Sachin A Billion Dreams: When cricket is the winner

Nonika Singh 

“Cricket is our religion and Sachin its god.” Can anyone dispute that? So make no mistake, it's a glowing tribute, a befitting salute to one of the greatest cricketers on this planet. And yes, unlike other biopics of the recent past, this isn’t exactly a feature film with heavy duty star-cast; it features the God of cricket himself, anchoring the whole story and journey of his extraordinary life. 

A lesser man’s life would have been frozen by way of a documentary or perhaps an exaggerated high on melodrama biopic. But Sachin Tendulkar’s docudrama gets a theatrical release, which in itself speaks of his cult following that resonates in the frenzied chant Sachin Sachin Sachin in the film, as a prayer of sorts.

Yes, the film does go beyond his mindboggling achievements and record-breaking feats. It looks at the match-fixing scandal, which rocked Indian cricket (though Sachin was in no way involved) and also brings to the fore his differences with his captain and later his team member Mohammad Azharuddin, when Sachin was at the helm. It also lays on the table his not so flattering opinion of Greg Chappel, former Indian cricket coach. 

Then there are interesting tidbits. Like how though he is a caring and affectionate father, he point blank told his wife he wouldn’t change diapers! His wife Anjali, who is there in person for a substantial part, not only provides some insight into the man but also comes across as a woman of substance. Never mind that she a qualified paediatrician; she gave up her career to support her husband’s ambition and dreams.

But then, it’s a rare woman who would understand that in the life of cricketer of Sachin’s genius, cricket would automatically come first. Indeed, at points, if you are not a cricket-lover it may seem as if there is too much cricket, too much narration and too much play of the role his parents and significant others, such as his brother, played in his life. But then it’s a film with real people and real emotions that doesn’t fail to touch an emotional chord. 

Sachin is described in many ways, especially by his colleagues and experts. But the best description comes from the actor Aamir Khan, who calls him the collective conscious of our pride in India. Indeed, the film reinforces that pride once again, most emphatically. Though his failures, not personal, but on the cricketing field are dealt with firm and square, especially his not so glorious innings as a captain of the Indian team, he comes across as invincible. The disappointing phase in his career, when many thought he ought to retire, is used as a peg to drive home his resilience and never-say-die spirit.

And to those who thought Sachin only played for individual accomplishment, well the film begs to differ. Beyond personal records, Sachin craved to be more than anything else a part of the world cup winning team.  In the voice of Ravi Shastri, it is reiterated how Sachin rates the world cup win in 2011 as his biggest achievement - far more significant than records such as 100 centuries in international cricket. The iconic celebratory moment when he is lifted on the shoulders of team members once again brings tears of joy! 

And lest we forget, he is our Bharat Ratna; the man who has earned himself a place in cricket history. But as his father reminds, Sachin is someone who has endeared himself to millions as if he were a member of their family.  Cricket fanatics are likely to nod wholeheartedly to this assertion and the way the film pans out.  Minus complexities and staying away from his warts or foibles of any sort, skeptics may wonder whether they have met the real Sachin or not.

Yet, with actual footage, real people and some very real emotional moments, this one will keep you hooked and is worth your time and money. Cricket aficionado or not!