A Sports Biopic with Heart, But Heavy on Length
Maidaan tells the story of Syed Abdul Rahim, the pioneering coach who shaped Indian football in the 1950s and 60s. With Ajay Devgn in the lead role, the film aims high—blending patriotic emotion, underdog grit, and real-life inspiration. While the intent is commendable, the execution doesn’t always hit the mark.
Directed by Amit Sharma (Badhaai Ho), Maidaan stretches across nearly three hours, attempting to capture an entire era. There are powerful moments, but they’re often buried under a bulky runtime and conventional storytelling.
Ajay Devgn Shines, Even When the Script Stumbles
Ajay Devgn delivers a sincere, restrained performance as Rahim Saab. There’s no dramatic monologue or chest-thumping nationalism—just quiet determination and respect for the game. His portrayal carries much of the film, especially during the emotionally charged match sequences.
But beyond Devgn, the film lacks memorable supporting characters. Gajraj Rao plays the usual antagonist with flair, but it feels too familiar. Priyamani, though talented, is underused in a predictable “supportive wife” role.
Stunning Football Visuals & Soulful Score
One of Maidaan’s biggest strengths is its football action. The matches are shot with energy and clarity, giving viewers a real sense of being on the field. The use of slow-motion, crowd sound design, and sweeping camera angles make the climactic game feel larger than life.
AR Rahman’s background score adds depth and emotion without overpowering the visuals. His music helps elevate moments where the screenplay feels flat.
The Pacing Problem: A Story That Drags
Here’s where Maidaan stumbles most: the pacing. Clocking in at nearly three hours, the movie loses momentum in the second half. Scenes often feel repetitive, and the emotional beats—especially off the field—begin to feel forced. A tighter script and sharper editing could have made this film far more gripping.
The melodrama also doesn’t help. Whether it’s overdone reactions or obvious dialogue, some sequences feel like they’re trying too hard to tug at heartstrings.
Emotional Value & Historical Importance
Despite its flaws, Maidaan deserves credit for shedding light on a forgotten era of Indian football. It reminds us that India was once a serious contender in international football, and that stories like Rahim’s are worth telling. The film has moments that stir pride and nostalgia, especially for older generations or sports fans.
Final Verdict: Worth a Watch, But Could Have Been So Much More
Maidaan is an earnest attempt to honor a forgotten hero. It has its heart in the right place and features a strong central performance from Ajay Devgn. However, the film is held back by a stretched runtime, formulaic storytelling, and lack of tight editing.
Final Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars)
Watch it if you love sports dramas and patriotic biopics. Maidaan is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.