Ghoomer: Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher Shine in a Touching and Motivational Tale

Sports often set the stage for those inspiring underdog tales. In R Balki’s Ghoomer, the focus is on resilience and determination, with cricket as the backdrop. While the theme isn’t new, Ghoomer stands out due to the exceptional performances of Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher. Kher portrays Anina, a talented cricketer facing a devastating setback just before her big international debut. Despite losing her right hand in an accident, she finds hope and support from former cricketer Paddy Sir (Bachchan). Together, they embark on a journey to redefine Anina’s cricket career, this time as a left-arm spinner. Paddy, a former player himself, brings his own struggles and experience to guide Anina back to the pitch. Their unconventional partnership and determination to overcome challenges make Ghoomer a compelling watch.

In Ghoomer, Balki, along with Rahul Sengupta and Rishi Virmani, crafts a narrative that strikes a balance between light-heartedness and captivation. While the storyline may have its share of sorrow, the focus remains on Anina’s journey of resilience. Her family, portrayed as a pillar of support, includes a spirited Federer fan granny (played brilliantly by Shabana Azmi), a spiritual father, and food-loving brothers. They all play a crucial role in Anina’s success story. The heart of the tale lies in Anina’s path and that of the troubled ex-cricketer, Paddy Sodhi. Despite a rocky start, their bond strengthens as Paddy motivates Anina to reclaim her rightful place in the cricketing world. Abhishek Bachchan shines in his role, drawing parallels to his father (Amitabh Bachchan, who makes a cameo appearance). His portrayal of a disillusioned yet endearing character is commendable. The scenes where he mentors Kher for the match, filled with witty one-liners, are particularly noteworthy. His chemistry with his transgender housekeeper/adopted sister adds depth to the narrative, showcasing a different side of his acting prowess. Bachchan’s willingness to portray a character true to his age, with all its imperfections, is a refreshing departure from the typical larger-than-life roles seen in today’s cinema landscape.

You know, in Ghoomer, they had some really interesting characters, portrayed by some solid actors, but they kinda stayed on the sidelines. I wish they delved more into the lives of the cricket-obsessed granny, Paddy’s living situation, Anina’s brothers’ professions, and why Angad Bedi’s character made that big career move. These characters felt like they had more to offer to the story.

Despite that, Ghoomer still kept me hooked. The film, running for 2 hours and 20 minutes, never really had a dull moment and had this uplifting vibe about it. It followed a pretty straightforward path leading to that expected climax at the cricket stadium, but hey, who doesn’t love an underdog tale about fighting back, right? It’s not just for cricket fans; it’s got a universal appeal. The storytelling was smooth, no unnecessary theatrics, and the chemistry between Saiyami Kher and Abhishek Bachchan really made Ghoomer stand out.

Even though you kinda know where the story’s heading, you’ll still find yourself cheering for Anina. Give it a go!