Spoilers ahead...
Plot of Jersey: Achieving Dreams Despite Age Barriers
At the
age of 36, Arjun (Nani) decides to revive his cricketing career as a player,
not a coach. When he left cricket, he settled down with his wife Sarah
(Shraddha Srinath), a son Nani (Ronit Kamra), and a government job, thinking he
would lead a happy life, which didn't happen. It’s only when Nani demands an
Indian cricket team jersey as a birthday gift, which Arjun can't arrange, that
he realizes how useless he has been and decides he can't be a disappointment in
the eyes of his own son too.
There's a coach, Murthy (Sathyaraj), who never stops believing in Arjun even after 10 years, always trying to ignite that hunger or desire back in him. Then we see Sarah, who has become so content with the Arjun of now that she isn't even willing to give him money for a jersey he wants to buy for their son's upcoming birthday. This is very understandable because over the past 6-7 years, she would have gone through a lot of lazy and careless attitudes from Arjun, which we aren't shown.
Nani’s Splendid Performance and Arjun-Nani Relationship
While director Gowtam Tinnanuri very well executes these sub-plots, the heart of the movie lies in the relationship between Arjun and his son, and how a small birthday gift that he is unable to buy opens his eyes to realize how he cannot do something in life when his son, despite having nothing, still sees him as a hero. This part of the movie hits you really well, especially if you have gone through or are going through a phase where you feel like giving up and being happy with being a loser.
It's a total Nani show from start to finish. I haven't seen any of his other films, but there are characters you feel this actor lived through, like it belongs to him, and the same happens here with Nani. Even if you aren't into cricket, it's a story that will work for you with a message that "it's never too late to try to achieve your dreams, and be willing to do the hard work because you can't rely on just luck."
Best Scenes: Nani's Flashback Swag and Train Platform Emotions
I love
the swag of Nani during the initial introduction scene of the flashback that is
immediately cut to 10 years later, showing how his life actually turned out
with his love. The train platform sequence is epic. Who doesn't want to shout
out like that when feeling that happiness and letting all the inbuilt
anger/frustration out? Brilliantly acted and directed.
Nani's
scenes with Ronit Kamra are a delight. They have amazing chemistry, and Ronit
has acted very well with that innocence he's got. Check the scene where he's
bowing down, having for the first time seen his dad play so well despite being
on the losing side, and the effect it has on his dad. Or when a neighbor boy,
while playing cricket, informs him about his dad's picture in the newspaper,
and he pretends that it's 'okay, let's play,' turning his back and then giving
that proud, happy smile.
Flaws in Jersey: Sarah’s Attitude and Manipulative Final Ten Minutes
Coming to
the flaws, I had two main issues. I would have said three, including how the
cricket scenes feel monotonous and could have had their own story to tell, but
maybe the director wanted to not have any focus shift from the main plot, so I
will not criticize that part. At least the scenes are shot well and don't give
any feel of amateurish work, plus it helps to see Nani execute those shots
looking very authentic.
What I
couldn't understand was Sarah's behavior. For someone who was a die-hard
supporter of Arjun on the cricket field, why would she ask him to accept her
dad's money and get that government job back at a time when he's finally back
on the cricket field where he belongs and also at age 36, playing so
exceptionally well? It just doesn't make sense. Even considering she's been
bitter solely due to Arjun's irresponsible attitude, it was still a bit too
much for me to accept.
The ending, however, really disappoints me. We see that heroic scene where a player who likes dealing in 4s and 6s wins the match off the final ball by actually running three runs. Imagine if we saw a happy scene of Arjun, Sarah, and their son posing with the trophy. Cut to probably Arjun entering the field to bat for the first time as an Indian player in an Indian jersey, with that swag style, and the movie ends there. But no, rather what we get is a total manipulative emotional twist, a health issue given as the reason behind why Arjun left cricket. This felt so forced. I am not saying that it doesn't fit the narrative—it does—but what was the need? Is it not enough to leave cricket if at age 26, you feel you are playing your best, and yet for many reasons, including politics, you don't get selected? Anyone would feel disheartened and leave their passion to pursue something else, especially if they have a family to manage.
Shraddha Srinath and Sathyaraj Excellent Supporting Acts
Shraddha
Srinath is very good, minus that café scene. You can easily notice how much she
was suffering living with someone who isn't willing to change and do something.
Too many details, however, aren't shown as it's Arjun's story. Sathyaraj is
lovable in the coach role, more like playing a father to Arjun. I love the
scene where he tells Arjun how nervous he is about the results, whether Arjun
gets selected in the Ranji main squad or not. The rest of the supporting cast
provides comic relief, and it's not overdone, so it works fine for me.
I like
the 'Spirit of Jersey' music, but other than that, I prefer Hindi songs. Maybe
it's the language barrier or just that Hindi songs are better.
Final Verdict on Jersey
Jersey,
as a film, will hit you emotionally. It's got that wonderful message, and the
way it is executed with a thrilling sports drama makes it a must-watch film. It
has its own share of flaws, but overall, this movie will keep you hooked. I
strongly recommend it, and you must not miss Nani's wonderful performance here.
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