Bandon Mein Tha Dum! Story:-
Neeraj Pandey of M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Baby, and Special Ops fame directs the four-party documentary series with actor Jimmy Shergill as the narrator.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 16 June 2022 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Documentary, Sport |
| Episodes | 4 |
| Cast | Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravichandran Ashwin, Pat Cummins, Tim Paine, Mohammed Siraj, Hanuma Vihari |
| Director | Neeraj Pandey |
| Writer | Vaibhav Mutha, Bharat Sundaresan |
| Cinematography | Arvind Singh |
| Music | Sanjoy Chowdhury |
| Production | Bootroom Sports Production, Friday Storytellers |
| Certificate | 7+ |
The gripping tale of India’s historic test series victory over Australia in 2020-21 is vividly retold in a captivating documentary series. Through firsthand accounts from players, coaching staff, and journalists, viewers are transported behind the scenes to witness the exhilarating journey of the depleted Indian cricket team as they strive to retain the coveted Border-Gavaskar trophy and etch their names in history.
Titled Bandon Mein Tha Dum, this four-part documentary series, available on Voot, delves deep into the heart of the action, revealing the tensions, misunderstandings, and camaraderie that defined this momentous sporting event. Drawing parallels to the iconic film Lagaan, the series portrays the Indian team’s underdog story with authenticity and emotion, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
As acclaimed Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunathilake eloquently stated, “Sports can unite worlds, tear down walls, and transcend race, the past, and all probability.” This sentiment rings true throughout the documentary, as viewers witness the Indian team’s remarkable journey unfold on foreign soil. Despite being plagued by injuries, player absences, and internal challenges, the team defies the odds to emerge victorious, igniting a sense of national pride and hope for the future.
Structured into four episodes, each dedicated to a pivotal test match, Bandon Mein Tha Dum offers a comprehensive and insightful look at the series. From the intense media scrutiny to the personal struggles faced by players and their families amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the documentary leaves no stone unturned in its exploration of this gripping sporting saga.
The series captures the essence of each match, showcasing the highs and lows of the Indian team’s performance with cinematic flair. Against the backdrop of Australia’s formidable cricketing legacy and the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Indian team’s triumph becomes all the more poignant and inspiring.
Ultimately, Bandon Mein Tha Dum stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and belief in the face of adversity. Through its riveting storytelling and authentic portrayal of real-life events, the series reaffirms the transformative impact of sports and celebrates the indomitable spirit of the human endeavor.
To its merit, Bandon Mein Tha Dum skillfully maintains a balanced perspective while plunging headfirst into its narrative. Assisted by a concise and impactful narration provided by actor Jimmy Shergill, director Neeraj Pandey and his team adeptly illuminate the dramatic essence of the test series. They subtly imply that beneath the surface of the matches lies a profound personal investment for the players, with reputations and individual futures hanging in the balance.
The documentary excels in offering a firsthand insight into the myriad twists and turns of the intense contest. Across its four parts, it serves as a comprehensive chronicle of the simmering drama that unfolded throughout the cricket series. Additionally, it unveils the authentic personalities and candid sentiments of the players involved. Voices like Ajinkya Rahane, Pat Cummins, Tim Paine, and Ravichandran Ashwin recount their unique journeys, shedding light on their backgrounds, mental states, and approaches to the game.
For instance, Rahane, typically known for his stoic demeanor on the field, reveals a more expressive and strategic side as the captain of the underdog team. Tim Paine candidly reflects on his team’s missed opportunities and the potential complacency that led to a series defeat. Meanwhile, Ashwin provides fascinating insights into his tactical approach to facing formidable opponents like Steve Smith.
Notably, the documentary extends the courtesy of providing a platform for the opposing team to share their perspectives openly. Aussie paceman Pat Cummins, known for his reserved demeanor, offers candid remarks about the competitive dynamics on the field.
Throughout the film, the involvement of interviewers like Vikram Sathaye and Bharath Sunderasan ensures that players are at ease, allowing them to speak freely without reservation.
Bandon Mein Tha Dum remains refreshingly straightforward, unburdened by the obligation to weave a grand narrative. From start to finish, it stays true to its core objective of celebrating the historic victory. While maintaining a professional and neutral tone, the documentary caters primarily to Indian cricket enthusiasts, offering them a behind-the-scenes glimpse into iconic moments that defined the series.
From Virat Kohli’s pivotal runout in Adelaide to Ajinkya Rahane’s masterful century at the MCG, the film captures a plethora of unforgettable moments. Whether it’s Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari’s resilient stand in Sydney or Rishab Pant’s exuberant performances, Bandon Mein Tha Dum is replete with gripping highlights. It invites viewers to revisit the extraordinary triumph achieved by perhaps the most unassuming team in cricket history—a captivating heist that continues to resonate with fans.
