Shabaash Mithu Movie Review: The lack of intensity and soul in this Taapsee Pannu starrer does not make this 'Shaabaashi' worthy

In a scene before their semi-final match, the Indian women's cricket team skipper Mithali Raj ( Taapsee Pannu ) gives a pep talk to her visibly nervous team on playing the game as if it's their last one. However, the scene looks like a rip-off of Shah Rukh Khan's '70 minute' dialogue from Chak De India. Despite the scene narrating the tribulations of the players, it lacks a certain amount of depth and empathy for the 'Woman In Blue.' This is what mainly goes wrong for the sports biographical flick, Shabaash Mithu . 

The plot revolves around the life of the Indian women's cricket team captain, Mithali Raj, and the various obstacles that life threw her way to becoming a star player for her team. Not only this but the movie also focuses on her fight to bring in a sense of equality when it comes to the Indian women's cricket team. And how Raj's dream and vision get further accentuated by the support of the people close to her. 

The direction by Srijit Mukherji falters mainly due to a dull screenplay which furthermore adds to the laborious pace of the film. There is a lack of interplay between the characters especially Mithali Raj and her coach, team, or family. There is no intensity even in the high-octane emotional sequences which are usually of utmost importance in sports biographies. You feel the pain when the protagonist is facing tribulation and you feel delighted when the player's character achieves something but here, the plot doesn't let us connect with the character. Mithali's conflict and struggles are not given much time to flesh out so that we can form a significant bond with the character. 

Also Read: Shabaash Mithu: Not only Mithali Raj, but Shah Rukh Khan also kept Taapsee Pannu motivated on sets; Know how 

The sole validating factor about the writing is that Priya Aven has incorporated the unfair treatment and lack of recognition that were faced by the women's cricket team. One of the scenes where a peon working at the cricket's association fails to remember any one of the female cricketers makes way for a powerful one. Or there is a moment where the female cricketers are urinating on the side of the road having no basic sanitation facilities and staring at the billboard of the male cricketers on the highway. But these moments are just fleeting to keep a lousily written pace moving forward.

Also Read: Shabaash Mithu Trailer: Taapsee Pannu starrer Mithali Raj biopic is a tribute to the unsung story of 'Women In Blue' 

Taapsee Pannu tries to do full justice to the character but the actress misses that spunk and intensity in her portrayal. One could make out that she is just acting and not living or breathing the character of Mithali Raj. There is almost a monotone that seeps into her act during some portions of Shabaash Mithu. One has definitely seen better works from the actress. 

The other supporting cast members like Vijay Raaz , Mumtaz Sorcar and others try their level best but none of the performances strike a chord. However watch out for the child artists who've played Mithali Raj and her best friend Noorie. Those kiddos are fabulous in the same. 

There are many unnecessary songs in the movie but the one which really stood out was 'Hindustan Meri Jaan.' Well, despite a lot of banking on it, Shabaash Mithu lacks the soul and vigor which was expected of it since it narrates the tale of Mithali Raj and the women in blue who did the nation proud. Watch this one only because of the champ that is Mithali Raj and for the delightful legacy that she had established for herself at such a tender age.