REVIEW

Sachin: A Billion Dreams is a one-of-a-kind cinema for India – a docu-drama that is getting a wide release. Directed by Emmy-nominated James Erskine, it is definitely an experiment when it comes to our box office. 
 
 

STORY

 
Sachin: A Billion Dreams is thankfully not a biopic. This is a documentary not merely about the man with that name, but one narrated by him, one where he tells his own story in his own words. It is not journalistic or incisive or probing. It feels, instead, intimate - as intimate as it can feel, anyway, for a film where an audience claps and cheers alongside those who clapped and cheered live, years ago. 
 
It’s about the fantastic journey of Sachin Tendulkar from the time when he was a mischievous kid, to that moment when he bid farewell to cricket and left many in tears. His childhood is shown through a dramatic representation, through actors who play his little self, as well as his family and coach, Ramakant Achrekar. Once he enters professional cricket, rest of the movie is told through a series of snippets and real footage, narrated by Sachin.

 
PERFORMANCE

 
Sachin may be a hero to billions, James Erskine’s taut direction is the hero of the film. Not only has he captured the spirit of cricket and its effect on India through Sachin’s journey, he also makes sure that you don’t ever feel that it is a documentary. Rather, you feel that you are a part of the journey, or simply putting in better words, you are reliving the best part of your childhood. 
 
the best about Sachin: A Billion Dreams is that it is not entirely about Sachin. It’s also a journey of Indian cricket. It’s also the story of his teammates and above all it is a celebration of his fans, who have cheered him, booed him but stayed with him throughout his career.
 
Some of the best moments to cheer for, during the film, were not even about Sachin. Perhaps it’s that wicket of Aamir Sohail that Venkatesh Prasad flicked during the 1996 World Cup, or when Laxman and Dravid guided India to a historic win in the 2001 series against Australia, or Dhoni’s iconic six that helped us win the World Cup. Sachin has not made it all about himself. But through these moments, he made us realize that Cricket is his everything, and sometimes it even came before his family. So when he talks about the infamous match-fixing scandal, you can feel the pain of betrayal he felt over certain colleagues.
 
Coming to technical values, both the editing and cinematography are top-notch and help make the movie an engaging watch throughout. AR Rahman’s background score is perfect – it is thumping at times, but it never overshadows the moments. And the use of Vande Mataram song during the World Cup final is a master-stroke. 
 
Sachin’s story as told in this docu-drama is just as it is in real life — it is made up of hard work and perseverance. Sachin’s life within 22 yards, in 24 years, is truly wonderfully presented in this movie, Sachin: A Billion Dream.

PLUS

 
Direction 
Editing 
Cinematography 
Music
 

MINUS

Only Sachin’s best were shown, not his poor performances or how it affected him 

Wont Be Pleasing For Non Cricket Fans! (But then is there anybody in India who don’t love cricket!!) 

Verdict : A Movie To Celebrate Sachin And Cricket!!

Stars : 2/5