Mary Kom review: Boxing her way

Mary Kom review: Boxing her way

A movie. Yes it’s a biopic of Mary Kom packed in 122 mins runtime whose life story was made into books. And now, at 31 years young made into a movie. Being from the community my first comment is: Wowsome movie. My eyes got moist remembering the many hardship she had endured. She once was pedalling a bicycle to attend a tournament at a distance of some 45Km away to Imphal when there was road blockade.

Round one shows Mary Kom’s humble beginning from unknown Kangathei village in Manipur which was once referred to as somewhere in Northeast India. It was swiftly followed by her entry into the boxing world in round two. The morning scene when she got up from bed and brushed her teeth was superb. The paddy field and her early struggle was nicely put in place. Reading her autobiography and watching the biopic are both inspiring. And yes, Manipur delicacies 'iromba' was appreciated by all.

Round three was the appearance of Onler in her life. The most powerful punch she did here was by way of words when she said to this hungsome guy in a secluded place when they are alone, ‘Aab mere sat safe hai’. This surely was empowerment. She was affectionately called Thoi by her hubby Onler in the movie which I feel was taken from the famous Meetei 'lab story' (love story) epic Khamba-Thoibi. Then it was about managing progressive (?) career and motherhood. The sacrificial Onler and his constant support and prodding when needed was adequately shown. The problems in the Indian Boxing phederations, Manipur love for sports (even by the militants) makes it real. Racial problems faced by all North Eastern Indians was put in place. Inpak her bah eng to Omung Kumar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali for making this biopic. And of course to Priyanka Chopra. They did the right thing. Mary Kom is not only a boxer, but a fighter who fought head on against all odds. This is a real fight.

The fourth round was about celebrations put in the form of traditional dance (laam) in pairs by the community was way too good. She surely was Sanahen(eldest precious one) as affectionately called by her Apa.  And she was also the queen of the ring which prompt you to standing ovation when the National Anthem of India was sung at the end.

Making a film watchable is one thing but I feel more of her stories could be added. More of Manipur, its beautiful landscape and even those morning training of sports by the roadside and in stadiums in great numbers could also be shown atleast in the boxing interval time of one minute. And of course the various award and recognition collected by her.

My rating would be 4/5.