Is MS Dhoni: The Untold Story 100% True? An Analysis of the Biopic

MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is a biographical film that captures the inspiring journey of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a former Indian cricketer. While the movie accurately portrays significant events in Dhoni's life, it is essential to understand that it does not depict every detail with absolute precision. The film, directed by Neeraj Pandey, takes creative liberties to create a compelling narrative, blending reality and dramatization. This article delves into the accuracy of the film, critical points of comparison, and its overall impact.

Accuracy of Key Events

The film accurately depicts several significant moments in Dhoni's life, including his humble beginnings in Ranchi, his early interest in sports, and his rise to fame in cricket. These core elements align with the real-life story, making the film a tribute to Dhoni's journey. However, some scenes and character interactions are fictionalized to enhance the storyline, a common practice in biographical films.

Artistic License and Portrayal of Dhoni

The film emphasizes themes of perseverance, hard work, and passion, which are true to Dhoni's character and journey. While the film is not 100% accurate, it captures 60% of the truth. Dhoni is portrayed as a smart, reticent, and humble man in his early days, which aligns with reality. However, some aspects of his personality and relationships are exaggerated for cinematic purposes.

Film's Treatment of Dhoni and Characters

MS Dhoni: The Untold Story reduces Dhoni to a one-man army, focusing solely on his batting skills with iconic helicopter shots. His captaincy is omitted, leaving an incomplete picture of his managerial prowess. Dhoni's personal relationships are also simplified, with limited interactions that serve to highlight his determination and character. The film could have offered more depth into his relationships, especially with his team members, family, and sports icons.

Comparison with Other Films

When compared to other cricket films, such as Azhar, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is notably less vivid in handling the complexities of Dhoni's personality. In contrast to Azhar, which was satirical and exaggerated to the point of being comical, MS Dhoni portrays characters as cardboard figures designed to support Dhoni's narrative. The film could have explored more intricate character development and emotional depth, much like the more gripping film A Wednesday or the fun-filled con movie Special Chabbees.

Conclusion

While MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is true in capturing the essence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's life and career, it fails to capture the full complexity and depth of the real person. Physicality without depth of personality can only entertain for a short while. For true fans of Dhoni, watching actual match footage, such as the famous 2011 World Cup final and Sachin Tendulkar's carrying, provides more satisfaction and connection. Nonetheless, the film remains a worthwhile tribute that showcases Dhoni's journey in a dramatic and engaging manner.

Overall, the film strikes a balance between historical accuracy and artistic storytelling, making it a valuable resource for both fans and newcomers to Dhoni's story.