MUKKABAAZ REVIEW: AamWoman Reviews
Yet another masterpiece by Anurag Kashyap ! ‘Mukkabaaz’ is a representation of a rotten system in sports, marred by politicians, and thus envelopes the concerns of discrimination based on caste, degradation of moralities, arrogance but there is a strong commitment and determination that steers the protagonist Shravan Singh (Vineet Kumar Singh) to take on the challenges. No melodrama, but a hard hitting fact keeps the viewer engrossed throughout.
Rating: ★★★★★
The movie begins with a low caste boxer, Shravan Singh, doing all the household chores of Bhagwan Das Mishra (Jimmy Shergill ) – a Brahmin and local political strongman of Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh ) . He aspires to climb up the ladder of success and become a National Hero in boxing. Bhagwan Das creates all possible obstacles before Shravan Singh to dissuade him from participating into District, State and National level tournaments. The irony plays its role when Shravan Singh falls in love with Sunaina Mishra ( Zoya Hussein ) – niece of Bhagwan Das who even ill-treats his own elder brother and his family. Even momentarily, being in the realms of Bollywood, the movie doesn’t take the viewer to visit an illusionary world and fantasize romance there. Sunaina is a dumb girl who believes in empathy rather than sympathy; she reiterates that she is dumb but not mentally or physically challenged. Though its her debut film, Kashyap’s direction has made her character live up the expectations.
Shravan Singh’s consistent and persistent struggle to be a contestant in district level unfolds the ugly conditions, what a player has to undergo in this corrupt political and social system. Here, the devils danced for the mighty. Shravan Singh gets a chance to play from another district of Banaras, where he comes across Sanjay Singh (brilliant Ravi Kishan) – a low caste boxing coach. Kashyap beautifully carves the differences out, thrusted upon by the so called ‘owners of the society’. The background song by Nucleya with on screen vigorous dance movements depict ‘rise from the ashes,’ Making it a true underdog story.
The argument between Shravan‘s father and him, is very well portrayed. The conflict between passion and duty highlights the quintessential part of practical life. Shravan Singh wins the State level and gets a job in Rail Coach Factory, through sports quota. He gets married to Sunaina which sows the seeds of revenge in the heart of Bhagwan Das. On the other hand, viewer is shown the discrepancies a player faces at the workplace where he is forced to work as per the whims and fancies of his boss. Simultaneously, it also mentions the misappropriation of government funds, which are meant for the welfare of players.
Despite of all malicious attempts by Bhagwan Das, Shravan backed by Sanjay Singh and his friend Gopal Tiwari (Shree Dhar Dubey) doesn’t feel dejected rather aims for National Tournament. Meanwhile, Bhagwan Das plays foul and kidnaps Sunaina and her parents where they are treated in an inhumane manner. He also gets Sanjay Singh beaten brutally and blames the fringe elements, and thus, Kashyap makes it so very relevant to the lynch-friendly present times. At Lucknow, Shravan Singh’s spree of winning in the boxing ring goes on till quarter final and now the revelation of Sunaina’s abduction infuriates him. Here, comes a Classic and Symbolic Representation when Bharat Mata Ki Jay with thrashing of Bhagwan Das echoes a gibe. It pierces into the heart and somewhere the agony is felt. The last part is the crux, where Shravan Singh finds a solution to end the created mess; we guess you’ll have to see the movie to find that one out.
Inference – This is a Must Watch Movie. The plot, characters, cinematography, music, editing and direction create a niche and don’t harp on. Vineet Kumar Singh is at his best. He has lived up the life of a boxer. Emotions like pain, suffering and anguish are well released. His body language has been amazing. The character of Bhagwan Das infiltrates Jimmy Shergill. Ravi Kishan as a wise and prudent coach, and is stimulating. Zoya Hussein, Shree Dhar Dubey have justified their roles beautifully. The typical U.P. accent leaves an impact. And finally, the music by Prashant Pillai is relevant as per the storyline.
Kudos to Anurag Kashyap and his team !
