshaye Khanna
John Abraham
Vir Das
Kunal Khemu
Om Puri
Nana Patekar
Kangana Ranaut
Kareena Kappor
Karisma Kappor
Radhika Apte
Amitabh Bachchan
Irrfan Khan
Tusshar Kapoor
Sanjay Kapoor
Sanjay Dutt
Ajay Devgan
Dharmendra
Sunny Deol
Bobby Deol
Esha Deol
Hema Malini
Vivek Oberoi
Aftab Shivdasani
Abhishek Bachchan
Aamir Khan
Salman Khan
Saif Ali Khan
Shahrukh Khan
Imran Khan
Jaya Bachchan
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Nikhil Dwiverdi
Rajpal Yadav
Harman Baweja
Rajnikanth
Suriya
Mahesh babu
Ram Charan Teja
Tabu
Prabhas
Boman Irani
Shiney Ahuja
Emran Hashmi
Ranbir Kapoor
Hrithik Roshan
Dino Morea
Bipasha Basu
Twinkle Khanna
Uday Chopra
Rahul Dev
Rani Mukherji
Kajol
Mahima Choudary
Priyanka Chopra
Genelia D"Souza
Katrina Kaif
Twinkle Khanna
Juhi Chawla
Zayed Khan
Aishwarya Rai
Jimmy Shergill
Amrita Rao
Sushmita Sen
Karan Shah
Neelam
Amrish Puri
Mumta Kulkarni
Arjun Rampal
Sohail Khan
Arbaaz Khan
Sunil Shetty
Madhuri Dixit
Sharman Joshi
Sahil Khan
R. Madhavan
Manoj bajpai
Sonakshi Sinha
Diana Penty
Abhay Deol
Farhan Akhtar
Sonu Sood
Ileana DCruz
Vidya Balan
Mohan Lal
Raj Ranade
Mithun Chakraborty
Arshad Warsi
Anupam Kher
Manisha Koirala
K.K Menon
Asin
Jacqeline Fernades
Sonali Bendre
Omi Vaidya
Anuksha Sharma
Lisa Haydon
Neha Dhupia
Ali Zafar
Kalki Koechlin
Zarine Khan
Sohum
Isha Koppika
Jackie Shroff
Konkona Sen Sharma
Chunkey Pandey
Meena Kumari
Siddharth Malhotra
Varun Dhawan
Since I know these actors, they are equally popular to me, those who chose to know certain actors and want to watch them repeatedly sometimes by buying multiple tickets do not want to expand their horizon. I wont complain,In fact Aamir and Salman must rule Bollywood till they are 75 years, lol.

Anuj

Yes, audiences have made them popular and there's nothing wrong in making on screen performers popular. But the recent trend of audiences "saving money" to watch movies of the popular one's (irrespective of how pathetic the trailers are) and not bothering to watch a new comer or a not so popular actor despite the movie being a one time watch (or even better at times) is a worrying trend. And this worrying trend has directly coincided with this "holiday release" craze and hype that's been created by the media and the PR of most of these so called superstars. I have witnessed people accumulating savings and spending on movies like Bodyguard and Kick but the same folk would give a boot to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Airlift and prefer watching them on television instead, only b'coz Kick has "Bhai" acting in it. Had this mentality prevailed in the 70's we'd never have had an Amitabh Bachchan or a Vinod Khanna. Heck, even the likes of SRK, Aamir and Salman would have been struggling back then and there would be no DDLJ's and HAHK's to write of. Its high time the Hindi movie audiences give a 300 cr grosser to a non Khan, just to get things back to equilibrium. I do not see that happening as of now. I'm sure even before its trailer, there are more people saving up for Dangal and Tubelight than for even a tried and tested movie like Baahubali among the Hindi audiences.

Fan

In normal circumstances I would not have had watched this film. In general biographical Hindi films are not something that I am fond of.

so what gave? Several factors, but the biggest being the commercial success that the film achieved, and secondly my soft spot for Neeraj Pandey.

Quickly on the fact v/s fiction, I am unsure on how much of the film is factual and how much is fictional. So I will skip that aspect, and treat the whole film as fictional and rate it based on that.

It is a very long film, but I did not mind the duration - it did not get tiresome.

The performances are very good, from every character. Sushant Singh Rajput has very well mastered the mannerisms of Dhoni (walking style, batting style, etc.)

I did enjoy the film immensely, but I find it very difficult to put my finger on the precise things that made it work for me. The overall package is simply good, and I think rewatching the historical wins all packed in 3 hours gives you an immensely feel good emotions filled with pride. Probably that was it which made it work. At least for me.

william kittrell

Nice movie. Well, I am not a cricket fan. But I watched this movie. And became a fan of him. Great personality.

Nice movie, I watched this movie ....

excellent movie..sushanth singh Rajput performance was awesome

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