Sachin: A Billion Dreams Review | Go Chant “Sachin-Sachin” Again

In many ways, this is Sachin’s side of the story – of how fame and failure affected him and his family. (Photo: YouTube Screengrab)

It is time for cinema halls near you to turn into temples. Because when cricket is our religion and Sachin is god, there’s no doubt that the film will pay obeisance to his magic.

The docu-drama, directed by James Erskine, allows us a peek of the high points of the Master Blaster's career. Sachin is known to be guarded about his personal life and the film offers a rare glimpse into his life, via some archival video clips and photos.

Sachin plays himself, a narrator and commentator who walks us through his life. He takes us along on his journey, as he goes from a curly-haired mischievous child who is guided by his brother, Ajit, under the watchful eyes of Coach Achrekar, to the man who came to symbolise the hopes and aspirations of a billion people.

In many ways, this is Sachin’s side of the story – of how fame and failure affected him and his family.

From the hypnotic “Sachin, Sachin” chant that motivated him, to the lowest points of his life, where he found himself struggling with anger and disappointment at having to bear the weight of a billion dreams.

The reverential tone is kept intact throughout the film, as his seniors and peers heap praise on a man who seldom erred. It also touching and intimate, especially the parts where we meet his family, wife Anjali, and children Sara and Arjun.

As highlights of his famous matches play out, one can't help but cheer yet again for the man who has gifted us innumerable moments of brilliance by weaving his magic through the 22 yard pitch. Sachin: A Billion Dreams is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a living legend.

One can't help but be a little teary-eyed at the sight of the younger selves of our favourite newsreaders, Prannoy Roy, Rajdeep Sardesai, Sonia Singh and Harsha Bhogle – from his pre-hair weaving days.

It has been quite the journey for Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, and in so many ways, his life and triumphs are intertwined with that of ours.

From a strictly cinematic point of view, this story is bereft of any conflict, or shades of grey – making it a tad too smooth for comfort. Some of the rough edges of Sachin’s life, like the rumoured fight with Azharuddin after he was made captain, and the match fixing scandal have all been dutifully mentioned and then abandoned. But it's the simple, middle-class boy's fable-like success story that makes Sachin: A Billion Dreams super, super special. Watch it for Sachin!

4 Quints out of 5.