Review: 'Jersey' ventures a touching father-son tale showcasing its share of the sport

After facing the pandemic, getting involved in a legal soup and facing lots of hurdles Jersey finally made it to the big screens. This sports drama has a lot more to it than just the sport and how beautifully Gowtam Tinnanuri have weaved the tale once again will leave you spellbound. I left the cinema hall in tears and this is what I feel about the film.

The Plot

Shahid Kapoor plays Arjun, a flamboyant batsman with his sights set on the Indian cricket team. Due to unforeseen circumstances, his name is taken off the list and that is when he intends to step off from cricket and pursue his career as a public servant. His universe now revolves around his wife Vidya (Mrunal Thakur) and kid Kittu. 

Nevertheless, a decade later, his situation takes a turn for the worse. He is living hand to mouth after being fired from his job, while Vidya being the bread earner for the family. In the thick of it all, the only thing that has remained constant is the affection for his son Kittu. With the assistance and support of his coach (Pankaj Kapur), he then sets on a new journey. 

The narrative pans between Arjun as a 26-year-old in 1986 and Arjun as a 36-year-old in 1996. The complexities of the family dynamic are played out from a mature perspective. Moments of silence can transmit a wealth of details. Arjun and Vidya equal every stride with their ebbing yet prevalent chemistry. We don't regard Arjun as a sportsperson to be reckoned with in the first half of the film. It is rather in the second half where we get to witness the fierce Arjun who finds a purpose to pursue his passion with great gusto.

The Direction 

Recreating a story with a different set of actors but keeping the same emotions is not something that anyone can accomplish as effortlessly as Gowtam Tinnanuari. In and of itself, Gowtam's conception of Jersey is a victory. The film's charm resides in how un-cinematic it appears throughout, as Gowtam pulls us into the world of the characters rather than simply portraying them on camera. He  knows just how much cricket should indeed be exhibited at any given stage in the storyline so that the emotional element is not underwhelmed by the sport. 

Jersey's 2 hour 50 minute runtime is jam-packed with emotional scenes that will leave you with a tinge of sadness and tears rolling down your face. But at the same time it has a significant amount of humour and romance required for the story. On the other hand, the film's general pace is a little slow. Also, throughout the film, there could have been a couple more occasions to root for Arjun's character while showing him rise as a player. Touting to be a sports drama the outcome of the cricket matches are quite predictable leaving no room for nail-biting moments. 

The Characters

Shahid Kapoor is unquestionably the man of the match here. Shahid Kapoor as Arjun smashes a number of boundaries and sixes but that's not all. The actor has risen to the pinnacle of his acting capabilities, delivering a spectacular performance that will be admired. His portrayal as a father of a young boy will blow your eye off the ball. He'll also get you recall him as Kabir Singh at times, but he knows how to give a scene just the right mix of aggression, emotion, and compassion.

Mrunal Thakur as Vidya has diligently complimented Shahid in every manner and their chemistry does add value to the story. Mrunal is undeniably overshadowed by Shahid Kapoor's presence on screen. Pankaj Kapur's connection with Shahid and the subtlety with which he portrays a senior coach is noteworthy. The ease with which they flip from embracing the father-son atmosphere is endearing. Ronit Kamra playing Kittu is the prism via whom the audience, witnesses Arjun's story. He has done complete justice to his role.

Music 

The music of Sachet-Parampara adds to the film. 'Mehram' and 'Maiyaa Mainu' are already chart-topping songs, and their inclusion in the film at the correct time creates a sense of connectivity, infusing the atmosphere with touching sentiments.

The Verdict

Even if the movie wraps itself to be dubbed as a sports drama, it would be a bit deceiving to do so. Jersey is as an overall package of emotions, drama and romance. Watching Jersey in cinemas would most likely answer your question about why the filmmakers waited so long and insisted on a theatrical release.

Rating *** 1/2 (3.5/5)