Even an average sports movie — which follows all the worn-out templates of the genre — often ends up giving us a bit of an exhilarating high in the end due to the very nature of the narrative. However, it would take considerable effort to remove any sense of excitement or triumph from such a movie and leave us feeling drained. Sanju V. Samuel’s “Cup-Love All Play” achieves just that, and more. With a subtitle that leaves more questions than it answers, the film embarks on an arduous journey to bring forth a sports drama that fails to ignite any spark.
The protagonist, Nidhin Babu (portrayed by Mathew Thomas), is a budding badminton player with dreams of ascending to the pinnacle of the sport. Coming from an economically disadvantaged background in a village that barely offers any sports facilities, Nidhin faces a steep, uphill battle to turn his ambitions into reality. By his side throughout this journey is his friend Anna (played by Riya Shibu), another skilled player who adds a semblance of camaraderie to the narrative. Together, they confront numerous challenges on the road to achieving Nidhin’s dream of becoming the district champion.
The screenplay, crafted by Akhilesh Latharaj and Denson Durom, attempts to balance the depiction of sports with an exploration of teenage friendships and a light dash of romance. Unfortunately, “Cup-Love All Play” falls flat due to its lack of any serious conflict, which is an essential ingredient for a compelling story in this genre. Rather than diving deep into the socio-economic hurdles that Nidhin would logically face, the film relies on superficially manufactured scenarios to present obstacles.
One such contrived roadblock is a referee who bears a grudge against Nidhin from a petty road rage incident. Another hurdle is the unscrupulous manager of a coaching institute looking to exploit Nidhin’s desperation to win for personal financial gain. The emotional tension involving Nidhin’s family and his temporary fallout with Anna, which could have been a significant turning point, ends up feeling forced and hollow.
The character dynamics further contribute to the film’s woes.
. Basil Joseph seems to have been cast not for the critical role he supposedly plays in Nidhin’s journey, but rather for his star appeal. His character offers nothing more than a lackluster pep talk late in the movie, which does little to substantiate his presence. Similarly, Namitha Pramod, who plays a badminton coach, is given a lazily written motivational speech that fails to resonate. Karthik Vishnu, however, as Nidhin’s close friend and sidekick, manages to salvage some interest thanks to a relatively engaging character arc.
What truly places “Cup-Love All Play” in the realm of disappointing sports dramas is its handling of the sport itself. Sports dramas invariably involve a degree of thrill and intensity centered around the actual game. Here, the badminton sequences are shot with minimal effort, utterly devoid of dramatic turns, tension, or engaging play. The games feel more like obligatory insertions rather than organic parts of the story, stripping the film of the very excitement that a sports drama should provide.
Adding to the disillusionment is the overall direction and execution of what could have been a heartfelt underdog story. Imagery and direction that evoke a sense of gritty perseverance and eventual triumph are conspicuously absent. Instead, the audience is left with a plodding narrative that offers no catharsis or sense of accomplishment.
“Cup-Love All Play” not only misses the mark in providing an engaging plot and character development but also squanders the potential emotional depth that comes naturally with an underdog narrative. It ends up as an uninspiring sports drama that’s missing a vital component: flair.
As “Cup-Love All Play” continues to run in theaters, it stands as a stark reminder that even a genre designed to inspire and excite can fall prey to lackluster execution. Sports drama enthusiasts and cinema-goers, who seek a mix of emotional and thrilling experiences, will likely find themselves wanting by the end of this uninspired cinematic endeavor.
Published – September 27, 2024, 05:22 pm IST
Malayalam cinema / Indian cinema / reviews
